4 ways to spend International women's day-By Ellie Peach

A brief backstory of international women's day

International women's day celebrates how far women have come in society, politics and economics. It originated in New York in 1908 when 15,000 women protested against the inequality they faced daily. They rallied together to call for equal pay, fairer hours and the right to vote. Just two years later, at the international conference of working women in Copenhagen with 17 countries in attendance, Cara Zetkin suggested an international day to celebrate progress and the continued fight for equality. Then, In 1996 this idea became a reality and was adopted by the Un, supporting the day as 'celebrating the past, preparing for the future.' Acknowledging the inequalities that still had to be combatted worldwide. The day is now celebrated internationally on the 8th of March.

How to spend the day

1. Celebrate with your friends, family, or anyone you feel deserves a little break! This could be as little as going for dinner and a few cocktails or going on a trip for a few nights away.

You could do anything from a city escape to let loose a bit or a hiking trip to unwind. Whatever you think is suitable for you, just make sure you enjoy yourself; this day is a celebration of women, so celebrate those you love, and just as importantly, make sure you celebrate yourself!

Why not find some female-led restaurants or cafes today to show your support and appreciation? You can find your local business by searching on google women-owned restaurants in your chosen location. It should then come up with a list of purple hearts indicating it is women-owned. 

2. Learn more about the women-owned brands you love and Support them! Most websites will have a little backstory page on their website where you can learn more about pioneering women's incredible journeys, why not let it inspire you? Find our founders page here all about Vanita Badlani. 

https://labante.co.uk/pages/founder-story

Treat yourself to some of your favourites or much-needed items today by purchasing from female-led brands you already love, and take a look at ‘Women Owned’ to discover some new brands worldwide. It is a dedicated website for supporting female-led businesses.

https://www.womenownedlogo.com/buy-women-owned-directory 

3. Organise a charity event at work or in your community to raise money for charities supporting women worldwide. This could be something from a bake drive to a fun run or even a charity yard sale where all the proceeds you make can go toward your chosen non-profit. Some charities you could support this year are;

• YWCA USA - a charity that has been running since 1858 working for women's rights and dedicating time to help support women that have gone through domestic or sexual violence 
• Girls not brides the USA- A non-profit to help end and advocate against child marriages worldwide, including the USA.
• Camfed - A non-profit organisation that aims to educate girls in Africa to receive equal opportunities.

4. Wear a power piece of clothing from women-owned brands. Dress for the occasion in the traditional colours of the WSPU (Women's social and political union ) that originated in 1903. 

"Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolises hope. White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. The colours originated from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908," 

Here is your perfect international women's day outfit edit to showcase your colours with pride!