12 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. It’s great time to learn about some of the significant contributions women have made in history, give women a helpful hand up, and celebrate the impactful women in your life. Here are 12 great suggestions for this year’s celebration.

Support Women Entrepreneurs

A lower percentage of businesses are owned by women. That’s why it’s important to patronize women-owned companies! Find a restaurant, shop, gas station, or other enterprise owned by a woman and become a customer. Spending your money supporting these entrepreneurs helps their businesses grow and is a vote for equality. In addition, share positive reviews online and tell people about your experience. Word of mouth is still a powerful advertising tool.

Volunteer at Non-Profits That Help Women

There are many worthy charities that help women get out of bad situations, find jobs, and secure housing. Look around your community for one that speaks to you and find out how you can assist. Just a few hours of your time each week can make a big difference.

Donate to Worthy Women’s Causes

In addition to volunteering, use your dollars to support women’s causes. A simple online search will turn up dozens of wonderful causes helping women get an education, healthcare, and other important assistance. Before you donate, check out the nonprofit’s rating.

Read Books by Female Authors

There are some powerful books available that tell stories about different scenarios women have overcome and amazing feats they’ve accomplished. This list, 21 Books from the Last 5 Years Every Woman Should Read, has something that everyone will enjoy.

Watch Movies About Female Empowerment

Even before the right to vote movement, women were fighting for equality. Many of these struggles have been chronicled on film. Invite some of your favorite people over for popcorn and a movie night. What’s on the menu? Selections include Set It Off, Suffragette, Hidden Figures, Promising Young Woman, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Thelma and Louise.

Thank Your Female Mentors

You’ve probably benefited greatly from a female teacher, coach, friend, or family member in one way or another. Think about the important women in your life and write them a letter telling them the difference they’ve made to you personally. Explain why you chose them and how they influenced the person you are today.

Be a Mentor

Girls and young women need strong female figures to look up to. They need to see themselves in successful adult women. Be that person. Spend time with your daughters, granddaughters, friends’ kids, or any other young woman who could benefit from your support. Have conversations with her and let her know you’re in her corner. Nonjudgmental love and support work wonders and help young women grow into confident, kind, successful adults.

Support Female Veterans

Female veterans are an integral part of our society and need our full support. Donate money or volunteer with female veteran causes like “Fatigues to Fabulous,” “Women Veterans Rock” or “Grace After Fire.”

Acquaint Yourself With Female Politicians

There are many powerful women taking the political reigns. Get online and read about female politicians, both on the federal and local scene. You’ll undoubtedly find a few of them that you feel good about supporting.

Listen to a Podcast With a Female Host

Men dramatically outnumber women as podcast hosts. Help balance the scales by tuning in to female-hosted ones like Call Your Girlfriend; The History Chicks; Death, Sex, and Money; and Fresh Air. You will support women and be entertained at the same time.

Drive a Woman to the Doctor

Female healthcare is vital, but some women don’t take the time to take care of themselves. If you have an elderly family member or neighbor, offer to drive them to their appointments so they can get the care they need to stay healthy and strong.

Talk About Women’s History Month on Social Media

Raise awareness for the cause by posting and tweeting about Women’s History Month to all your followers. Share inspirational stories, interesting podcasts, books and movies that you found from the above activities, and historical women’s quotes. Be sure and use the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth for maximum reach and visibility.

Women’s rights have come a long way in the last few decades, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. By joining the celebration, you can educate yourself and others on the importance of the Women’s Movement, and use your time and dollars to empower and improve women’s lives.