International Women’s Day is more than just a calendar date. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the phenomenal contributions of women across the globe — past, present, and future. At work, it offers an opportunity to foster connection, celebrate achievements, and spark conversations that shape more inclusive workplaces.
As a women-run firm, we take International Women’s Day very seriously at Star Staffing, and we’re constantly thinking of new ways to celebrate the occasion each year. Here are just a few.
1. Start the Day by Sharing Wise Words from Strong Women
Sometimes, a single quote has the power to transform perspectives. Start International Women’s Day with a company-wide newsletter featuring inspirational quotes from women who have left an indelible mark on history, as well as those still shaping our world today.
A few examples:
- “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis
- “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
- “Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
You can also send an email out in advance to encourage employees to submit their own favorite quotes or reflect on why the chosen words resonate. Sharing them is a way to connect employees to each other and allow them to share some of their inspirations.
2. Host a Lunch-and-Learn with a Remarkable Woman Leader
Who is a woman you admire in your industry or the local community? Invite her to a special lunch-and-learn where employees can engage in a candid conversation about how she got where she is. During the session, ask her to share stories of triumph and resilience, lessons learned along the way, or obstacles she continues to overcome. Wrap up with a Q&A for employees to connect directly and take away personal insights.
This isn’t just about inspiration; it’s about fostering real-world guidance and ensuring everyone leaves the room with ideas they can act on.
3. Create Lasting Impact Through Mentorship
What better way to honor International Women’s Day than to plant seeds of growth within your organization? Use the occasion to launch or expand a mentorship program.
True mentorship isn’t just a professional exchange; it’s a chance to pass down wisdom, encourage confidence, and light the path forward for someone else. By creating these relationships at your company, you don’t just celebrate women — you actively invest in their futures.
4. Make it Educational and Fun with Team Trivia
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an interactive and engaging trivia competition in the break room, spotlighting influential women and their achievements, particularly those who blazed trails in unexpected ways.
For example, include trivia questions like:
- Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? (Answer: Marie Curie)
- Which Californian woman founded eBay in her living room? (Answer: Pierre Omidyar’s early CEO, Meg Whitman)
- Who gave the speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” (Answer: Sojourner Truth)
Encourage employees to participate throughout the day, and announce the winner and prize during an afternoon coffee or team meeting. Simple rewards — like gift cards to a women-owned local cafe or restaurant, books by female authors, or tickets to cultural events — keep the spirit light and celebratory.
5. Build Community within Your Team
At its heart, International Women’s Day is about coming together as a global community. Use this occasion as a wider reflection of your company’s culture. Invite employees to bring in a photo of a woman they admire most and decorate common spaces with them. You might even host an informal “story-sharing hour” where employees can highlight personal stories of inspiring women in their own lives whether it’s a mentor, friend, or family member. This shared storytelling not only deepens empathy but also builds bonds among colleagues who may not often engage.
Bonus: 7 Californian Women Worth Celebrating
We can’t write a piece about International Women’s Day without also calling out some of the women who hail from California or made it what it is. Here are a few worth admiring:
- Shirley Temple Black – From child star to U.S. ambassador, redefining reinvention
- Serena Williams – Tennis legend, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s health
- Dolores Huerta – Labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association
- Angela Davis – Activist and educator dedicated to fighting injustice and inequality
- Maya Rudolph – Comedian and actress who set new standards for representation in comedy
- Mae Jemison – Astronaut and first Black woman to travel in space, inspiring generations
- Yvonne Brill – Rocket scientist whose work lives on in satellite propulsion designs
Commemorating International Women’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a celebration of courage, capability, and connection. Whether you’re sharing quotes, facilitating mentorships, or hosting inspiring industry leaders, small actions can collectively create big change. Because when we choose to honor women, we don’t just honor the past. We empower the present and illuminate the future.