International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women. It serves to commemorate the achievements of women over the past year while also bringing attention to issues that still need to be addressed, such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and domestic abuse. The day was created by the United Nations in 1975 and has been celebrated since.
This year, we’re particularly thinking of the women in Ukraine. Recently, human rights organizers have warned several government organizations that an increasing amount of Ukrainian women will endure sexual violence in the wake of this conflict.
To help the women of Ukraine, consider donating to charitable organizations that prioritize women and children (CARE). Alternatively, you can bring awareness by reading reputable news sources and staying informed.
There are plenty of IWD-focused events you can attend on the day (March 8) or during the week. Hosted by a slew of women’s networks, the events range from community gatherings and conferences to exhibitions and festivals. Whether you’re looking to get inspired, raise awareness against bias or just celebrate women's achievements, consider attending some of these virtual events.
Concert Pitch: The Tailleferre Ensemble: Livestreamed from New Milton, Ukraine, this UK-based chamber collective aims to include more women in classical music. During this virtual and in-person concert, you can learn more about their collective and listen to their most popular work. Tune into this session to celebrate the all-women ensemble.
Celebrating Women Who Redefine The Future of Business: To kick off International Women’s Day, Salesforce is hosting a discussion that talks about the typical challenges women face in the workforce and how to while celebrating some industry leaders who are driving success in their businesses. The panel will feature women leaders from Deloitte, TheSkimm, and Torani.
Women in Leadership: Driving Change for a Sustainable Future: Founder of PepTalkHer Meggie Palmer and KET Solutions CEO Kimberly Ellison-Taylor lead a discussion on navigating the workplace. At the end of this morning panel, they will take some time to answer questions about diversity and equity and closing the gender pay gap.
Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Potential & Paycheck: Kelli Thompson is a career coach professional that was awarded the 2021Stevie Award for Coach of the Year. This International Women’s Day, she’s guiding a group of women through her process of finding and keeping confidence – which she argues is one of the biggest factors that propel women into career success. Attendees will identify their unique leadership skills and how to effectively use them to achieve their full potential.
Financial Empowerment with Smart Sister Finance: Financial coaching company, Smart Sister Finance, will be hosting two Q&A sessions geared toward financial literacy and money management. A group of financial advisors will answer all your questions about financial growth as well as offer advice. As this year’s theme is “Break the Bias,” Smart Sister Finance is encouraging attendees to share their stories of overcoming career bias.
Fostering Inclusive Mindsets in Tech: At this technology panel, SheTek speakers will share the stories of their careers. The discussion will also include how to change the conversation about eliminating bias and growing diversity in the workplace. Attendees can learn from their experience and network with the speakers and the larger SheTek community.
Breaking the Bias in Tech: If you can’t make SheTek’s event, 1600 Cyber is also hosting its own technology-orientated event on March 8th. They will be bringing together tech advocates, DEI changemakers, and communities influencers for a discussion about digital privacy and women’s power in the tech industry. Event organizers hope this event will further empower women to pursue jobs in technology.
The Difference You Can Make: A Conversation with a Holocaust Survivor: The Global Leadership League is moderating a conversation with Dr. Irene Butter, Holocaust survivor and author of From Holocaust to Hope: shores Beyond Shores. During the discussion, she will share her account of growing up in Nazi-controlled concentration camps and how it’s impacted her outlook today. As she’s written in her book, her story and experience encourage others to exercise empath even in the most inhuman conditions.
Let’s Thrive Again: How to Rebuild the Lost Generation of Women Leaders: This panel will explore how women can address burnout, tackle a lack of opportunities, and collaborate with others to achieve success. It will feature DDI CEO Tacy Byham and her colleague Dominique Powrie. Together the pair will share their stories and offer advice on how to tackle setbacks and shifts due to the pandemic.
IWD 2022 Artistic Utterances: An evening of music, poetry & storytelling: After a long day of panels and talks, join IWD for a night of unwinding. Organizers celebrate the accomplishments of several emerging and established musicians and artists. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch.
Girls with Impact Benefit Concert: If you’re in New York and looking to support your local community, consider attending Girls With Impact’s benefit concert. The organization helps to support and train over one million under-resourced young women in their careers. This year’s concert headliners include Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles and Broadway actresses, Jennifer Nettles (Waitress) and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (TINA).