International Women’s Day on the 8th March is a global day of celebration, recognising the achievements, resilience, and voices of women locally and globally, while also shining a light on the inequalities that remain.
At Leeds Women’s Aid, we believe that every woman and child has a voice and should be empowered, inspired and listened to. We also believe all women and children should live in safety, free from abuse and fear. This ethos sits at the heart of International Women’s Day, which is why it means so much to us to mark and celebrate it, and to encourage our local community to get involved too.
Each year we’re blown away by the way our community chooses to support Leeds Women’s Aid as part of their International Women’s Day celebrations. From workplace fundraisers and donation drives to music events that showcase and celebrate female artists, these collective efforts not only honour the achievements of women, but also help to fund support for women rebuilding their lives after domestic violence and abuse.
How to get involved this year:
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give to Gain, highlighting how collaboration and the simple act of giving can expand opportunities and support for women. To help you celebrate and make a real difference this International Women’s Day, we’ve created a range of resources to help you get involved. Whether you give funds, or your time and effort, you can gain the knowledge that you are supporting vulnerable women and families in Leeds.
If you’re planning something at work, home, or in your community, we hope you find these ideas and resources useful. We’d love to see what you’re doing this year. Why not strike the Give to Gain pose, snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag us so we can celebrate your efforts and inspire others?
Fundraising Resources:
You can download different resources here to help with your fundraiser:
Leeds Women’s Aid Fundraising Guide
Leeds Women’s Aid Cake Toppers
Leeds Women’s Aid International Women’s Day Sweepstake
In the workplace:
- Organise a donation drive for women staying in refuge – see our International Women’s Day Amazon wish list for ideas
- Hold a bake sale or coffee morning using our printable bunting and cake toppers
- Run a sweepstake fundraiser with our IWD sweepstake kit
- Host a “wear purple to work” day in return for a suggested donation
At home:
- Start a book club featuring a female author
- Plan a film night showcasing women’s stories or female filmmakers
- Make an online donation to Leeds Women’s Aid
- Host a dinner celebrating the inspiring women in your life – why not pick up a copy of our refuge recipe book for some delicious ideas
- Purchase an item from our International Women’s Day Amazon wish list to support women staying in refuge
In the community:
- Find local events and fundraisers happening via the list below
- Visit our charity shop to learn about community-led activities in partnership with local businesses, pick up a copy of our Holding Warmth recipe book or find something purple to wear and show your support
- Share information about women’s organisations and initiatives with your networks
You can also find out more about the global campaign and discover other ideas on the official International Women’s Day website https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
International Women’s Day Events:
She Creates International Women’s Day Markets Wellington Place 5th March 11am – 2pm
Wine Pairing Evening Hoc Loco, Horsforth 5th March 7pm
Women Friendly Leeds IWD Event Leeds Playhouse 6th March 12:30pm – 2:30pm
Horsforth Climate Action x LWA Charity Shop Clothes Swap The Old King’s Arms, Horsforth 7th March 10:30am – 12pm
Play it Forward Little Leeds Play Café 8th March