Maybe you’re a woman, maybe you’re not, but one way or another you probably have a few inspiring women in your life. With International Women’s Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to show women everywhere some love. But how exactly do you celebrate International Women’s Day?

Learn about Feminist history

International Women’s Day is inherently connected with the feminist movement, which has been revolutionary since it began, so what better way to celebrate the strides feminism has made than by visiting an exhibition all about revolution? The ‘Birmingham Revolutions – Power to the People’ exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a vibrant exhibition showcasing the historic activism right on our doorstep, looking at a range of campaigns from trade unionism to anti-racism to LGBTQ+ rights. It walks you through revolutionary history, and is the perfect way to pay homage to intersectional feminism. Plus, admission is free!

Listen to what women have to say

If you like poetry, head to ‘Speaking for Ourselves: contemporary women’s poetry’, where a range of women will be reading out loud. Poets include Jacqueline Saphra, Suna Afshan, Naush Sabah and Olivia Hodgson. It will be taking place on Friday 13^th March at The Woodman, and entry is, once again, free.

Make some new connections

Any university student will have heard at least once the well-known question, “What are you going to do with your life?” If the answer to that has anything to do with marketing, here’s the event for you: Women in Marketing hosted by Ricemedia in the Jewellery Quarter. It takes place on Thursday 12^th March, entry is free, and Prosecco is provided! Plus. you can make lots of great connections and celebrate women in the local area.

Donate some money to charity

With deadline season around the corner, you might just be too busy to dedicate a whole day to celebrating women. That’s totally understandable. An alternative that doesn’t take up so much time and makes a great difference is donating some money to charity. Young Women’s Trust specialises in providing aid to women aged 16 to 30 who are battling poverty or unemployment. They give advice and support to women to help them with their CVs and job applications, but also provide mental and emotional support, too. For £3 a month, you can become a Young Women’s Trust Champion – that’s just one less drink a month.

Have a movie night with your friends

If you just want to do something low-key, focusing on the women in your life specifically rather than women everywhere, why not organise a wholesome film night with your friends, complete with takeaway and snacks and of course empowering female-led films. Don’t know what to watch? Here are a few ideas:

• Legally Blonde, the iconic story of a woman who proved you can be super feminine and also really smart. Who knew?!
• Booksmart, a fun comedy that follows best friends Molly and Amy on their search for a party the night before they graduate. It’s an ode to female friendship but it’s also hilarious. The perfect combo.
• 10 Things I Hate About You, everyone’s favourite sleepover film. Need I say more?

However, you choose to celebrate International Women’s Day this year, make it special, and don’t forget the spirit of the occasion: to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and the great strides we have made towards equality.

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