How to Celebrate Women's History Month during a Pandemic

Women's History Month is celebrated by many individuals worldwide. March always has the best Instagram stories, the most influential Facebook posts, and a variety of women's empowerment filters on Snapchat. But how can we celebrate the badass historical content about women without our phones?

Good question. Celebrating Women's History Month is often something we see on social media because it is how we share our interests, especially during the pandemic. In our daily lives, however, we spend so much time making our OWN history, we sometimes forget to celebrate what has already been accomplished by other women. Here are some steps you can take to celebrate what has made women, or even yourself, empowered.

1. Support a women's non-profit!

Although many women are famous because of this month, there are still women in need. Supporting doesn't have to mean donating money either; it can mean donating your time. You can volunteer at your local YWCA (in-person or virtually), hand out flyers at the nearby Planned Parenthood with a mask on, or donate food to the Food Pantry socially distanced. Whatever you decide, make sure you are setting your own intention that follows your actions to feel empowered yourself.

If you do have the money, here are some websites that you can donate to:

2. Create an in-person or virtual event in honor of women!

Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, we can still celebrate the historical breakthroughs that women have accomplished with others.

1. Gather your extended family unit or "pod" and have a movie night (link to some suggestions below!).

2. Find empowering words from accomplished women and create a daily email chain with your friends in different states!

3. Make your current Netflix show surrounding women. "Working Moms" on Netflix is a great, hilarious one!

4. Have a Female Empowerment dance party with your family or friends pod! BEYONCE. RIHANNA. ARETHA FRANKLIN.

3. Support a locally-owned business that is owned/run by a woman!

Local businesses are suffering as many people have become accustomed to online shopping as a safety precaution. If you feel comfortable, put on a mask -- and gloves if that feels better than hand sanitizer -- and take a stroll to one of the local stores nearby. Below is a link on how to visit local stories safely. If money is tight, get something small for someone's birthday. If you see something you like, treat yourself! You deserve it!

4. Learn about the history of women's rights and be aware that there are still issues to address.

Now is a great time to learn about how your rights as a woman came to be! The theme for 2021 Women's History Month is "Choosing Your Challenge," meaning that we should acknowledge what has been done for the rights of women and what still needs to be accomplished.

We also need to acknowledge how the fight for women in the LGBTQIA+ community is far from over. Read this article to learn what to keep fighting for:

When looking at the historical aspect of women's rights, you can also learn about the current events that are continuing to advocate for women. The link below is a podcast on how women's rights are being pushed in parts of Africa. It's less than thirty minutes; play it on your way to work or while you are working around the house.

5. Celebrate the women in your life - your mum, friends, neighbors - and the women who surround your day.

Call your mum. Email a friend. Leave a lovely, inspirational post-it note on your neighbor's car. Visit a woman in your pod. Celebrate the women in YOUR life that inspire YOU. And tell them. Tell them how they inspire you by reaching out and connecting with the woman who shaped you into your being.

Also, acknowledge the people who surround your day. Who are you listening to on your car ride to work? Maybe send out a Tweet to Ke$ha sharing how inspirational her music is to you. Who is making your coffee in the morning? Slide an extra dollar to the barista in your nearby coffee shop that makes your 16 oz latte just right. Who is supporting YOU? Send a little message to those you rely on to show your appreciation for their help.

Notice the women around you and recognize the power that each individual holds. Remember that you are powerful and can empower others through your actions and words. Let's celebrate this month, together virtually or in-person, to recognize the women who have worked each day to promote freedom for ALL.