Wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day? While every day is a chance to champion gender equality, March 8 marks the official holiday and an opportunity to do it together.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, challenges us to speed up progress toward gender equality.
With the World Economic Forum projecting that it could take 134 years to achieve full gender parity, the time to act is now. Whether it’s hosting a panel on workplace equity or spotlighting local women entrepreneurs, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
At Eventbrite, we power millions of events in nearly 180 countries and have more than a few ideas up our sleeves for your next event.
In this article, we’ve brainstormed 18 creative International Women’s Day celebration ideas to make your event in 2025 the best one yet. Ready to accelerate progress toward a more equal future? Let’s step on the gas.
Skip to our top picks for celebrating International Women’s Day
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Work events
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Discussion and speaker events
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Activities
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Theme- and topic-based events
International Women’s Day background and key statistics
Since 1911, International Women’s Day has celebrated the achievements and strength of women worldwide. Since then, society has taken many important steps towards giving women the rights and respect they deserve. But unfortunately, we’re still very far from true gender equality.
One obvious and measurable metric of inequality is in the workplace:
- In 2023, median earnings for women were 84% of those for men (up from 62% in 1979, the first year reliable wage earning data is available).
- Women in leadership are also not adequately represented — recent data shows that only 14% of US startups have a female CEO.
Companies and organizations are taking steps to improve conditions and rights for women in the workplace (for instance, by signing the Equal Pay Pledge). Gender equality benefits organizations, too — data shows that diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time, and inclusive teams are 35% more productive.
While much progress has been made, we still have lots of work to do. These ideas for how to celebrate International Women’s Day are a memorable and meaningful way to accelerate action.
International Women’s Day celebration ideas: Work events
Celebrate International Women’s Day this year by planning an event that inspires and promotes accelerated change. Here are 18 great International Women’s Day activities and event ideas to get you started.
1. Highlight women in your industry
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Featuring successful women in your industry can inspire a number of International Women’s Day event ideas at work or elsewhere.
Use this opportunity to get inspired by women who laid the groundwork in your industry. Plan a corporate International Women’s Day event where attendees dive into women’s contributions to the field.
You can host a presentation highlighting the achievements of women in your industry (or your organization). Or, host a discussion on the topic, and invite people to nominate attendees for recognition of their own achievements.
Incorporate International Women’s Day history to educate attendees about the day. Keep it close to home by inviting women in your company to share their experiences and serve as role models.
Doing it well ✨OutGeek: Women in Tech champions inclusion with global events that celebrate women in IT. These gatherings bring together accomplished professionals in fields like software engineering, data science, technical product management, and UI/UX design. Attendees can meet, interview, and network with inspiring women shaping the tech industry.
2. Organize a mentor-match event
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They say seeing is believing, and nothing beats the inspiration from others in your field. Connecting women with mentors helps close the gender gap by giving women access to opportunities and connections that might otherwise be limited.
In fact, 37% of event attendees believe an event becomes a transformative, meaningful experience when given the opportunity to connect with other attendees on a deeper level.
Kick off this event with an inspiring speech, short keynote, or panel discussion about the importance of mentorship in accelerating career progress, followed by structured one-on-one or small group mentorship sessions.
If the event is virtual or hybrid, use online tools like Zoom breakout rooms to keep things interactive and engaging.
3. Partner with and support women-owned small businesses
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Why not explore International Women’s Day celebration ideas that highlight female entrepreneurship?
It’s a great opportunity to organize a career or business fair to help your women connect with women-led businesses to create job or partnership opportunities.
Don’t let it stop at IWD. When you hire vendors for your next event, make it a priority to support women-owned businesses. You can make it an initiative to seek out long-term partnerships with women-owned local companies.
Doing it well ✨ In 2023, the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County hosted its International Women’s Business Summit & Job Fair. Mayor Anne Huffman — the first Black woman to be elected mayor in Haines City — sponsored the event. The event featured women-owned businesses, plus tools to help women find fulfilling careers.
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Discussion and speaker events
For this year’s IWD, you could bring together diverse voices to spark meaningful conversations about gender equity and the impact of bias in the workplace and everyday life. Here are some ideas for discussion and speaker events:
4. Host a panel where experts and thought leaders discuss bias
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If you’re planning a corporate event, have panelists discuss an important topic like gender equity in the workplace. Now more than ever, organizations need to have frank conversations about how bias impacts their employees.
Make sure to have a panel moderator on site to make the most of your event. You’ll want to have two–four (or more) experts or thought leaders for your panel. Then, choose a central theme, like a hot topic that’s affecting women right now, to discuss. Another option is to have a roundtable discussion, which could involve more community participation.
5. Host a Q&A with a group of change-making women
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Bring together a group of successful and innovative women to discuss embracing equity in all aspects of women’s lives. Organize a Q&A session for employees or event attendees to engage with the speakers.
Start with a topic of discussion (or several!). It could be centered on a specific challenge women face or a particular activist theme, like closing the gender pay gap.
Make sure to choose expert speakers for your session. Activists, professional speakers, and powerful women from all walks of life could be a great fit.
Doing it well ✨Hypergirl Co LLC are hosting their 5th Annual Women’s Day Celebration. This dynamic event features inspiring speakers, a panel discussion, a tabletop expo and a networking session as well as a DJ and bar.
6. Open the floor for feedback, stories, and transparency
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Creating a safe space for women to share their experiences can be powerful and cathartic. For event organizers, an open mic format event can encourage community engagement.
For workplaces, this could also be an opportunity to collect valuable feedback from women in the organization. By providing an anonymous way for employees to share their experiences as women in their organization, you can empower them to speak their minds — and also collect valuable data to inspire change.
7. Organize an author reading with women writers
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Looking for International Women’s Day celebration ideas centered on authors?
A lack of gender equity also exists in the publishing world. For example, novels and books written by women authors are, on average, 45% cheaper to purchase than those penned by men.
Bring women writers together for a reading to recognize their achievements this year. You could also host this as an online Women’s Day event, connecting with a well-known author to host a live stream.
Whether in-person or live-streamed, hosting a reading allows your audience to hear great women writers read their latest work. Consider setting up a Q&A with the author or posing questions about issues in publishing, such as bias, racism, and representation of women.
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Activities
Whether you’re looking to spark conversations, celebrate achievements, or create moments of joy, these International Women’s Day event ideas will bring your attendees together in meaningful and exciting ways.
8. Host a fun brunch to celebrate the accomplishments of women
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Another fun International Women’s Day event idea is to host a brunch. This could be simply a fun get-together to help attendees relax and celebrate women or it could be more on-theme and purposeful for IWD.
For instance, the event could double as a fundraiser for a women-focused nonprofit. Or it could be used as a platform for women speakers to share insights with attendees.
Doing it well ✨ AHF Media hosted a catered brunch celebrating the hard-working women of South Florida. The event featured a “lunch and learn” theme where guest speakers shared their experiences and knowledge with attendees. The hosts also had a structure in place for attendees to nominate women for recognition at the event.
9. Celebrate women with a self-care event
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Virtual/hybrid friendly? 💻
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Honor the women in your life by planning a women’s social event for them to rest and relax. Reach out to spas with group event packages and local yoga and meditation practitioners. Or send your loved ones to a relaxing retreat!
Remember that self-care looks different to everyone. Make sure to provide plenty of different options for guests to unwind. Having both solo and group options is a good place to start.
Doing it well ✨ The Diva Movement’s event, Women’s Wellness & Self-Care Expo, empowers women through expert-led sessions, yoga, a curated marketplace, and meaningful connections. This inspiring event celebrates holistic well-being and personal growth in a supportive, vibrant community.
10. Give back to your community
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Are you wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day while raising funds for women’s rights? There are many great organizations to support. Use a tool like GiveWell or Charity Navigator to explore.
To give back with a more hands-on approach, research local women’s shelters and volunteer your time or find out what donations they need the most.
Consider hosting a donation drive alongside your event. Women’s shelters often need feminine products, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner. Monetary donations (or a percentage of ticket sales) can also go a long way. Organizations can also offer to match employee donations to increase the impact.
Doing it well ✨ Moon Joggers hosts virtual 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, and 26.2 run (or walk) events to celebrate International Women’s Day. To give back, they donate 15% of each registration to Dress for Success, an organization dedicated to empowering women through professional attire, support networks, and development tools.
11. Plan a workshop to incite change
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According to the UN Refugee Agency, grassroots organizations are important for innovation. Inspire your attendees to participate in local efforts and organizations that support women.
In our annual trends forecasting guide, we found that 77% of event organizers think it’s important to host an event that’s meaningful while also entertaining or informing.
Workshops at events centered around a theme and change can be a powerful way to celebrate International Women’s Day. It could be a workshop to help attendees take action in their own lives, spark political change towards gender parity, or influence their communities. Try to incorporate as many interactive activities as possible into your event to make it engaging.
Doing it well ✨The Family Development & Samaritan Foundation hosted an event in Memphis, TN, focused on the theme of “Change,” creating an empowering space for women to connect, learn, and grow. The event featured inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to help attendees embrace personal and professional transformation.
Organize a workshop with Eventbrite
12. Host a fun run, yoga gathering, or other fun fitness event
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Our TRNDS 2024 report found that 63% of event attendees feel positively about events that allow them to take control of their well-being, health, and longevity. That tracks, because Eventbrite connected over six million people to health and wellness events in 2023.
Searching for active International Women’s Day celebration ideas? Give the people what they crave and get them moving with a fun and engaging event. If you’re wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day while breaking a sweat, a 5k race is a common distance to allow people the option to run, jog, or walk. But alternatives like a yoga gathering or even a community dance event can also be a lot of fun!
Consider donating a portion of ticket sales to a women’s charity. You may also be able to get a sponsor for your event to cover event costs, which can help increase the positive impact of your charitable efforts.
Doing it well ✨ Fort Buchanan MWR hosted a community 5k run/walk in honor of International Women’s Day. The event was designed to celebrate and recognize women’s achievements in the community. And to keep a fun, family-oriented environment, the event organizers made tickets free for children.
13. Get the children involved
Workplace friendly? ❌
Virtual/hybrid friendly? 💻
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For family-friendly or school-age-appropriate International Women’s Day event ideas, keep kids interested in International Women’s Day with activities for their age group. When you market family-friendly events, it’s the parents you want to focus on. But once the kids are at the event, they’re the ones you’ll need to wow.
Keep things interactive with a topical game such as Bingo designed around influential women in science or literature, or read books that promote women’s strength and independence.
Give kids the opportunity to talk about what they know about International Women’s Day and the ways they may have experienced gender bias.
14. Put together a showcase or concert featuring works by women
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Spotlight creative women’s artistic achievements with a concert or art show. Consider different ideas for social events that entertain and highlight women artists.
Why not curate the art you’re showcasing according to a theme that fits your event’s mission or International Women’s Day goals?
Even better, weave in information about how women artists have been marginalized due to bias so attendees understand the importance of uplifting women’s voices.
Doing it well ✨The United Undergrounds Gallery hosts the inspiring HERspace Women’s Art Show, celebrating women’s creativity and expression. The gathering features an art exhibit showcasing talented women artists alongside an open bar, creating a vibrant and empowering atmosphere.
15. Provide time to appreciate the women in your life
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An event where attendees can collectively celebrate and appreciate women can be very powerful. Consider a group activity with the goal of helping attendees carve out the time to do something kind for the women in their lives.
Maybe you set aside time for attendees to write thank-you notes, or to call loved ones. Or you can get everyone involved with a craft or baking project to make something special to celebrate the women who’ve influenced them the most.
Ideas for International Women’s Day: Theme- and topic-based events
If you love themed events and are wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day, these event themes and discussion topics will help you plan your IWD event.
16. Highlight intersectionality
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Many challenges women face share some overlap with other important global issues, like systemic racism and climate change. Intersectionality explores how someone’s layers of identity affect their experience. By exploring it, you can highlight how women’s issues are connected to the other social challenges of today.
Explore the intersectionality of women’s empowerment with the fight to increase diversity, drive sustainability, and effect change in our political or corporate systems.
Doing it well ✨ Event producer Tayleur Crenshaw recently spoke at Eventbrite’s RECONVENE about lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur. Her company, Gold Beams, helps Black artists showcase their work, network with like-minded creatives, and expand their fan base through events designed exclusively for the Black community.
17. Host a themed trivia night
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Good news, game masters: Game-based single events increased in popularity by x4 in 2024. Now’s your chance to gather and engage attendees with an International Women’s Day-themed trivia night featuring questions about women’s achievements throughout history.
Not a history buff? Consider gathering a group of curious women in your life and host a trivia night specific to any topic within their interests, such as a popular show or hobby.
You can tailor this event to suit both casual and professional settings and works well in virtual or in-person formats. Go the extra mile by curating prizes from local women-owned businesses.
Doing it well ✨ NYC Girlfriends (30s-40s) hosted a Friends Trivia Night for women, combining fun and community for a memorable night with friends. The event brought women together to test their knowledge of the iconic TV show “Friends” with a little healthy competition followed by some good ol’ fashioned bonding.
18. Share creative and inspiring media from female creators
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Women are underrepresented in most forms of media. One 20-year study found that women comprise only 24% of the people we read about, see, or hear from on the television and radio and in the newspapers. Female creators are also underrepresented — and underpaid, in many cases.
This International Women’s Day event idea might help turn the tide. Consider putting together an event or workshop that features women creators (ideally telling women-focused tales!) Here are some ideas to get you started.
Film/TV:
- I Am Greta
- Period. End of Sentence.
- He Named Me Malala
Books:
- Women & Power by Mary Beard
- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
- Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by Bell Hooks
Podcasts:
Are you looking for creative International Women’s Day celebration ideas? To incorporate these media into a themed event, you could host an interactive “book club”-style get-together. Participants could discuss the media or even watch/listen to it together.
Doing it well ✨ Bloomified Studio’s Bloomies Book Club brings women together to explore books celebrating midlife and personal growth. The book club sparks meaningful discussions, connects with inspiring women, and encourages attendees to embrace transformation in a cozy, welcoming space.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day with an exciting and meaningful event
Celebrating International Women’s Day is all about coming together to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and honor the incredible contributions of women everywhere.
If you’re scratching your head and wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day this year, these ideas will inspire you to create an event that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your attendees.
To make your event truly stand out, having the right tools is essential. Eventbrite empowers organizers to seamlessly plan, promote, and sell tickets for events of any size.
Whether you need to spread the word or manage registrations, Eventbrite simplifies the process so you can focus on delivering an unforgettable experience this International Women’s Day.
