International Women’s Day: How to get involved
International Women’s Day 2025 is on 8th March. What’s it all about, and how can you get involved at iQ?
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day (IWD) started as a day to support women in their demands for more rights and better working conditions. It was celebrated for the first time in 1911, across four countries. Now, it’s recognised all over the world as a day to stand up for women and promote their equality.
Why celebrate International Women’s Day?
Women’s equality has come a long way since 1911, but complete gender equality won’t be reached until the year 2158. So this year, the IWD theme is #AccelerateAction to speed up this process, and the United Nations’ focus is on promoting rights, equality and empowerment for women and girls everywhere. Everyone is welcome to get involved and support IWD.
How to get involved
Inspired by the IWD website, we’ve put together some great ways for you and your mates to take part:
Fundraise and donate
There are lots of amazing women-focused charities you can raise money for. Explore the IWD website or do a quick online search to find one you resonate with.
Now for the creative part. Pick something you enjoy and turn it into a fundraiser. You could try a sponsored walk or run around your city. If you’re part of iQ Clubs, why not organise a group plan around your shared interest, e.g. a sponsored gaming livestream or bake-off? Use websites like GoFundMe to create and share your fundraiser with friends and family.
If you don’t fancy fundraising but still want to contribute, you can always donate directly to a charity through their website.
#Sharingiscaring
You can join in with IWD online, both on and off social media.
On socials, share a ready-made IWD countdown graphic, social media card or pledge card to your followers using #IWD2025 and #AccelerateAction.
Strike the #AccelerateAction pose with your mates (like our Resi Influencers in the pic) and share it to the IWD Gallery or social media.
If socials and selfies aren’t your thing, try an IWD email signature to spread awareness and inspire others.
Out and about
Chances are your uni and city will have lots going on for IWD. Make the most of iQ’s great locations and get involved in the action. Just search your city or uni and ‘International Women’s Day 2025’ online to discover local talks, events or festivals you can join.
Keep an eye out for buildings and landmarks in your city that are illuminated or decorated in purple for IWD’s Light Up campaign. The campaign encourages buildings and businesses to raise awareness of IWD with the colour purple, representing women and justice.
Did someone say cake?
Are you a keen baker? Put those iQ SupperClub skills to good use and bake some tasty cupcakes. Then decorate them with IWD printable cupcake flags - bonus points if you use purple icing. Whip them up with mates in a shared kitchen, share some with your iQ staff team and make it a party by inviting your whole corridor to one of the social spaces.
Show off your art skills
Got a creative side? Take part in IWD’s lettering or portrait challenges. You can share your artwork on social media with hashtags and submit portraits to the IWD website. Both beginner and more experienced skills are welcome.
Awareness and support
You can raise your awareness of IWD issues by reading up on women’s progress and achievements.
Make sure to check out iQ Clubs for some IWD content, e.g. iQ BookClub will be sharing a novel that explores mother-daughter relationships.
Why not watch some films with iconic women in them, such as Hidden Figures, Barbie, Zootopia, Legally Blonde or Erin Brockovich? If you’ve got a cinema room, set up there.
We hope these ideas inspire you to celebrate International Women’s Day at iQ. However you show your support, whether it’s through fundraising or simply doing some research, you’ll be helping to #AccelerateAction towards full gender equality.
