10 Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day in the Workplace
International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful movement recognising women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality worldwide. In the workplace, it’s the perfect opportunity to uplift, empower, and appreciate the incredible contributions of women while fostering a more inclusive culture. Whether you’re planning inspiring events or sparking important conversations, here are 10 impactful ways to celebrate International Women’s Day at work!
1. Host a thought-provoking panel discussion or webinar
Invite women from within your organisation or community to share their experiences and insights. A panel discussion or webinar can highlight the achievements of women in your industry and spark important conversations about gender equality, career development, leadership, and even personal health challenges like menopause.
2. Celebrate women’s contributions with a recognition programme
According to recent research by Mckinsey, “Women remain underrepresented at every stage of the corporate pipeline, regardless of race and ethnicity.” It’s estimated that it will take almost 50 years to achieve gender parity for all women. IWD provides the perfect opportunity to recognise the women in your workplace for their hard work and dedication in the face of adversity. Why not create a special recognition programme where colleagues can nominate women who inspire them? Whether that results in a verbal acknowledgement in a meeting or a formal award, this initiative will create a sense of appreciation and encourage future contributions.
3. Organise workshops on professional development
Did you know that women are less likely than men to be hired into entry-level roles, leaving them underrepresented from the start? And even when they do enter the workforce, they face a much steeper climb—women are far less likely than men to receive their first promotion to a management role ( a trend that shows no signs of improving).
We recommend offering workshops or training sessions that empower women to embrace their confidence and advocate for themselves in the workplace. Topics can include leadership presence, strategic career advancement, and effective negotiation. These sessions help women harness their skills, amplify their voices, and step into opportunities with confidence.
4. Implement flexible work hours for the day
Show your support for women’s work-life balance by offering flexible work hours or the option to work from home on International Women’s Day. Research suggests that women spend an average of 4.5 hours a day on care duties in the home, while men spend 1 hour and 23 minutes.
A recent UK survey by Bloom also found that 90% of women experience mental health issues as a result of poor work-life balance. Allowing for flexible working arrangements can help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities more effectively while promoting gender equality in workplace policies. Flexible working arrangements are especially important for women experiencing menopause as symptoms can make adhering to strict schedules much more difficult.
5. Collaborate with a charity that supports women
Partner with a local or global charity that focuses on women’s health, safety, education, or empowerment. Organise a fundraising event, donation drive, or volunteer opportunity to support these initiatives. This reinforces the importance of supporting women not only within the workplace but also in the wider community.
6. Support menopause awareness with education
Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, yet it often goes undiscussed in workplaces. On International Women’s Day, offer educational resources or workshops about menopause and its impact on women in the workplace. The impact of peri/menopausal symptoms on women in the workplace is significant, with 84% reporting that their performance has been negatively affected. Over a third have had to take time off work, and 18% have missed more than three days. Alarmingly, one in three women have considered leaving their jobs due to symptoms, and 7% have actually done so.
Partner with organisations like Menopause Hub Academy, who provide training and resources to help employers create supportive environments for employees experiencing menopause. Providing knowledge and understanding can help reduce stigma and offer support to those going through this stage of life. By supporting initiatives like menopause awareness and fostering conversations around it, you’re helping to build a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture for all employees.
7. Create a gender-inclusive social media campaign
Use your organisation’s social media platforms to celebrate women’s achievements in the workplace and beyond. Share stories of inspiring women in your company, industry, or community, and promote gender-inclusive initiatives. A dedicated social media campaign can amplify the conversation about gender equality, including topics like menopause awareness and women’s health.
8. Provide Educational Resources on Gender Equality
Women still face significant legal and economic disparities, with less than two-thirds of the legal rights granted to men and a global gender pay gap of 20%.
Provide employees with resources to learn more about gender equality, women’s rights, and the challenges women face in the workplace. This can include articles, documentaries, books, or access to online courses. Fostering education around these topics encourages informed discussions and deeper understanding.
9. Implement a formal Menopause Policy
This International Women’s Day, consider introducing a formal menopause policy to support the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace—menopausal women. With an estimated 1.1 billion women worldwide expected to be postmenopausal this year, menopause directly impacts half the population and indirectly affects the rest.
A menopause policy doesn’t have to be complicated; simply consolidating existing support—such as flexible working, health resources, and HR assistance—into one accessible document can make a meaningful difference. By clearly defining menopause, its stages, and its workplace impact, along with outlining management’s role in providing support, companies can foster a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive work environment. The team at Menopause Hub Academy would be happy to help you create your menopause policy.
10. Offer a Day of Mentorship or Networking
According to data from Cigna, 70% of women credit their career success to having a mentor or a strong support network, while 81% believe that succeeding as a woman in the workplace requires both receiving and providing support to other women.
Organise a mentorship or networking day where women in your workplace can connect with one another. This could involve one-on-one mentorship sessions or group networking events to foster relationships that will help women progress in their careers. Building these connections can create a sense of community and support for women in the workplace.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and take meaningful action toward gender equity. While these suggestions can help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace, true commitment extends beyond March 8th. If you’re dedicated to lasting change, consider our Menopause Workplace Accreditation. We’ll guide you through the process, equipping your business with the tools it needs to support peri/menopausal employees, retain top talent, and foster a culture of inclusivity year-round.