20+ Ideas And Activities To Celebrate Women's History Month

Women's History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate women's remarkable achievements throughout history.

This blog offers 20 creative Women’s History Month ideas to celebrate them in the workplace.

Let’s start by knowing more about the day, its history, and its significance.

When do we celebrate Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month occurs annually in March. It's easy to recall because it aligns with the Women’s March.

Where is Women’s History Month celebrated?

Women’s History Month is observed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

In Canada, it takes place in October to coincide with Persons Day on October 18. This marks the day in 1929 when Canada’s highest court recognized women as “persons” under the law.

Moreover, we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 worldwide.

History of Women’s History Month and its significance

Women’s History Month has its roots in International Women’s Day, initially celebrated on March 8, 1911.

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned the first "Women's History Week." This was in the year 1978.

This gained momentum in 1979 when Sarah Lawrence College, the Women’s Action Alliance, and the Smithsonian Institution joined forces to advocate for Women’s History Week.

President Jimmy Carter officially recognized Women’s History Week in 1980. It was followed by Congress passing resolutions to honor it.

In 1987, March was declared the first Women’s History Month with Pub L 100-9. Since then, Presidents have annually proclaimed March as Women’s History Month.

Building on this historical context, let's now explore the impact of Women’s History Month within the workplace.

Why celebrate Women’s History Month in the workplace?

The anticipated results of celebrating Women’s History Month in the workplace are impactful. Such celebrations:

• Promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Recognizes women's contributions to the workforce.

• Inspires future generations of women.

• Fosters a culture of empowerment and support.

• Raises awareness about gender bias and discrimination.

• Encourages meaningful conversations and initiatives for positive change.

• Creates opportunities for professional growth and advancement for women.

Related article: The Challenges Faced By Women in The Workplace

Numerous leading companies worldwide are actively commemorating Women's History Month. Here are three examples of companies that are demonstrating remarkable efforts:

• Infosys prioritizes women's empowerment, hosting a panel discussion on DEI as a part of its celebration. It also supports external initiatives, such as collaborating with social organizations to empower women in India.

• Similarly, UKG fosters inclusivity through their employee resource group FIRE (Female Inclusion, Resilience & Excellence) Up. They host various events throughout March to advance equity for women.

• Since 2017, Google has demonstrated ongoing support for women by ensuring pay equity globally. They have achieved their highest-ever representation of women in tech, non-tech, and leadership roles.

Embracing the same spirit of Women's History Month, we have curated a collection of creative ideas.

These ideas aim to commemorate and celebrate the accomplishments of women.

Additionally, they strive to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and empowerment within our organization.

20+ ideas to celebrate Women’s History Month at work

Formal celebrations

1. Purple Day

Encourage staff to wear purple to signify support for Women’s History Month, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.

2. Recognition and Rewards

Show appreciation to women employees with thoughtful rewards and recognition. Such gestures recognize their contributions and dedication to the workplace.

4. Work-Life Balance Policies

Introduce flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies to support the diverse needs of women employees and promote a healthy work-life balance.

5. Empowerment Initiatives

Launch initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workplace, such as mentorship programs or leadership development workshops.

6. Social Media Campaigns

Utilize social media platforms to showcase and celebrate the achievements of women, amplifying their voices and inspiring others.

7. Charity Challenge

Support women-focused organizations, making a tangible impact beyond the workplace.

Educational celebrations

8. Guest Speakers and Panels

Host guest speakers or panel discussions featuring influential women, providing insights and perspectives on gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

9. Feminine Film Festival

Screen documentaries showcasing women's achievements, promoting understanding and appreciation.

10. Women's Wisdom Workshop

Organize sessions with female mentors, empowering employees to advance in their careers.

11. Women in History Lunch

Present on lesser-known historical women, highlighting their impact and contributions.

12. Book Club

Discuss books on female leadership and empowerment, fostering discussion and learning.

13. Online Exhibits at the National Women’s History Museum

Dive into captivating online exhibitions at the National Women’s History Museum, which showcases remarkable women from history. Explore topics like women in literature, pioneers of medicine, female entrepreneurs, and more. Engage with primary documents, videos, historical photos, and stories of influential women leaders throughout the ages.

Fun Celebrations

14. Team Outing

Plan a team-building event or outing that empowers and inspires women, providing an opportunity for bonding and camaraderie.

15. "Who Am I?" Game

Guess influential women, sparking curiosity about women's history.

16. Empowerment Wall

Share supportive messages for female colleagues, creating a positive work environment.

17. Women's History Potluck

Host a potluck lunch or dinner where employees bring dishes inspired by famous female chefs, activists, or cultural icons.

18. Dress-Up Day

Encourage employees to dress up as their favorite historical or contemporary female figures. It is sure to add a fun and creative element to the celebration.

19. Women's History Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops related to women's history. Women can click memorable photos and share them on social media.

20. DIY Craft Workshop

Arrange a craft workshop where employees can create inspirational artwork or crafts inspired by influential women.

21. Art and Performance Showcases

Host virtual tours/ events featuring female artists, performers, musicians, poets, or authors. This could include live performances, readings, or exhibitions showcasing the work of women in the arts.

22. Give Empower Gift Boxes

Empower Gift Boxes: These specially crafted hampers make beautiful presents. Consider gifting items inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's favorites. They symbolize elements of her life and legacy.

Remember,

None of the above Women's History Month ideas would be considered as credible if women in your workforce are discriminated against. This bias can take many forms, including:

• Dismissing women for promotions or
• Other opportunities for advancement,
• Unfair women's compensation inequities, or
• Harassment based on gender.

Here are some relatable statistics that will surprise you:

• In 2021, a record 41 women led Fortune 500 companies, comprising 8.1% of CEOs.

• Globally, women make up only 4.6% of Global 500 CEOs, totaling 23 women.

• In the 117th US Congress, nearly 27% of members are women. Yet in American history, only 3.1% of all members of Congress have been women.

• Only 10 countries have a female Head of State, with 13 countries having a female Head of Government.

To take complete advantage of the above Women's History Month ideas, here’s what you should do beforehand-

• Review your procedures for training and promotion.

• Schedule workshops for your staff on how to combat discrimination and take action against sexual harassment.

• Ensure that sexism has not unintentionally entered the compensation scheme and audit the salaries of women and men in the same or similar roles.

Crafting Effective Strategies for Women's History Month Celebrations

Success in commemorating this significant time involves a combination of strategic initiatives. Like say:

• Top-Down Support: Leadership backing is crucial for impactful initiatives.

• Women's Leadership: Let women lead, amplifying their voices and perspectives.

• Intersectional Approach: Acknowledge diverse experiences for inclusivity.

• Spread the Message: Promote events company-wide for maximum participation.

• Empower, Educate, Elevate: Support women beyond March. Champion diversity every day. Together, empower, educate, and elevate for equality. Let's continue advocating for gender equality, challenging norms, and creating inclusive environments for all.

So how are you celebrating this March? We would love to hear your ideas about how to celebrate Women's History Month in the workplace.

This article is written by Susmita Sarma, a podcast host and content creator at Vantage Circle. She was involved with media relations before shifting her interest in research and creative writing. Apart from being a classical music buff, she keeps a keen interest in anchoring and cooking. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com