What is International Women's Day and Why Does it Matter?

Happy International Women's Day! We find out why we need to break the bias, why International Women's Day matters, celebrate enterprises empowering women and meet some of the wonderful women involved

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th every year. The first gathering was held in 1911!

It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women in social, cultural, economic and political spaces. But it also brings people together to raise awareness about progress to be made in women's equality.

"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

- Gloria Steinem 

Do we still need International Women's Day you ask? Yes! It's estimated that none of us will see gender parity in our lifetime and the gap has actually increased by a generation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Break the Bias

This International Women's Day the theme is Break the Bias. 

Each of us can call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities.

We can help level the playing field and forge a more equal world.

What we can do

Did you know that products like cheap clothes and toys are very likely to have been made by women? Companies and factory owners take advantage of the fact women have an unequal position in society, and pay them less than men and deny them basic rights. As many as 1 in 7 female garment workers have suffered abuse and violence.

Our choices make a difference.

Empowering, not exploiting

Here at Good Things we champion products creating positive change. 70% of the organisations we partner with are run by fabulous female founders. Find all their purpose-driven products here. 

We love supporting the work of organisations dedicated to creating opportunities for women through well-paid work and training. 

• Sewing New Futures is a non-profit that educates, employs, and empowers women to make their own choices. They work with women and girls in India and Uganda that have survived or evaded sex trafficking and poverty. The women are trained in tailoring skills and then work in the SNF workshop creating gorgeous kimonos and accessories from upcycled sari fabric.
• Felt So Good make beautiful biodegradable felt creations. They employ over 250 people (mainly women) in Nepal, paying fair wages and providing flexible and secure work in rural areas.
• The Paul Hodges Trust is a charity that works to tackle poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. They focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through empowering women and girls living in some of Africa’s poorest communities through training and well-paid work making accessories - we love their colourful scrunchies! 

What difference does well-paid work and opportunities make? 

Sophia from Neema Crafts "Life used to be really difficult, I was by myself and the business was small. However now I can spend the money I have, I love my job and I particularly like learning new skills and making different products each week." Women like Sophia are challenging stereotypes about disabilities in Tanzania. Neema Crafts empowers people living with disabilities through skills training and Fair Trade work.  Find out more about Neema Crafts, or explore their handmade products.

We are proud to work with a number of Fair Trade certified enterprises. While Fair Trade is good news for everyone, it's particularly positive for women because women in Fair Trade organisations must be paid the same as men for equal work.

Fair Trade enterprises must also give women opportunities to take up leadership positions and unbelievably 52% of of Fair Trade organisations' CEOs are women. This compares to 5% of CEO positions being held by women in companies in the UK, Europe and the US. Find out more about Fair Trade and why it matters.

Empowering women in Sri Lanka Women like Dineka (right) make these Fair Trade cotton toys in Sri Lanka. 250 artisans, most of whom are women, are employed by the enterprise, providing vital work in rural areas. The social enterprise is women-led and every worker is paid a living wage. Employees also benefit from health camps, child-care facilities, life skills programmes and leadership training. The enterprise also has their own foundation which delivers workshops for women on important issues like domestic abuse, alcoholism, women’s health and sex education. Find out more: Weaving Hope: Discover Eco Toys Changing Lives

Want to support these and lots more organisations making a difference? Shop our women-led collection! Or find out more about International Women's Day.

At Good Things you’ll find inspiring ethical and sustainable gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet. Discover gifts for all ages and inspiring ideas like cards that plant trees, handmade cushions empowering people in Tanzania and eco toys made from recycled milk bottles. Have a look at our collections.

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