How to celebrate Women's History Month at work

Women's History Month marks a time to recognize women's achievements and acknowledge the path forward to gender equality. Why not bring this celebration to your workplace? There are many ways you can celebrate Women's History Month, empower your female co-workers, and set an example for recognizing women in the workplace. Not sure where to start? This article explains the history and importance of Women's History Month and offers some simple ideas for celebrating women in the office.

What is Women's History Month?

Women's History Month takes place each year in March in the United States. It's a celebration of women's contributions throughout American history. Since 1995, U.S. presidents have issued official proclamations to recognize March as Women's History Month, according to the Library of Congress.

The month actually started as a weeklong event in 1982 after Congress passed a resolution asking the president to designate March 7 as Women's History Week. It officially became a monthlong celebration in 1987. The month encourages people to recognize and honor the place of women in American society and culture, including the workforce.

Women's History Month also coincides with International Women's Day, held annually on March 8. International Women's Day celebrates women around the world while recognizing the work that must still be done to eliminate gender bias, discrimination, and stereotypes.

The importance of celebrating Women's History Month at work

Celebrating Women's History Month at work is a great way for all employees to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of their female team members. Despite progress toward gender parity in the workforce, there's still a long way to go. Recent research shows women earn less than men in every career age group, most notably among employees between the ages of 55 and 64. Female employees in this age range earn 22% less than their male counterparts on average. For women of color, the gender pay gap increases even further.

In the workplace, Women's History Month also offers an opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Teams are stronger when all employees — regardless of gender, race, or other identifications — feel valued and appreciated. During the month, you can educate others at your workplace about the importance of working toward gender equality and inclusion.

“Celebrating Women's History Month at work is a great way for all employees to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of their female team members.”

How to celebrate Women's History Month at work

Whether you're an entry-level employee or a team leader, there are many ways you can celebrate Women's History Month at work this March. Here are some ideas you can use for inspiration.

Wear purple

Purple is the official color of Women's History Month, so wearing purple at work is an easy way to show your support for your female colleagues. If you're feeling ambitious, make it a goal to wear something purple each workday in March. For example, you might wear a lavender tie or accessorize with jewelry in shades of magenta or violet.

In addition to wearing purple, you can also decorate your workspace or office. Treat yourself to a new mouse pad or hang some artwork on the walls. Encourage your other team members to decorate their workspaces with purple accents.

Quote inspiring women

Choose some quotes from famous women, historical figures, or female entrepreneurs to inspire you during the month. Keep your favorite quote on a sticky note where you can easily see it during the workday. You can also share quotes by including them in your email signature or using them to send your co-workers inspirational messages each day.

Need some ideas for inspiring female quotes? Here are some you can choose from:

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” — Maya Angelou
“Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.” — Oprah Winfrey
“I don't like to gamble, but if there's one thing I'm willing to bet on, it's myself.” — Beyoncé Knowles

Write a thank-you note

Is there a woman in your workplace who has assisted you with a project, given you advice, or supported you in some way? Write them a thank-you note to show your appreciation. Personalize the note by mentioning how they've helped you and expressing your gratitude for their support. You can even include a small gift with your thank-you note, such as a sweet treat or a gift card to a local coffee shop.

Host a book club

Reading works by female authors and discussing them with others can empower you to broaden your perspective and discover new insights. If your team or company has a book club, suggest a title by a female author for March. Don't have a book club at work? Take the opportunity to start one.

Do some research or ask for suggestions about the best book to read in March. You might choose a novel, selection of poetry, self-help book, or biography of a notable woman. Make sure you give book club members plenty of time to read the book, and choose a date when you can all get together to discuss it. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts about the book and what they enjoyed about it.

Donate to a women's charity or nonprofit

In March, commit to donating a portion of your paycheck to a women's nonprofit or charity. Choose an organization that aligns with your personal values and beliefs. There are many national organizations you can support, or you can research some nonprofits in your local area.

To maximize your impact, ask your boss if the team or company could hold a fundraiser to support a women's organization. The company might even offer to match employees' donations during the month. Getting your colleagues involved in a fundraising effort can be a worthwhile way to celebrate Women's History Month together.

Ask your female co-workers to lunch

If you work in an office, invite your female co-workers to have lunch with you sometime in March. Explain that you want to celebrate Women's History Month together. You can visit a nearby restaurant or have a catered lunch in the cafeteria or break room. Before or after you eat, take some time to recognize your co-workers' contributions. You can even plan some discussion topics related to gender equality and female empowerment.

Support your female co-workers

One of the best ways you can show your commitment to gender equality is by supporting your female co-workers — not just during Women's History Month but all year long. Did a female co-worker go out of their way to help you with a project? Send a note to their manager to let them know about it. Better yet, publicly give them kudos during a team meeting or huddle.

If you notice a female team member struggling with a task or project, offer to help if you have the capacity to do so. It might sound simple, but this type of support can go a long way toward creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

By celebrating Women's History Month in the workplace, you can recognize the contributions of your female co-workers and educate others about the importance of working toward gender parity. Want to work for a company that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion? Create a profile with CareerBuilder so employers can easily find you.