International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate achievements of women and girls, challenge gender bias, and inspire the next generation to strive for a more equal world.
The 2025 theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment", reminds us that gender equality includes everyone.
As guardians, mentors, and role models, we have a unique chance to introduce young people to ideas of empowerment, respect, and equality. Below are some engaging activities and book recommendations to help celebrate International Women’s Day in a meaningful way with the young people in your life!
Affirmation Jar
This craft will empower the young women in your life by boosting their self-esteem and reinforcing positive self-talk. To start, find a jar and decorate it however you like! Using ribbons, stickers, or even paint make your jar your own. Then, write down affirmations like "I am strong", "I deserve respect", or "my voice matters". Whenever you need a pick me up, take an affirmation from the jar and read it to yourself in the mirror. This small habit can help build confidence and self-worth, reminding young people of their strengths and potential. If a physical jar isn’t available, use our printable jar below.
Affirmation Jar
DownloadMood Board
A mood board is a fun and creative way to highlight the women who inspire us and reflect on their amazing qualities. Using a piece of paper or cardboard, magazine clippings, printouts, or drawings, create your ultimate mood board of women that inspire me! Grab images of women, this can be family members, historical figures, athletes, artists, scientists, or community leaders who have made a difference. You could add words describing their qualities, like "brave", "smart", or "determined". This activity helps young people understand that women are multifaceted, strong, and capable of anything. It also encourages conversations about role models and aspirations, reinforcing the idea that every woman has the potential to make an impact.
Word Search
A fun and interactive way to introduce young people to key concepts related to International Women’s Day is a wordsearch! It can spark discussions about what these words mean and how they connect to real-world actions, helping young people deepen their understanding of why International Women's Day matters. Try out our wordsearch below!
Book Recommendations to Inspire
Reading Beauty
Join a book-loving princess who refuses to let a curse stop her from enjoying her favourite pastime. With her clever mind and determination, she finds a way to break the spell herself! This empowering twist on the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, will teach young girls resilience, problem-solving, and the power of knowledge.
Recommended for ages 3+
Malala's Magic Pencil
This beautifully illustrated picture book follows young Malala as she dreams of having a magic pencil to fix the world’s problems. As she grows up, she realizes that her words, written and spoken, can create real change. This inspiring story introduces children to the power of education, courage, and standing up for what’s right.
Recommended for ages 5+
Women in Sport: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
Celebrate trailblazing athletes who broke down barriers in sports for women everywhere! Learn about 50 incredible athletes from Serena Williams to Simone Biles. With bold illustrations and inspiring stories, this book will encourage young girls to dream big.
Recommended for ages 10+
Break the Mould: How to Take Your Place in the World
This empowering guide teaches readers to have pride in exactly who they are, be comfortable in their own skin and use their voice to create a more equal world. This guide has tips on how to find power in being different, celebrate the things you love about yourself and help others do the same!
Recommended for ages 11+
International Women’s Day is a time for reflection, celebration, and action. By engaging young people in these activities and discussions, we can help foster a future where all women and girls are empowered, valued, and treated equally. Whether it’s through crafts, books, or thoughtful conversations, every step counts toward creating a better world.
