International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on March 8th every single year. The purpose of the day is to uphold women’s achievements and recognize challenges that prevent women from being truly equal. Bringing attention to this holiday brings attention to women across the globe.
While small businesses should recognize and support IWD, it shouldn’t be a marketing ploy. Performative activism is much worse than ignoring the day, so be respectful and appreciative.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 powerful ways your startup can celebrate International Women’s Day with your customers and employees. But don’t stop there; keep on fighting the patriarchy.
10 Ways Startups Can Celebrate International Women’s Day
As a small business, there are many ways you can join in and support International Women's Day. If you’re looking to uplift the women in your life, here’s what you can do on March 8th.
1. Support a Cause
Consider making a donation or raising funds for a cause that seeks to advance the rights and opportunities of women or improve the lives of those in need. This gesture to women from jewelry designers shows how entrepreneurs can use their talents to do some good.
2. Celebrate Female-led Businesses
Show your support for female-led businesses and organizations by partnering with them and using their products and services. It’s essential not to be performative here, as buying from women isn’t enough. You also have to support legislation that supports women and families.
3. Host an Event
Host an event for your staff or local community to raise awareness about women's rights and celebrate the achievements of female colleagues, friends, and family. With that said, don’t limit the praise to women’s day. Make an effort to support all women every single day.
4. Offer Discounts
Offer discounts on products or services to show your appreciation for female customers and employees. Many companies often offer these discounts to bring attention to the wage gap. For example, Kochi Metro in India offered women ticket fare discounts for this very reason.
5. Provide Training Opportunities
Provide training and educational opportunities to encourage the growth and development of female-led businesses. Many women are often passed up for training opportunities, even though they desperately want them. Start listening to the women in your organization.
6. Celebrate Female Employees
Recognize the hard work and contributions of female employees by offering tangible benefits such as bonuses, promotions, and special recognition. Or, consider paying them more. Women earn an average of 82% of what men earn in the same positions, which isn’t fair or right.
7. Create a Mentorship Program
Create a mentorship program matching experienced female business owners with aspiring entrepreneurs. While you may feel the urge to partner up women with other women, that isn’t always necessary. Women want to be taught by experienced professionals of any gender.
8. Educate Yourself and Your Staff
Take the time to learn more about the challenges that women face and the strides they are making. Educate yourself and your staff on the importance of gender equality. For example, women are 14% less likely than men to be promoted due to preconceived gender biases.
9. Highlight Female Role Models
Share inspiring stories and successes of female role models to shine a light on their achievements. Role models represent and expand what’s possible and encourage people to aim higher. Be sure to include non-white female role models in your women’s day presentation.
10. Engage on Social Media
Participate in conversations happening on social media to help spread the word and keep the conversation going. Once again, don’t just limit your activism to a one-day affair. The fight for women’s rights doesn't stop when International Women's Day is over; it’s only the beginning.
