5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Happy International Women’s History Month everyone! As we all know, yesterday was International Women’s Day (aka. the only day of the year that men ever think about International Men’s Day, which is 19thNovember by the way) but March is also the month we celebrate Women’s history. It’s all the more important this year, given how women have been among those who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In fact, UN Women has warned that Covid got rid of 25 years of increased gender equality. So now, more than ever, we need to be supporting women. Every day is a time to celebrate the glass ceilings that have (and will continue to) been shattered, but this month in particular is a great one. So, what can we all do from home? More than you think… here are 5 ways to celebrate International Women’s History Month…
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Enjoy the many International Women’s Month playlists online
It has to be said, women have been killing it in the music game for a while! From SZA to Dua Lipa, they’ve been consistently releasing bop after bop. However, even some of your favourite big stars have talked about the struggles they’ve faced as women in the industry. You don’t have to look far, from the Framing Britney documentary to people’s reaction to Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s WAP (looking at you Snoop Dogg, your hypocrisy is showing…) So, a way to show support is to tee up one of the many women’s history playlists (or make your own and share) and start dancing! Whether you’re into Apple Music (there’s a great playlist that Ariana Grande made) to Spotify (Hilary Clinton’s playlist is packed full of wonderful songs) there’s a lot to sing along to. If you want to see what artists potential matches like, check out CLiKD!
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You can find out even more about the women’s suffrage
movement or learn about what intersectional feminism is
and why it’s so important.
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Take the time to learn some Herstory
There is a lot of women’s history that isn’t talked about nearly enough. What better time than International Women’s History Month? Now is the perfect to learn more about your favourite icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Susan B. Anthony. You can find out even more about the women’s suffrage movement or learn about what intersectional feminism is and why it’s so important. There are also some amazing films that showcase stories from women’s history. Films such as Hidden Figures and He Named Me Malala, depending on what you want to learn about. Time to get started!
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Attend (virtual) events to learn more
On the International Women’s Day official website, they’ve made a whole list of virtual events to check out and learn from. Events such as UWS presents: Women driving social change that celebrates women making social change and finding ways to give young women access to education. Or the roundtable celebrating this year’s theme #ChoosetoChallenge with some inspiring panellists. Another brilliant resource for finding great events is The Dots who constantly champion women. They have some wonderful events listed such as the free Art Fund webinar: International Women’s Day, groundbreakers in the arts which is running this Wednesday. So, check out their site to see more events.
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Depending on what you enjoy in a story, there’s something
for everyone and if you don’t know where to start, there are
a lot of lists of recommendations…
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Read some books by amazing female authors
There’s a lot of literary greats to choose from, but some of my favourites are Malorie Blackman (if you haven’t read the Noughts and Crosses series, you’re missing out in life) Dorothy Koomson and Sarah Dessen (if you want some YA that isn’t about vampires or a teenage girl who is a dystopian world’s only hope.) Depending on what you enjoy in a story, there’s something for everyone and if you don’t know where to start, there are a lot of lists of recommendations from places like Stylist, Penguin, Vogue and The Independent. So, check them out! We could all use some reading time to just chill and get lost in a story.
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Donate and support causes that champion and help women
There are a lot of ways that you can support causes that champion women. I can’t think of a better time to start doing so than International Women’s History Month. To get you started, here are some great charities to look into:
- Refuge, who offer help and support for women and children against domestic violence
- Young Women’s Trust who offer support to UK women under 30 who are struggling to live on a low income
- Women’s Aid who are a grassroots organisation that provide lifesaving resources to girls and women
- Imkaan, the only UK-based, second-tier women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against black and minoritised women and girls
- Bloody Good Period who provide menstrual supplies for asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who can’t afford them, as well as menstrual education for those with less access to it
The amount of causes and charities out there are endless, but these are just a few great ones to get you started. Check them out and see how you can help. So, there you have it! 5 ways to celebrate International Women’s History Month. Enjoy!
