More than just a team building day, International Women’s Day (IWD) is your opportunity to champion women’s equality in the workplace and recognise their contributions. If you plan it right, Women’s Day activities can be a great way to build lasting memories while bringing your team together.
In this article, we’ll explore 24 creative and meaningful International Women’s Day event ideas to make it a truly unforgettable experience for your team.
Let’s dive in!
Must-have information about International Women’s Day
If you really want to plan a memorable team building day for the IWD, you should know a little about its origins.
Here’s a quick overview to inspire ideas for your celebrations:
- When it began: International Women’s Day was first officially celebrated on the 8th of March 1913, to honour the women’s suffrage movement and for better working conditions.
- Why it matters: It is a day to act against gender inequality and highlight women’s achievements in the social, political, cultural, and economic fields.
- The UN connection: In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day as a day for women’s rights and the continued struggle for gender equality.
- Annual themes: IWD adopts a theme each year. For instance, the theme of 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action for gender equality’. You can incorporate this theme into your corporate event.
- Political context: IWD is not only a celebration but also a call to action. It’s a reminder that work still has to be done to fight bias, amplify women’s voices and move progress on equality.
At your event, sharing this background can assist employees in understanding the day’s meaning more deeply and feel a real connection to its meaning.
What are the benefits of organising activities for International Women’s Day?
Women’s Day celebration ideas in the office are a strategic opportunity that benefits both your employees and your organisation.
For employees
- Recognition and empowerment: Unlike a regular Employee Wellness Month, International Women’s Day exclusively focuses on celebrating the work done by women. It helps to create an environment of appreciation and pride. International Women’s Day activities can also motivate employees to strive for higher goals and boost morale.
- Team bonding: Inclusivity and respect-centered International Women’s Day event ideas offer your teammates an opportunity to connect, break down silos and develop stronger working relationships.
- Inspiration: Personal growth workshops by women leaders can be a force multiplier of employee engagement. Activities like these help your people show up to work with their A-game.
- Awareness and growth: IWD events are a great opportunity to have conversations around gender bias, diversity and inclusion. These conversations will make your employees more mindful and supportive of each other.
For employers
- Enhanced brand image: An active celebration of IWD speaks to your concern about social issues. This can put you in a good light for your clients, partners and potential recruits.
- Higher engagement: When your employees feel appreciated and are a part of something bigger, they’re more engaged and committed to their work. This will help you to increase their productivity and drive.
- Stronger culture: Gender equity makes your organisation’s culture more inclusive and progressive.
- Better retention: If you create a culture that appreciates equality amongst your workforce, talents that are uncomfortable in other professional contexts will come to you.
How to celebrate International Women’s Day at work: 24 ideas
Here are some International Women’s Day event ideas you can try out:
1. International Women’s Day challenge
Our app features exciting challenges that let your employees participate in fun activities celebrating women’s achievements through sports. Teams can share inspiring stories and tackle team-building tasks.
It’s a great way to foster inclusivity and collaboration while keeping the focus on empowerment and recognition.
- Price Range: From $0.5 to $1 per employee.
- Action Plan / Tools: Use the Teamupp app to set up challenges like quizzes, step challenge for charity, or creative tasks. Reward participants with small prizes or public recognition.
2. Host a lunch-and-learn session
Arrange something casual yet informative to help your employees learn from inspirational stories or know about gender equality. Sessions like these help to make your team aware, increase morale and encourage open conversation in a less formal environment.
- Price Range: Free (if employees bring their own lunch).
- Action Plan / Tools: Identify a speaker (internal or external), create a brief agenda, and provide discussion points or follow-up materials to attendees.
3. Create a women’s achievement wall
You can create a dedicated space to highlight women’s contributions and celebrate their achievements within and beyond your organisation. This visual tribute will show how much you appreciate their contribution and inspire everyone in the office.
- Price Range: Office supplies prices.
- Action Plan / Tools: Provide materials like markers, sticky notes, and a display board. Encourage your employees to contribute messages, photos, or drawings.
4. Host a charity drive for women’s organisations
One of the coolest International Women’s Day event ideas is to help a local women’s charity by organising a donation drive or volunteer effort. By doing this, you’ll be able to show your employees how they can connect with meaningful causes while making your company appear to be committed to social impact.
- Price Range: Depending on the donations.
- Action Plan / Tools: Coordinate with a women’s charity, provide a list of needed items, and set up donation collection points in the office.
5. Book club discussion on women-centric literature
A book club can be a surprisingly engaging way to celebrate IWD. It can unite your employees through the shared experience of reading and discussing a book highlighting women’s voices. It’s a relaxing yet thought-provoking way to celebrate the day.
- Price Range: Costs of a few good books. Free if using library books or shared resources.
- Action Plan / Tools: Choose an accessible book, distribute copies, and schedule a discussion session. You can also provide prompts to guide the conversation.
6. Office playlist of women artists
Celebrate the day with a curated playlist of music by female artists. This simple yet effective idea sets a positive and celebratory tone in the workplace.
- Price Range: Free if you already using Spotify or Deezer music.
- Action Plan / Tools: Use music streaming platforms like Spotify to create and share the playlist. Play it in common areas or during team gatherings.
7. Share inspirational women’s videos
Share impactful videos, such as TED Talks or interviews with trailblazing women, to encourage reflection and inspiration. These videos can spark important conversations and new perspectives.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Curate a list of videos, create a schedule for viewings, and provide a discussion forum or feedback form for your employees.
8. Host a panel discussion
Gather women from different departments to share their experiences, challenges, and career advice in an open forum. This encourages dialogue and showcases the strength of women in your organisation.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Identify panellists, prepare a list of discussion topics, and use a meeting room or video conferencing tool to host the session.
9. Office decoration contest
Bring creativity and collaboration into the office with a decoration contest themed around women’s achievements. Teams can use this as an opportunity to showcase their artistic side.
- Price Range: From around $20 per employee, depending on the decorating material.
- Action Plan / Tools: Provide simple decorating materials or encourage teams to use recycled supplies. Set a deadline and choose a winner with employee votes.
10. Encourage personal commitments
Motivate employees to take action for gender equality by making personal pledges. Whether it’s mentoring or addressing biases, these commitments can drive real change.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Provide templates for written pledges and create a space (physical or digital) where employees can display their commitments.
11. Create a collaborative art project
Invite employees to contribute to a shared art project celebrating women. This could be a physical mural or a digital creation showcasing collective creativity and appreciation.
- Price Range: Art supplies price.
- Action Plan / Tools: Set up an art station or use digital tools like Canva or Miro. Provide guidance on the theme and display the final piece prominently.
12. Trivia game on women’s achievements
Organise a trivia session to test employees’ knowledge of influential women and their achievements. It’s a fun way to educate and engage your team.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Use free quiz platforms like Kahoot or Google Forms. Include a mix of historical and modern-day questions.
13. Promote journaling with a prompt
Encourage employees to reflect on the day with journaling prompts focused on women’s impact in their lives. It’s a thoughtful, introspective activity that can deepen understanding.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Provide prompts via email or printed handouts. Create an optional sharing session for those willing to discuss their reflections.
14. Launch a ‘thank you’ campaign
This campaign invites employees to write thank-you notes to women who have inspired them. It’s a simple but heartfelt way to spread positivity and recognition.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Provide digital or physical cards and create a space (such as a bulletin board) to share these messages.
15. Spotlight women in the organisation
Celebrate women in your company by sharing their achievements and stories. These spotlights not only recognise individuals but also inspire the whole team.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Use email newsletters, the company intranet, or social media to feature interviews, quotes, or photos of women employees.
16. Host a meditation or reflection session
Offer a guided session where employees can reflect on the contributions of women in their lives and practice gratitude. This creates a calming and meaningful experience.
- Price Range: Free (using free apps or scripts).
- Action Plan / Tools: Use free meditation guides from apps like Insight Timer. Set up a quiet space in the office for participants.
17. Share recipes from women chefs
Celebrate culinary creativity by sharing recipes from notable women chefs. Encourage employees to try the dishes and share their cooking experiences.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Curate recipes online and share them via email or a centralised platform. Create a virtual or in-person space for employees to discuss their creations.
18. Women’s causes charity bake sale
Host a charity bake sale in your office to support women-focused organisations. You can encourage your employees to bring baked goods to sell, with the proceeds given to a charity that supports women’s rights or welfare. This is a fun, interactive activity and helps a greater cause.
- Price Range: It costs around $0-$50 (depending on employee participation and supplies).
- Action Plan / Tools: Ask employees to volunteer as bakers and send out a signup sheet. Coordinate using office communication tools such as email or Slack. Set up a table in the common area and put a donation jar for further donations.
19. Mini art exhibition with women artists
Make your office a gallery of artwork by female artists. You can show pieces designed by employees, local artists or reproductions of famous works.
- Price Range: The price (depending on the artwork source) is $0-$100.
- Action Plan / Tools: Consider inviting employees to submit their own art to the series or sourcing them from online sources. Easy setup with display boards or digital screens. Include small info cards to mention the artists’ stories and achievements.
20. Women’s wellness workshop
Run an in-person workshop on women’s health and wellness. It can include things like mental health, work-life balance or physical health. The session can be led by a professional speaker or a qualified doctor.
- Price Range: $50 – $200 (for guest speakers or materials).
- Action Plan / Tools: Organise a conference room and make the event known through announcements at the workplace. If it’s too costly to hire a professional speaker, invite employees who have the expertise to lead discussions or share insights.
21. Mentorship matching programme
Plan a mentorship initiative where you pair the experienced women in your organisation with the ones who need guidance. This activity helps build connections, help employees grow their careers and empower every employee.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Find mentors and mentees through a survey. Tools like Microsoft Teams or an in-office meetup can be used to introduce people to other people and to set expectations. Set up guidelines to scaffold the mentorship relationship such as monthly one-on-one meetings or informal check-ins.
22. Employee-led panel discussion
Invite the women in your organisation to host an internal panel discussion. Let them teach others about their experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
- Price Range: Free.
- Action Plan / Tools: Find 3-5 women employees to act as panellists. The event should take place in a meeting room or common area and be an open audience participation event. Have a moderator to start off the conversation and add a Q&A session to keep the attendees interactive.
International Women’s Day event ideas for remote employees
Activities for International Women’s Day for remote employees can be a bit difficult to arrange. That said, with the following International Women’s Day event ideas, you can make your IWD stand out for your remote employees:
23. Virtual speaker session
Connect your remote team to an inspiring speaker by video conferencing. This session can definitely spark motivation and conversation, whether it’s a successful female entrepreneur, activist, or author.
- Price Range: $100-$300 for external speakers, free for internal speakers.
- Action Plan / Tools: Have the session on platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Stream a pre-recorded TED Talk or similar video with a group discussion afterwards if you can’t afford a live speaker.
24. Women’s voices online book club
Have a virtual book club of female authors. This is a chance to talk about some really powerful themes, learn from different perspectives, and create a feeling of connection with your team.
- Price Range: E-books or shared resources free (with e-books or shared resources).
- Action Plan / Tools: Choose an easy book like Becoming by Michelle Obama. Discuss schedule dates and use Goodreads or Google Meet to have conversations.
You can make the most of your International Women’s Day event by creating exceptional experiences for your team, whether they are in the office or working remotely. With Teamupp, you can take these celebrations even further and make them more interactive and memorable.
Are you ready to level up your events? Use the free Teamupp demo today and see how easy it is to make your International Women’s Day ideas come to life!
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