International Women’s WEEK at OG: 5 things you can do to support

Across the last year and a half, countries with women leaders have received global praise for their effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first female, Black, and South Asian-American Vice President of the United States. And Scotland became the first country to allow free and universal access to menstrual products.

While these examples represent some of the incredible strides we’ve made in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, we still have a long way to go.

Celebrating women and the women of OG once a year is not enough: women are amazing every day. So we’re going to put the spotlight on women every day this week with an International Women’s Week.

We want to share 5 ways the OG team are celebrating International Women’s Week, and doing our part to advocate for gender equality.

#ChooseToChallenge and show your support on social

This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. It’s a call-to-action social challenge, for raising awareness against bias, celebrating women’s achievement, and taking action for equality. Take a photo of yourself raising your hand high and share it on social media using #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021.

Acknowledge the awesome women in your life

Sometimes, simple words of love and encouragement can go a long way in lifting someone up and inspiring them to keep going. Whether it’s a female colleague, your mum, grandmother, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or friend – give an important woman in your life a call to let them know how awesome they are.

Attend an event

Hearing women share their experiences, knowledge and advice is one of the best ways to be inspired to make change. This year, as most of the world is gathering online instead of in person, there are tons of great virtual events planned for International Women’s Day.

WOWUK 21 Launch: Where Are We Now?
The launch of WOW’s 2021 UK digital festival – with WOW Founder and Director, Jude Kelly, and entrepreneur India Gary-Martin. This event discusses what the pandemic has meant for women and girls – and who are the people bringing the solutions?

Women in Tech’s Tech(Know) Day
This online conference will showcase women in tech.

She-EO’s Virtual 2021 Summit
Hear from cutting-edge thinkers, innovators, and women working on the ‘World’s To-Do List’: what’s next for the economy, education, security, housing and more.

Read a book by a feminist icon

Understanding some of the challenges faced by women around the world is an important step in advocating for gender equality. Here are a few to get you started:

I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

Educated by Tara Westover

No Logo by Naomi Klein

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Untamed by Glennon Doyleik

Set up a coffee break with a woman in your network

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired or learn something new is through a simple conversation. This March, try asking a woman in your network on a ‘coffee break’. It could be just 15 minutes to discuss their career, experiences overcoming workplace bias, leadership, self-care, or any other topics of personal interest. Here are a few questions you can ask to kick off the conversation:

What unique challenges have you faced in your career as a woman? How did you overcome them?
Which mentors or role models have positively impacted you in your career?
What advice would you give to your “X”-year old self?