How to celebrate International Women’s Day mindfully
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn what International Women's Day is, its history, and when it happens each year. Plus, how to celebrate International Women's Day and 6 powerful quotes.
International Women’s Day is dedicated to honoring women's achievements and advocating for gender equality, and it takes place every year on March 8. International Women’s Day is a call for change, a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equal rights, and an opportunity to recognize the incredible contributions of women throughout history. It's about looking forward to a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity, freedom, platform, and resources to realize their full potential.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all over the world. It’s also a day for speaking about the importance of gender equality and equity.
International Women’s Day goes back to the early 20th century, from the labor movements in North America and Europe when women were beginning to demand shorter working hours, better pay, and the right to vote. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on Feb. 28, 1909, and the idea of an international day for women was proposed at the 1910 International Socialist Women's Conference. By 1911, International Women’s Day was marked for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
Over the years, International Women's Day has become a focal point in the movement for women's rights and celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in different fields. It also serves as a reminder of the inequalities that still exist, and the ongoing efforts toward gender equality worldwide.
What is Women’s Month?
Some countries have extended the celebration to National Women's History Month, or Women’s Month. It lasts throughout March and is dedicated to highlighting the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. It also provides an extended opportunity to discuss, celebrate, and advocate for women's rights and issues.
6 women who made the world more calm
Many women have made contributions that have significantly impacted our understanding of health, wellbeing, and peace. These women, from different eras and with diverse backgrounds, have played important roles in promoting calm, healing, and balance in society.
1. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179)
A German Benedictine abbess, Hildegard of Bingen was a writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, and visionary. Renowned for her contributions to herbal medicine and natural science, her work has been influential in understanding the healing power of plants and nature. Hildegard's holistic approach to health and spirituality brought a sense of balance and calm during a time of great turmoil in Europe.
“Even in a world that’s being shipwrecked, remain brave and strong.” – Hildegard of Bingen
2. Trota of Salerno (12th century)
Trota of Salerno was a physician and medical writer in medieval Italy and a pioneer in medicine. She is credited with major contributions to the practice of gynecology and women's health. Her work laid foundational knowledge for treating women's health issues, bringing relief and calm to many.
3. Dorothea Dix (1802–1887)
An American advocate on behalf of people in poverty living with mental illness, Dix created the first generation of American mental asylums. Her dedication to improving conditions for the mentally ill led to a more humane treatment approach, significantly improving the quality of life, dignity, and peace to those in mental distress.
4. Maria Manaseina (1841–1903)
A Russian neurologist and psychiatrist, Manaseina was a pioneer in child psychiatry and sleep studies. Her research contributed greatly to the understanding of sleep patterns and the importance of sleep for overall health, significantly influencing how we view rest and its role in maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.
5. E. Kitch Childs, (1937-1993)
A prominent American clinical psychologist and leader for women in psychology in the LGBTQ+ community, Childs helped to found the Association for Women in Psychology in 1969. She provided therapy, rooted in feminist theory, to marginalized members of her community that often distrusted such services, attempting to eliminate barriers of the traditional structures. She never turned away a person who couldn’t pay, choosing to live modestly in order to accommodate her community.
6. Mary Carskadon (1950–Present)
An influential figure in the field of sleep research, Carskadon's work has been instrumental in understanding adolescent sleep patterns and their impact on mental health and development. Her research has led to important findings about how sleep affects learning, mood, and behavior, promoting the importance of adequate rest for overall health and wellbeing.
"We really are a sleep-deprived society, and I don’t think we are doing enough about it." Mary Carskadon.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day: 15 mindful ideas to honor women
Celebrating International Women’s Day mindfully is about honoring women's achievements, and promoting gender equality in big and small ways.
1. Appreciate the women in your life
Take time to acknowledge and express gratitude to the women who’ve made a positive impact on you. This could be through a heartfelt message, or simply spending quality time with them.
💙 Strengthen the bonds you have with the women in your life with the help of Kate Johnson’s Meaningful Practice for Meaningful Friendship series.
2. Wear purple
Show solidarity by wearing purple to symbolize justice and dignity—two values strongly associated with Women's Day. 💜
3. Host a film screening or discussion group
Choose films or documentaries that highlight women's issues or celebrate women's achievements. Follow it with a discussion to reflect on the themes and learnings.
4. Fundraise or donate to a women-focused charity
Support organizations that are working toward women's rights, education, health, and empowerment.
5. Highlight women in your industry
Use your platform, whether at work or on social media, to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in your field.
💙 Learn to allow appreciation to flourish for the women in your life through Tamara Levitt’s 7 Days of Gratitude series.
6. Read or listen to content on women's equity
Educate yourself with books, articles, podcasts, or TED Talks about the challenges women face and the strides being made toward gender equality. Bonus points if it’s created by women.
💙 Get inspired by women paving their own path by listening to Nigerian-American actress and comedian Yvonne Orji’s story on embracing her individual journey in Trusting Your Gut.
7. Attend a local International Women’s Day event
Participate in marches, workshops, or seminars to connect with others who are passionate about women's rights and to learn more about the issues at hand.
8. Volunteer for organizations supporting women
Dedicate your time and skills to help organizations that focus on women's issues.
9. Support women-owned businesses
Make a conscious effort to purchase products or services from businesses owned and operated by women. This supports the economic empowerment of women and promotes gender diversity in the business world.
10. Create or participate in a mentorship program
Whether it's offering to mentor a young woman in your field or seeking out a mentor for yourself, mentorship can be a powerful tool for empowerment and growth.
11. Share stories of inspiring women
Use your social media platforms or personal networks to share stories of women who inspire you, like historical figures, contemporary leaders, or even women from your own life.
💙 Follow Camila Cabello, Cuban-Mexican-American singer songwriter, as she shares her inspiring story of hardship, triumph, and success in Breathe Into It, With Camila Cabello.
12. Host a fundraising event
Organize a charity run, a bake sale, or an auction to raise funds for a cause that supports women's rights and welfare.
13. Use meditation and mindfulness
Set aside time to meditate, focusing on the contributions and resilience of women throughout history. This could involve guided meditations that center around themes of women's empowerment, resilience, and strength.
💙 Step into your power so you can continue to cultivate positive change with a meditative pep talk from Tamara Levitt in The Confidence Series.
14. Reflect on (and share) powerful Women’s Day quotes
Spend time reading quotes from influential women leaders and thinkers. Reflect on these words in the context of ongoing struggles for equality. Sharing these reflections with friends or on social media to spread awareness and inspiration.
💙 Stay inspired on Women’s Day and beyond by awakening to your full potential and Saying Yes to Life.
15. Craft an inclusive and mindful International Women's Day speech or article
Reflect the diversity of women's experiences and the intersectionality of their identities. Focus on themes that unite rather than divide, and highlight stories of empowerment and progress. You could share with your community in person or online.
6 powerful International Women's Day quotes
International Women's Day is a reflection of the strength, wisdom, and resilience of women. These quotes emphasize the importance of courage, determination, and hope in the fight for equality. They remind us of the struggles and triumphs of women who have paved the way for progress and equality. On International Women's Day, these powerful words can inspire us to continue advocating for real gender equality.
1. "You can't be what you can't see.”
- Marian Wright Edelman, a prominent advocate for diversity and representation, stresses the importance of role models.
2. "Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination."
- Mae Jemison, trailblazing scientist encouraging us to break boundaries.
3. "I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard."
- Malala Yousafzai, advocates for education and women's rights, emphasizing the power of voice and advocacy.
4. "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any."
- Alice Walker, writer and activist, reminds us of our inherent power to effect change.
5. "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made."
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice, emphasized women's right to be in positions of power.
6. "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
- Michelle Obama, former First Lady, championed the potential of women to achieve great things.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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