March is Women’s History Month (WHM), an opportunity to celebrate the contributions women have made to society in the United States and beyond.

The theme for 2023, designated by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), is "Celebrating women who tell our stories." NWHA is “encouraging the recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling."

WHM coincides with International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, which is celebrated globally to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The first IWD took place in 1911 to raise awareness of gender discrimination, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity, because “equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.”

Women are still suffering discrimination in the workplace

Women face a number of gender equality battles in the workplace, including sexual harassment, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, pay disparities and being overlooked when it comes to promotions.

According to the McKinsey “Women in the Workplace” report, women – and especially women of color – are still dramatically underrepresented in corporate America leadership. Likewise, the gender pay gap continues to be a significant issue affecting women in the U.S. and around the world.

How to celebrate Women’s History Month at work

Equal rights for women have come a long way over the years, thanks to those who fought to be afforded the same privileges as men. During WHM, we are encouraged to celebrate how far we’ve come as a society and recognize what more needs to be done.

Here are some suggestions of how to mark Women’s History Month at your company:

The Electives class Celebrating women’s history month: Rise up to the challenge with a fun Kahoot-based event is designed to be fun while having your team engage in active learning regarding successes, contributions and challenges of women and brainstorm ways to drive more progress for women in the workplace.

Women’s History Month is a great time to learn about women throughout history who fought hard for the changes we enjoy in today’s society. There are so many ways to encourage learning, including:

A book club. Here’s a list of 31 books recommended by the New York Public Library for reading during WHM.

A movie event. There are so many movies that feature strong female characters. Here’s a list of 50 films curated by the Oscars.

Bring live learning to your team. Electives has a long list of classes that are perfect for celebrating WHM, including A league of your own: Empowering life lessons from pioneering women in baseball.

3. Celebrate the women in your organization

Show appreciation to the women in your organization, and publicly celebrate what they’ve achieved inside and outside of work. Collectively reflect on the journeys female employees have taken within your company and their valuable contributions.

Don’t let WHM pass without taking action. Give yourself a deadline of March 31 to review and update your policies and procedures to ensure you’re fostering a culture of gender equality throughout your company.

There’s still a gender pay gap (GPG) across America. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review (HBR), “despite substantial progress toward pay equity, women in 2022 still earn 17% less than men on average.” And even with all the “explanations” for the gap removed, HBR estimates a GPG of 11% remains.

If you haven’t already, during March, conduct an audit of your company’s salaries and outline a plan to close your organization’s GPG and ensure equitable salaries for all employees.

6. Encourage ongoing gender equity conversations and action

It’s important for employees to be able to speak up if they feel they’re being harassed or discriminated against. Creating a “safe space” where people feel comfortable will encourage them to report any experiences or observations of gender inequality.

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Women’s History Month or create greater understanding of gender equality throughout your company?

The Electives Library of Live Learning is stocked with classes that are inclusive, experiential, impactful and unforgettable, including these classes designed to help promote gender equality in the workplace:

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Rise up to the challenge with a fun Kahoot-based event

Diverse women in leadership: Reducing bias and structural barriers to optimize potential 

Gender equality post Roe vs Wade: Reflections, implications and actions

A conversation about gender equity: Making a difference together — a guided conversation on gender equity issues

A league of your own: Empowering life lessons from pioneering women in baseball

Women in negotiation: Skills for navigating today and negotiating for a better future

Closing the confidence gap: How women can overcome hidden workplace barriers and the confidence gap

March is Women’s History Month (WHM), an opportunity to celebrate the contributions women have made to society in the United States and beyond.

The theme for 2023, designated by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), is "Celebrating women who tell our stories." NWHA is “encouraging the recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling."

WHM coincides with International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, which is celebrated globally to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The first IWD took place in 1911 to raise awareness of gender discrimination, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity, because “equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.”
Women are still suffering discrimination in the workplace
Women face a number of gender equality battles in the workplace, including sexual harassment, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, pay disparities and being overlooked when it comes to promotions.

According to the McKinsey “Women in the Workplace” report, women – and especially women of color – are still dramatically underrepresented in corporate America leadership. Likewise, the gender pay gap continues to be a significant issue affecting women in the U.S. and around the world.
How to celebrate Women’s History Month at work
Equal rights for women have come a long way over the years, thanks to those who fought to be afforded the same privileges as men. During WHM, we are encouraged to celebrate how far we’ve come as a society and recognize what more needs to be done.

Here are some suggestions of how to mark Women’s History Month at your company:
1. Bring fun to your WHM celebrations
The Electives class Celebrating women’s history month: Rise up to the challenge with a fun Kahoot-based event is designed to be fun while having your team engage in active learning regarding successes, contributions and challenges of women and brainstorm ways to drive more progress for women in the workplace.
2. Learn about women’s history
Women’s History Month is a great time to learn about women throughout history who fought hard for the changes we enjoy in today’s society. There are so many ways to encourage learning, including:
A book club. Here’s a list of 31 books recommended by the New York Public Library for reading during WHM.
A movie event. There are so many movies that feature strong female characters. Here’s a list of 50 films curated by the Oscars.
Bring live learning to your team. Electives has a long list of classes that are perfect for celebrating WHM, including A league of your own: Empowering life lessons from pioneering women in baseball.
3. Celebrate the women in your organization
Show appreciation to the women in your organization, and publicly celebrate what they’ve achieved inside and outside of work. Collectively reflect on the journeys female employees have taken within your company and their valuable contributions.
4. Review your policies and procedures
Don’t let WHM pass without taking action. Give yourself a deadline of March 31 to review and update your policies and procedures to ensure you’re fostering a culture of gender equality throughout your company.
5. Perform an audit of salaries
There’s still a gender pay gap (GPG) across America. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review (HBR), “despite substantial progress toward pay equity, women in 2022 still earn 17% less than men on average.” And even with all the “explanations” for the gap removed, HBR estimates a GPG of 11% remains.

If you haven’t already, during March, conduct an audit of your company’s salaries and outline a plan to close your organization’s GPG and ensure equitable salaries for all employees.
6. Encourage ongoing gender equity conversations and action
It’s important for employees to be able to speak up if they feel they’re being harassed or discriminated against. Creating a “safe space” where people feel comfortable will encourage them to report any experiences or observations of gender inequality.
Are you looking for ways to celebrate Women’s History Month or create greater understanding of gender equality throughout your company?
Contact the Electives team for ideas.

The Electives Library of Live Learning is stocked with classes that are inclusive, experiential, impactful and unforgettable, including these classes designed to help promote gender equality in the workplace:
Celebrating Women’s History Month: Rise up to the challenge with a fun Kahoot-based event
Diverse women in leadership: Reducing bias and structural barriers to optimize potential 
Gender equality post Roe vs Wade: Reflections, implications and actions
A conversation about gender equity: Making a difference together — a guided conversation on gender equity issues
A league of your own: Empowering life lessons from pioneering women in baseball
Women in negotiation: Skills for navigating today and negotiating for a better future
Closing the confidence gap: How women can overcome hidden workplace barriers and the confidence gap

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During WHM, we are encouraged to celebrate how far we’ve come as a society and recognize what more needs to be done. 


Women’s History Month: Celebrating the contributions of women & taking action toward gender equality

Tue Jan 31 2023

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