Meaningful things you can do this International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day, ideally a time for women all across the world to come together and take an active stand for gender equality and the rights of women and girls. It's fitting that this year's theme is #BeBoldForChange, given the incredible impact that events like this year's Women's March have had in uniting and empowering women globally. You don't have to attend a protest or run for office to help make change. Here are a list of meaningful acts, both big and small, that you can do this International Women's Day to support the fearless females around you, and help amplify the voices of those most vulnerable.

Wear red in support of the "A Day Without Women" strike (or participate in the strike if you're able)

Today, the group behind the Women's March on Washington is calling for 'A Day Without Women' and, simultaneously, an International Women's Strike is happening in over 30 countries worldwide. The events are working together, encouraging all women to go completely on strike for the day to make a statement about the necessary roles women play at work and at home; to stand up against gendered violence and inequality, and for marginalized groups who may not have a platform for their voices to be heard. While many don't have the privilege of being able to brush off their responsibilities for a day without losing their jobs, if you choose to take the day off and go to a protest, you'll be a part of a powerful movement that has a precedent for making real change. If you can't attend in person, you can show solidarity by wearing red to the office, out for dinner, or just around the house.

Donate to a cause that supports women's rights

Worthy charities are always in need of extra cash and volunteers, but in these trying political times, giving what you can to organizations that are on the front lines providing for those in need is even more crucial. Want to help those who need access to affordable birth control and family planning services? Check out your local Planned Parenthood's donation options. Interested in getting better education for girls in developing countries? Participate in the #GirlsCount campaign. Focused on getting aid for Syrian refugees? The International Rescue Commitee gives essential care and protection to women and children. Even if you can only afford give $5, $10 or $20, a little can go a long way when everyone's pitching in.

Celebrate with the women you love

Treat yourself and your friends to a nice dinner, or throw together a cheese board and split a bottle of wine with your besties at home. You don't have to break the bank, or stay out till all hours (it is a Wednesday, after all), but taking the time to toast and appreciate the women in your life who inspire and empower you, is a feel-good activity you'll remember for years to come.

Give something special to the women in your life

While the day itself is about so much more than exchanging presents, why not gift something to those hardworking women in your life for a little education, empowerment or simply just because. You can even keep the #grabyourwallet campaign in mind and spend your money consciously, supporting businesses who have stopped advertising with publications that promote misogyny and white supremacy and have "taken actions in favor of inclusivity and respect." Women hold a lot of consumer power in our world, and the choices we make with our wallets can be tiny acts of resistance, if we want them to be. In need some gifting inspo? Pick up some of this positive and inclusive feminist gear or one of these 10 must-read books for women in 2017.  

Attend an #InternationalWomen'sDay event in your town

Grab your gals and hit the town for a good cause. The official International Women's Day site boasts a long list of partner events happening in countries all over the world on Wednesday (and beyond). In Canada alone, there's meetups being held across the country, everywhere from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to Coquitlam, British Columbia. Find one in your area, and go spend some time celebrating the powerful women that live right next door.

Practice a little self care

Run a bath, try a little meditation, sweat it out at a new fitness class, curl up with tea and a good book or get in your PJs and binge-watch your favourite show for the whole night. Find that thing that helps you unwind, and go off the clock for a few hours. The current news cycle is enough to exhaust the most resilient among us, so taking a break to recharge and check in on your mental health is a powerful act in itself. Remember, you can't take on the world if you don't take care of yourself, first.

Give a hardworking woman in your life the day/night off

Got a friend, sister, mom, neighbour or any other lady in your life who just never seems to stop? Offer to babysit, run a few errands, or take something off of their schedule so that they can engage in some of that much-needed self care we just talked about. It's a totally free way to show the busy women you love just how much you appreciate them, with actions instead of just words.

Educate yourself

One of the most important things you can do as a conscious woman of the world is educate yourself on past political movements to better understand where we're at today, and what work still needs to be done. Giving an ear to those who haven't always been given a voice or a platform, like people of colour and members of the LGBTQ community, is essential, and really the least those of us with privilege can do. So crack open a book, get tickets to a film like Hidden Figures, and get ready to be humbled by the unfettered strength and wisdom of trailblazers who helped make a better world for people like us.

Call, email or write your MPPs about a cause you care about

If the political situation in the United States has taught us anything recently, it's that calling your government representatives about a cause that matters to you the good ol' fashioned way actually works. So, if you want to support a cause like equal pay for equal work, call your MPP and encourage them to sign your province's Pay Equity Champion Pledge. In Ontario, only 18 reps out of 107 have signed, and zero of them belong to the Liberal and Conservative parties. If that number is shocking to you, do something about it. Making real legislative change isn't easy, but if all of us took 5 minutes out of our days to connect with lawmakers who are voted in to represent our interests as Canadians, we'll be a lot closer to achieving it.