5 ways to celebrate International Women’s Day

PITTSBURGH — March 8 is International Women’s Day, and while there won’t be large gatherings or events because of COVID-19, there are still ways to celebrate the women in your life and your community.

This year, the theme is #ChooseToChallenge. What does that mean exactly? Here’s an explanation from the official International Women’s Day 2021 website:

“A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So, let’s all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.”

1) Recognize a local woman-owned company.

Our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times put together an annual list of woman-owned companies in the greater Pittsburgh area. The Top 5 ranked by size of employees are:

1. Howard Hanna
2. AllTek/TOPS Holdings
3. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
4. 84 Lumber Co.
5. AM-Gard Inc.

You can read the full list, if you have a subscription to the Pittsburgh Business Times.

2) Raise funds for a women’s charity.

There are plenty of Pittsburgh-area charities that help women. Making a donation sounds like a perfect way to commemorate International Women’s Day with meaningful action.

• Magee Womens Research Institute
• Women and Girls Foundation
• Junior League of Pittsburgh, Inc.
• Women’s Center and Shelter
• Pittsburgh Strong Women Strong Girls

Here’s a longer list of the most popular women non-profits and charities.

3) Learn about famous and inspirational women.

Honor famous and inspirational women by learning more about them and their impact. Do a Google search, head to the library (if it’s open) or buy yourself this inspirational women trivia game we found on Amazon. There are any number of ways to learn more about awesome women.

Here’s a story we wrote about some amazing women in sports with Pittsburgh connections.

Or check out this from the Heinz History Center on inspiring women in Pittsburgh history.

4) Watch a movie that has a strong female lead.

Who could forget Jodie Foster’s character in Silence of the Lambs, which was filmed here in the Pittsburgh area? Her character, Clarice Starling, showed no fear going up against Hannibal Lecter. There are countless other movies that also have strong female leads.

Here are the ones that popped into our minds:

1. Hidden Figures
2. Wonder Woman
3. Erin Brockovich
4. Legally Blonde
5. 9 to 5
6. A League of Their Own
7. Captain Marvel

Here’s a list from Rotten Tomatoes if you need more movie inspiration.

5) Reach out to the women in your life who have inspired you.

Call, text, send a card or email a woman who you know who has had an impact on your life. It could be a relative, a friend, a teacher or mentor, a co-worker – anyone who’s inspired you or is setting a positive example for other women.

Happy International Women’s Day everyone!

Special program at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital makes us proud to be from Pittsburgh

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