Companies have an opportunity to consider their progress toward gender equality and the gaps that still exist every year on International Women’s Day. Research indicates that companies with more diverse leadership teams have higher financial performance and more creative workplaces. True progress, however, transcends token actions and one-day events. It calls for intentional, long-term action. How can companies acknowledge the contributions of women while bringing about long-lasting change? We’ve compiled opinions from prominent figures in the field who offer doable, significant strategies for promoting diversity, honoring women, and creating work environments where all opinions are valued not only on March 8 but throughout the year.

Note: The content below shares expert opinions and suggested initiatives for honouring International Women’s Day in the workplace. While these insights aim to foster inclusivity and positive change, organisations should assess each idea within the context of their specific policies, culture, and legal frameworks. For tailored advice on employee well-being or workplace equality, consulting with HR specialists or diversity and inclusion experts is recommended.

Amplify Female Voices Through Dedicated Platforms

One impactful initiative for honoring International Women’s Day is amplifying female voices within the company through a dedicated platform or event. Hosting a virtual panel or in-person discussion featuring women leaders, employees, or industry experts can highlight their experiences, challenges, and achievements. This not only fosters meaningful conversations but also reinforces a culture of inclusivity and recognition.

At my agency, we implemented a campaign where we spotlighted female employees and partners, sharing their stories on social media and internal newsletters. It led to stronger engagement, sparked important discussions, and reinforced our commitment to gender equity beyond just one day. The key is making the initiative more than just a gesture—it should drive real conversations and long-term commitments toward workplace equality.

Georgi Petrov, CMO, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator, AIG MARKETER

Launch Mentorship Programs for Career Growth

I think one of the most effective ways to honor International Women’s Day is to launch a mentorship program focused on career growth for women within the company. In my experience, the strongest teams are built when people at all levels have access to mentorship and support. A structured program that pairs women with experienced leaders can help them navigate challenges, gain new skills, and grow into leadership roles. This approach does more than recognize contributions—it actively invests in long-term success.

I believe a mentorship program works best when it includes measurable goals. Setting a target, like increasing women in leadership roles by 10% over the next year, ensures the initiative leads to real change.

Lydia Valentine, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Cohort XIII LLC

Spotlight Real Stories from Female Employees

Spotlighting real stories from women in the company would be powerful. A short-form UGC video series featuring team members sharing career challenges, wins, and advice would connect better than a generic post. Authenticity always wins. Instead of scripted messages, letting women speak in their own words makes the impact real. 

I also like the idea of mentorship or networking events pairing female employees with industry leaders. A casual Q&A session, live-streamed on LinkedIn and Instagram, keeps engagement high. Viewers could submit questions, making it interactive. The goal isn’t just celebrating women for a day-it’s creating conversations that drive change.

Natalia Lavrenenko, UGC manager/Marketing manager, Rathly

Introduce Empathy Immersion Experiences

One truly unique initiative to honor International Women’s Day could be introducing an Empathy Immersion Experience. 

This initiative would involve creating an interactive experience where all employees, regardless of gender, step into the shoes of women to understand the societal and workplace challenges they face. 

For example, employees could participate in role-playing scenarios or use virtual reality to experience situations like being overlooked in meetings, balancing caregiving and work, or facing unconscious bias.

I once participated in a team-building exercise where we had to role-play real-life workplace dynamics. It completely shifted my perspective on how subtle biases can impact someone’s confidence and opportunities. For many, it was a wake-up call.

This initiative would go beyond discussions or celebrations—it would create empathy through experience. Rather than simply hearing about women’s challenges, employees would feel them, fostering understanding and igniting a deeper commitment to creating an equitable workplace. 

Such an approach transforms awareness into action, making International Women’s Day not just a celebration but a step toward meaningful change.

Silvia Angeloro, Executive Coach, Resume Mentor

Host Panel Discussions with Diverse Women Leaders

One great initiative for honoring International Women’s Day would be hosting a panel discussion or webinar featuring diverse women leaders from within the organization or industry. This could cover topics like career growth, overcoming obstacles, finding work-life balance, and the power of mentorship. It would give women a chance to share their personal experiences, insights, and advice while also celebrating the incredible contributions women make every day in the workplace.

To make the day even more impactful, the company could pair this event with a fundraising campaign for a women’s charity or organization that focuses on empowering women through education, healthcare, or advocacy. This would not only encourage meaningful conversations but also tangibly support causes that drive women’s progress and equality.

By organizing such an initiative, the company would help foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, showing employees that the company is committed to creating a supportive environment for women—both within the organization and beyond. It’s a powerful way to celebrate the day and make a real difference.

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

Invest in Women’s Careers Beyond Social Media

Make it real, not just a social media post. One solid move? Invest in women’s careers. Host a mentorship event, fund leadership training, or launch a grant for women-owned businesses. If your company wants to go big, audit your pay gaps and promotion rates—then actually fix them.

Another idea? Spotlight the women in your company. Let them share their stories, expertise, and experiences in a way that feels genuine, not performative. The best way to honor International Women’s Day? Back it up with action that lasts longer than 24 hours.

Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose

Share Unvarnished Professional Paths of Women Leaders

I would start an effort for International Women’s Day where women in top positions share their unvarnished professional paths with younger workers.

Not only would they share their polished success stories, but they would also share their struggles, questions, and almost-quit times. I know of a coworker who once confided in me, saying she was “too soft” to lead early in her career. Years later, that same compassion enabled her to negotiate a crisis, saving her team.

These are the tales meant to change perspective. Younger workers begin to view their own difficulties differently when they see personally how resilience and authenticity changed careers. This program would not only be about inspiration. It would touch on other things.

A young staff member questioning her voice in meetings should reconsider her reluctance. One male colleague might be aware of unconscious prejudices in his evaluation of leadership ability. These kinds of conversations don’t stop when the event ends; they change workplace culture in ways policies by themselves never can.

Volen Vulkov, Co-founder, Enhancv

Organize Mentor Walks with Executives

One powerful initiative to honor International Women’s Day is a Mentor Walk with Executives, where senior leaders, both women, and allies, engage in meaningful conversations with female employees in a guided walk-and-talk format. This initiative fosters mentorship, provides direct access to leadership, and creates an open environment for emerging professionals to discuss career growth, leadership challenges, and strategies for breaking barriers. By stepping outside the office and into a more informal setting, these conversations become more engaging, allowing for authentic exchanges that might not happen in traditional corporate settings.

Beyond a symbolic gesture, the Mentor Walk serves as a catalyst for long-term mentorship and professional development. Each executive is paired with small groups of mentees, ensuring that every participant gains valuable insights tailored to their career aspirations. Discussion prompts can guide the conversation on key topics such as navigating leadership roles, advocating for oneself in the workplace, and fostering inclusive company cultures. To maximize impact, the walk can conclude with a networking session where participants share takeaways and establish ongoing connections.

This initiative also reinforces the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging senior leaders to actively mentor and sponsor talent within the organization. It provides a structured yet informal setting where leaders can listen, learn, and reflect on ways to further support women’s career advancement.

Mohammad Haqqani, Founder, Seekario

Conduct Women-Led Workshops on Enrichment

An effective way to honor International Women’s Day is through women-led workshops focused on enrichment. Leadership, financial empowerment, negotiation skills, and wellness. These are just a few areas where women can share their expertise and uplift others.

A great example is The Wing’s past events in NYC. Known for its skill-building workshops and networking panels, The Wing brought in powerhouse women like Jennifer Lawrence and Serena Williams to inspire and educate.

Doreen Nunez, Founder, Mommy Rheum

Highlight Women Shaping the Company Year-Round

Recognition should go beyond a single day. Instead of posting a generic social media tribute, highlight the women shaping the company year-round. Feature their stories, their expertise, and their impact on the business. Give them the stage in leadership meetings, product development, and customer outreach. Visibility matters, and true appreciation comes from action, not just words. In reality, honoring women means making sure their contributions never go unnoticed.

Erin Hendricks, President and Owner, Sammy’s Milk

Launch a Future Fund for Women Employees

One powerful initiative a company could launch for International Women’s Day is a “Future Fund”—a micro-grant or resource fund dedicated to supporting women employees’ innovative ideas, side projects, or professional development.

Why It’s Effective:

• Instead of just symbolic gestures, this initiative directly invests in the talent and ambitions of women within the company.
  
• It provides seed funding, mentorship, or paid time for women employees to develop new projects, leadership initiatives, or community programs.
  
• Encourages entrepreneurial thinking and career growth, especially for women who may not have had the resources to launch their ideas.

Tansha Casarez, Founder & Lead Visionary, HER BALANCED WORLD

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