How to celebrate and recognize International Women’s Day as a manager

International Women’s Day (IWD) is coming up on March 8th. Here’s how to celebrate with your employees. 

The significance of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8th. It celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It started as an intimate gathering in Copenhagen in 1911. This day and the movement it’s inspired have helped secure women the right to vote, participate in the workforce, and hold public office. 

IWD also brings awareness to the gender parity gaps that still exist.

Here are just a few statistics about how women still face inequality in the workplace: 

• Women make up 48% of entry-level employees, but only 30% of the c-suite.
• 37% have experienced sexual harassment and only 53% of women believe reporting harassment would be effective.

What to do before International Women’s Day

Get educated

Research International Women’s Day, its history, and its present-day manifestation. Do a Google search! Or here are some examples:

• About International Women's Day
• United Nations' International Women's Day page
• Britannica's history of International Women's Day

Start a dialogue with your team by sending an email 2-3 days before

• Send relevant IWD articles and encourage team members to contribute their own.
• Model curiosity by sharing your top 3 reflections on what you’ve learned about IWD. 
• Encourage attendance and show support for your organization’s IWD celebrations and events.

Get involved

Plan to attend company-sponsored IWD events. Block out time on your calendar to reserve the day/time. 

Make an impact

Volunteer your time at a women’s shelter or make a donation to a women-focused organization on behalf of your team. 

What to do on International Women’s Day

Send an email to your team that highlights your personal commitment to gender equity.

Here is an example:

Hi Team,  

Today is International Women’s Day—a time to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on the ongoing work needed to advance gender equity. As your manager, I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.  

We all bring different perspectives and experiences to our work, and days like today remind me how important it is to stay mindful of how I approach hiring, feedback, and project opportunities. If there are ways I can improve or do things differently to better support you, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.  

I’ll also ask for feedback during our upcoming 1:1s to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share, but please know you can bring this up anytime you feel comfortable. If today brings up any ideas or reflections, I’d love to hear them. Your perspective is essential to creating the kind of team culture where everyone thrives.  

Thank you for your insights and for all you contribute.  

Start a thread in Slack where everyone can share a story about a woman from their life or from history who has positively impacted their lives. Encourage them to post pictures too!

Ways to support International Women’s Day year-round

Evaluate fairly and promote equally 

• Reflect on how you reward, promote, or give feedback across your team. Does everyone have similar opportunities for stretch assignments? Is the promotion criteria clear? Is the language that you use to give feedback consistent? For example, terms like “bossy” and “aggressive” are often used for women who are confident, speak their minds, get things done and motivate others. Avoid using these words and educate members of your team if you hear or see others giving this kind of feedback either verbally or written.
• Ensure that administrative tasks (often called ‘office housework’) are equally divided. Everyone on your team should take turns taking notes, organizing team lunches, and helping with quick requests.  
• Be an advocate who elevates women’s voices. If you notice a female colleague is continually being interrupted, interject and say you’d like to hear her finish. 

Practice empathy and compassion

• Understand that every single individual’s journey is different and should be treated with respect and care. Show empathy and compassion for the women on your team when they share vulnerable moments or stories. 

Encourage the women on your team to have a mentor  

• It’s important to make sure your employees have access to mentors and senior leadership. Employees who have access to mentorship and senior leaders are more likely to stay at their company and aspire to be a senior leader themselves. Ask about mentorship at your next 1:1 and offer to help by suggesting or reaching out to potential mentors.  

What NOT to do on IWD

DO NOT say things like, “Why does this day exist?”

DO NOT undermine the day and what it means to people.

DO NOT make this about what you think IWD means. Invite others, especially the women on your team, to contribute.  

DO NOT ignore the women on your team and do nothing.