International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th each year, is a global occasion that honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. As a women-owned business, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate women and their contributions to our world. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to instill the values of respect, empowerment, and equality in our children, especially girls. This day can be a wonderful way to talk about women’s contributions to the world and inspire young minds to dream big and believe in their own potential.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action. Looking for some ideas about how to use International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and empower the next generation? We’ll share some options below.
1. Share Inspiring Stories of Strong Women
Start by introducing your child to influential women from history and present-day role models. At our house, we’ve been reading books by Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American Muslim woman to win an Olympic medal.
For younger children: Share stories of women who made a difference in the world through picture books or simple stories. You might introduce them to trailblazing figures like Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, or Malala Yousafzai.
For older children: Encourage discussions about women in leadership positions, scientists, athletes, activists, and artists who have impacted society. Learning about women from diverse backgrounds and industries can broaden your child’s perspective and highlight the limitless possibilities available to them.
Similar stories teach resilience, courage, and determination and remind children that women have always been powerful agents of change.
2. Celebrate Women in Your Own Life
International Women’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge the women in your own life who have made an impact—whether it’s grandmothers, aunts, teachers, neighbors, or friends. Reflect on how their support, strength, and leadership have influenced your family. You might even consider creating a family tradition of writing thank-you notes or drawing pictures to celebrate the women who make a difference in your lives.
For younger children, this simple practice encourages gratitude and teaches them to honor the contributions of women in their community. Older children may appreciate a conversation about the women who have shaped your family’s history and the world around you.
3. Have a Discussion About Gender Equality
International Women’s Day offers a great moment to engage in meaningful conversations about gender equality. While young children may not fully grasp the complexities of gender inequality, you can still introduce simple concepts of fairness, equal opportunity, and respect for all genders.
For younger children: Teach them about the importance of fairness in friendships, at school, and in family life. Discuss how both boys and girls should be encouraged to pursue their dreams and passions, whether it’s sports, science, or the arts.
For older children: Have a conversation about the history of women’s rights and how women have fought for equal rights in many areas such as education, the workplace, and voting. Encourage them to think critically about how gender equality can be achieved in the future.
4. Encourage Girls to Dream Big
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to encourage girls to dream big and believe in their abilities. Whether your child loves science, sports, literature, or leadership, remind them that they have the power to pursue any career or passion they choose. Reinforce the idea that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach.
You can also help them explore organizations and mentorship opportunities that focus on empowering young girls. There are countless programs designed to inspire girls to get involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), leadership roles, and sports.
5. Engage in Acts of Service or Advocacy
Another way to celebrate International Women’s Day is by getting involved in activities that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. This can be as simple as donating to women’s charities, volunteering at local shelters, or advocating for equal rights within your community. Encourage your child to take part in these activities and see how positive change happens through collective action.
6. Create Art to Celebrate Women
Art is a wonderful way for children to express their ideas and reflect on the world around them. Consider organizing an art project that celebrates women—whether it’s painting portraits of inspiring women, creating a collage of powerful quotes from women leaders, or writing poems that honor the women who have made a difference. This creative process allows children to connect with the theme of the day while developing their artistic skills.
7. Teach Boys the Importance of Respecting Women
While International Women’s Day is often a time for girls to be uplifted, it’s equally important for boys to understand the significance of gender equality and the need to respect women in all aspects of life. Parents of boys can use this day as a time to discuss how men can be allies in the fight for gender equality. Teach your sons about respecting women as equals, valuing their contributions, and supporting their dreams.
8. Model Positive Behavior and Empowerment
Finally, the best way to honor International Women’s Day is by modeling respect, equality, and empowerment in your own life. Be a role model for your children by demonstrating how you value women’s contributions, how you uplift those around you, and how you pursue your own goals with confidence. Children learn a lot from observing their parents, and the more you practice and instill these values, the more they will internalize them.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women worldwide and to inspire the next generation to continue breaking barriers and fighting for equality. As a parent, you have a powerful role to play in shaping how your child views women and gender equality. By sharing stories, fostering open discussions, encouraging big dreams, and showing respect for women in all aspects of life, you can help your child grow up with a deep understanding of the value of equality and the importance of empowering women everywhere.
This March 8th, we wish you and the women in your life a Happy International Women’s Day!
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