International Women’s Day 2022: What Is IWD And How You Can Celebrate It

Today is March 8th, and you know what that means: Happy International Women's Day (IWD)! Since its induction in 1911, IWD has gained global recognition as a day to honor the achievements of women and reflect on the ongoing challenges around gender equality. This year’s theme #BreakTheBias is encouraging people to stand up against gender stereotypes, discrimination, and bias when they see it taking place in their communities, workplaces, and schools. 

There are so many great ways to get involved and show your support for all of the amazing women in your life! Follow along for a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the holiday below.  

Show your support of #BreakTheBias on social media

Break out your Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok and let's see those #BreakTheBias posts. Whether it's endorsing a female-led company (like Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare), giving a shout-out to women you admire, or re-sharing a photo of you with your girlfriends, posting and using the hashtag #BreakTheBias can help raise awareness for IWD and inspire others to get involved too. 

Wear purple proudly

Purple is the official color of IWD and symbolizes strength, power, justice, and dignity. Dressing in purple is an easy way to show your support. Plus, if you can get all of your colleagues or friends to wear purple too, it makes for an amazing photo op that will look great on your feed. 

Support women-owned and women-run businesses

It’s time to put your money where your mouth is and use this day (or all year round) as an opportunity to support women-owned and run businesses. Try to be mindful today about where you spend your money – from your morning breakfast burrito to the products you wash your face with at night – and shop exclusively from women-owned and run businesses. Did you know that Carrie Gross has been the leading force at Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare for over two decades? She’s the glue that holds us together and we’re so lucky to work under such a strong and intelligent CEO. 

Make introductions

It’s no secret that having a large network can help advance your career and find success. However, many women don’t always have access to the same networks as their male counterparts. By making an introduction or writing a letter of recommendation, you can help a woman move forward in her career and change the trajectory of her life. That’s some pretty powerful stuff! Remember, no one succeeds alone.

Give your female colleagues, friends, family members a little extra appreciation 

It’s important for women to be each other’s cheerleaders and lift each other up, so why not show the special women in your life some extra love this IWD? You can make a phone call, send a gift card, pick up their favorite coffee, or surprise them with a puppy – the limit does not exist. Ok well maybe the puppy is a stretch, but the point is to do something nice to acknowledge the woman/women in your life that have made a positive impact on you.  Whatever you end up doing, I guarantee it will brighten their day. 

Make time to practice some self-care

In today’s fast-paced society, many women find themselves putting everyone else’s needs in front of their own. However, IWD is a great opportunity to take some time to indulge yourself with the necessary self-care you need. Whether that means going to a workout class, pampering yourself with your favorite face mask (mine is the Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask), or grabbing a yummy dinner with the girls, it’s important to take the time you need to recharge. 

Attend a local IWD event

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the day than to come together with other women and allies at a local IWD event. You can find a range of fun events and activities (both virtual and in-person) through the search tool on the IWD official website. I don’t know about you, but once I saw all of the local IWD celebration that was going on, I immediately started putting together my IWD playlist to help me get pumped up on that day…and let’s just say there is a lot of Beyonce and Lizzo going on.

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