Originally published at cox.com. Cox Communications ranked No. 32 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
The month of March is dedicated to remembering the suffragists, visionaries and trailblazing women who have fought for equality, along with celebrating the contributions they’ve made to history, culture and society. Whether you’re venturing into your celebration of Women’s History Month for the first time or you’ve been a long-standing activist, there’s plenty of ways to honor the movement. We’ve put together a list of ideas to keep you occupied and feeling empowered throughout the month of March and beyond.
1. Explore the History and Theme of the Movement
If you don’t know the history of women’s rights or why we’ve come to designate a month for honoring women, it’s time for a little history lesson. Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance coins a theme for Women’s History Month. The theme for 2022 — “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” — is both a tribute to the work of caregivers and frontline workers during the ongoing pandemic, and a recognition of the many ways that women of all cultures have granted healing and hope throughout history.
2. Spread Awareness on Social Media
An easy way to celebrate is by sharing articles, infographics, inspiring quotes, videos and other women-centric content on your feed. Whether it’s a Facebook post, an Instagram story or a TikTok video, get creative and share the empowering movement!
3. Donate to an Organization
Whether it’s your time, talent or treasure, making donations to organizations that give back to women is a valuable way to show your support. Find a nonprofit in your local community or you can donate online to national and international organizations like Girls Who Code or Girls on the Run.
4. Support Women-Owned Businesses
While more women continue to start their own business, they still represent the minority of business owners. March is a perfect time to show your solidarity with these hardworking entrepreneurs, leaders and service providers. Whether you’re shopping online or in your neighborhood, by supporting the women contributing to our economic health, we help chip away the walls that block more women from joining them.
5. Write Thank-You Notes to the Women in Your Life
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Women’s History Month is to acknowledge how a woman has inspired you through a thank-you note. Whether it’s a homemade card sent to loved ones living a few states over or a note of kindness for a nearby neighbor, honoring the women in your life through words is a meaningful gesture.
6. Watch a Film on a Woman of Influence
Learn about the women who shattered the glass ceiling in all sectors of life for an instant source of inspiration and additional insight into the history and overall movement. Just say these titles in your Contour voice remote to access your streaming subscriptions and browse movies and shows like Frida, A Private War, Hidden Figures, Bessie, The Iron Lady or Harriet to see these tenacious women in the spotlight.
7. Listen to Empowering Podcasts and TED Talks
Women who offer their voice to the public through platforms like podcasts and TED Talks provide commentary and start conversations on a range of topics. Whether it’s female-specific or non-gendered, gaining insight into various subject matters surrounding women can impact how we think about the world. From pressing issues like the wage gap to what it means to identify as a female, it’s important to amplify the missions of these changemakers. Start by browsing through TED Talk’s curated collection of videos about and by women.
8. Amplify Female Musicians
Fire up your speakers and honor the female artists who break stereotypes by using their platforms to speak out against injustices. From legendary greats like Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald to modern sensations like Lizzo and Phoebe Bridgers, women are an essential part of the music industry. Celebrate the accomplishments of your favorite female artists by putting together a playlist to stream in their honor.
9. Read Books by Female Authors
Celebrate literary works by women who encourage you to step out of your comfort zone or further guide you on your journey to women’s empowerment. From literary classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to modern tales like Yrsa Daley-Ward’s The Terrible, there’s plenty to add to your to-read list.
10. Host an Event to Celebrate Women
Throw an event with friends — women and allies alike — for a fun and memorable way to honor and build solidarity with other women. Incorporate the ideas we’ve listed here alongside other celebratory ways to make the event special, like decorating your space with empowering quotes or art by women and writing positive affirmations on notes to hand out to everyone.
While Women’s History Month is in March, the celebration and observance don’t have to stop on April 1st. Honoring women in history, supporting and empowering women of the present, and showing our solidarity are practices we can implement into our daily lives.
