5 easy ways to celebrate International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is coming up quick. Here are five simple and easy ways to help you honor this important holiday!

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8. It’s a day to promote gender equality and to further women’s rights, but it’s also a day to celebrate womanhood in all of its awesomeness. This year’s IWD theme is #BalanceforBetter, and many people will honor the day by taking to the streets for local marches.

But for those not planning on joining the crowds, IWD is still a day worth observing. Want to celebrate IWD but don’t quite know what to do? Here are five positive ways you can celebrate IWD, without necessarily even having to leave your couch.

Support women in film by watching a female-directed movie

As we’ve been recently reminded, female directors account for only 4 percent of top-grossing movies — which is not a good number. In your own little way, you can help change that by showing a little love for the women directors we are lucky enough to have.

For starters, Captain Marvel comes out on March 8. It is co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, and is set to be both an action-packed Marvel film and feminist tale to watch.

We compiled a rundown of 19 women-directed films to come out this year, which you can find here. Also, check out IndieWire’s list of the 100 all-time greatest female-directed films where you’re certain to find some well-loved classics and new movies to explore.

Donate to your local women’s shelter

Don’t know where yours is? A little internet sleuthing on domesticshelters.org will give you locations, numbers, and possibly even a list of shelter needs. Remember, IWD doesn’t just mean celebrating successful women. It also means helping to improve our world and make it a safer and happier place for women everywhere.

Be inspired by women

From politicians to scientists to authors to activists, women have always helped shape history. Take time on IWD to learn more about incredible women making stides today and who have done so in the past. You can do this by exploring TED talks, searching online articles, listening to podcasts, or even just YouTubing your favorite inspirational woman. Even better, share whatever you find with someone else so they can be inspired too.

Shop at a woman-owned business

Supporting woman-owned businesses is a huge way to help support women, but unfortunately, it can be hard for us to always know where to find them, especially if you’re not a shopper. Lucky for us, Amazon.com now has an option for exploring and purchasing from online women-owned businesses. So maybe you support a local outlet store or food shop, or maybe you stay inside in your pajamas and do some online shopping with the knowledge that you’re supporting women in business.

Reach out to the women in your life

The truth is, we all have women in our lives. Moms. Daughters. Sisters. Friends. Teachers. Coworkers. IWD is about women all over the world, but let’s not forget about the ones close to home. Take time on IWD to lift the women in your life and let them know just how much they mean to you, and how your world is better because of them.