Make more than a gesture this International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March has become a significant global occasion, recognised by both individuals and organisations around the world. IWD looks to celebrate the achievements of women, promote gender equity, and raise awareness about the challenges women face globally.

As International Women’s Day has grown, more people are looking for ways to show solidarity with women globally. But what is the best way for organisations to do this in an authentic and meaningful way?

For several years now, 8 March has been marked by a wave of people demonstrating their support for International Women’s Day through themed ‘gestures’. In 2020, supporters shared photos of themselves and their colleagues making equals signs with their arms to show they stood for equality. In 2022, they were encouraged to make a cross with their arms to ‘break the bias’ for women everywhere.

However, more recently the suggested ‘gestures’ for 2023 and 2024 have raised concerns. By asking people to share pictures of them hugging themselves or making heart shapes with their hands, organisations could be seen to be reinforcing gender stereotypes and diverting attention from the more serious issues at hand.

This year’s “Inspiring Inclusion” hand-heart pose may seem innocent, but it perpetuates the stereotype that women are defined by their emotional and nurturing qualities. This gesture reduces the rich diversity of women’s experiences and contributions, reinforcing traditional gender roles and going against the spirit of IWD.

How to celebrate International Women’s Day

By using the hand-heart gesture in International Women’s Day communications, you could inadvertently be doing more harm than good. But if this is the case, what are some alternative ways that organisations can celebrate women’s accomplishments in a meaningful way?

• Centre comms around the official UN IWD theme, Invest in women: Accelerate progress
• Shine the spotlight on female employee experiences through webinars, podcasts or panel discussions
• Amplify the voices of women in your business by inviting them to share their own stories
• Highlight any initiatives specifically designed to support women within the business
• Make public commitments to furthering gender equality in your organisation
• Provide educational content that helps audiences understand gender equality issues
• Partner with organisations that focus on women’s rights and empowerment

Need support creating impactful International Women’s Day communications? Let’s talk.

Want to see what we can do for you? Check out some of our work building inclusive cultures and celebrating diversity here.