How to Celebrate Empowerment During Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month takes place annually in March. It’s an important time to reflect on the amazing contributions that women have made in our society and also celebrate the women we cherish in our own lives! And there are many ways we can do this, both in and out of the workplace.

Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration organized by the school district of Sonoma, California. President Jimmy Carter gave the first presidential proclamation that declared National Women’s History Week the week of March 8. This was followed in 1981 by the United States Congress passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. By 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month due to a petition filed by the National Women’s History Project.

A big part of Women’s History Month is reflecting on the many women who have shaped the United States into what it is today. Leaders like Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth are often referenced for how they forever changed the history of America. Great female leaders continue to surround us today. Women who are our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers enrich our lives and should be especially celebrated during Women’s History Month!

Below are ways to show gratitude for the women who make our lives great. While many of the tips are applicable within a workplace setting, they can also be applied outside of one. International Women’s Day is also celebrated on March 8, which can be a great day to plan an extra special event.

1. Highlight Your Female Leaders

In the office, you can put together a short Q&A on various topics and send it to each woman in your company to fill out. Summarize their answers and send out an e-newsletter to your employees featuring a roundup of their advice. This helps get female workers directly involved so everyone can learn from their valuable insights

2. Hold a Day of Career Empowerment

A common lament among women is that men are more likely to have an informal network that helps them learn many of the unspoken rules of the workplace. An article from Harvard Business Review found that women’s advancement to senior leadership roles remains slower than that of men. You can help women get on the inside track with opportunities to network, practice leadership skills, and develop new business opportunities.

3. Visit a Nearby School to Encourage Young Girls

It’s never too early to start encouraging young girls to consider their career trajectories and show them that the sky’s the limit. Have some women from your company visit a local school or Girl Scout troop in person or virtually to talk about their career paths and options to consider. They can highlight key roles women have in your company that support growth and innovation. Also consider discussing the official 2024 International Women’s Day theme: “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment”.

4. Include the Men

Consider including an event to help everyone learn from each other in an inclusive, professional environment. While the spotlight might be on women during Women’s History Month, everyone can get involved and be included!

5. Ask Your Employees What Would Interest Them for Ongoing Events

Women’s History Month can be a great catalyst for a robust, ongoing slate of events. You can harness the month’s momentum to introduce regular activities — ranging from guest speakers to support groups for new moms. Depending on the demographics of your company, some topics that might interest them include:

• Work-life balance for new parents
• Mentoring/reverse mentoring
• Creating a budget
• Investing for women

Women’s History Month can be a special time to reflect on past female leaders and cherish our own. The effects of the month can go beyond March as we continue to share gratitude for the women in our lives year-round!

About the Author

Cathie Ericson is a freelance writer who specializes in small business, finance, and real estate.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.