Imagine walking into work on International Women’s Day (IWD) and experiencing a real celebration—conversations that matter, initiatives that drive change, and a workplace that genuinely values equality.
Too often, IWD is reduced to a token gesture—a few cupcakes in the break room and some well-meaning words about empowerment.
But the businesses that get it right use this day as a springboard for something bigger. They create space for real appreciation, meaningful action, and long-term change.
Whether you're in HR, leadership, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there are plenty of ways to celebrate IWD at work in a way that feels authentic, engaging, and impactful.
Let’s explore how to make this year’s celebration one that truly matters.
Host a Panel or Guest Speaker Session
A great way to celebrate International Women’s Day is by bringing real voices into the conversation. Hosting a panel or guest speaker session gives employees the chance to hear from women leaders, industry experts, or community advocates who have valuable insights to share.
How to make it impactful:
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Invite women from diverse backgrounds to speak about their experiences in leadership, career growth, and workplace challenges.
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Keep it interactive—allow time for Q&A or small group discussions to encourage engagement.
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Consider partnering with local women’s networks or non-profits to bring in speakers who can offer fresh perspectives.
A well-organised speaker session can do more than just inspire—it can spark meaningful conversations and drive real change in your workplace culture.
Create an Employee Recognition Initiative
International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women who contribute to your workplace every day. A well-thought-out recognition initiative can help shine a light on their achievements in a way that feels genuine and meaningful.
How to make it impactful:
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Encourage employees to nominate female colleagues who inspire them, whether through leadership, mentorship, innovation, or teamwork.
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Highlight these stories through internal newsletters, social media, or company meetings to show appreciation on a wider scale.
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Make it inclusive—recognition shouldn’t just go to those in senior roles but to all women who make a difference.
When done right, this kind of recognition can foster a stronger culture of support and appreciation, ensuring that women in your organisation feel truly valued—not just on IWD, but all year round.
Fundraising or Volunteering for Women’s Causes
International Women’s Day is about more than just celebration—it’s also an opportunity to give back and support women in need. Partnering with charities or community organisations can turn your IWD event into something that creates a real impact beyond the workplace.
How to make it impactful:
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Set up a company donation-matching program where the business matches employee contributions to a women-focused charity.
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Organise a volunteer day where employees can contribute their time to local women’s shelters, mentorship programs, or career development initiatives.
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Choose a charity or organisation through an employee vote to ensure the cause resonates with your team.
Giving back on IWD reinforces a commitment to real change, showing employees that the company supports women both inside and outside the workplace.
Go Beyond the Morning Tea—Make Food Part of the Celebration
We joked earlier about the classic IWD morning tea, but the truth is, food does bring people together—and when done with intention, it can be a meaningful part of the day.
You can easily incorporate a shared meal around any of the above ideas, or even host a longer sit-down event that features guest speakers, impactful storytelling, or a panel discussion on women's achievements and workplace equality.
Incorporating a meal into your IWD plans can create a relaxed and inclusive space where employees can connect, reflect, and engage in conversations that go beyond the workplace.
Give your Female Staff a Gift of Appreciation
A thoughtful gift can be a meaningful way to show appreciation for the women in your workplace on International Women’s Day. The key is to choose something that feels genuine, considerate, and aligned with your company’s values—not just another corporate-branded mug.
How to make it impactful:
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Support women-led businesses – Choose gifts made by female entrepreneurs, artists, or ethical brands to extend the impact beyond your workplace.
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Make it meaningful – Instead of generic items, select gifts that feel personal and celebrate women’s creativity and culture—like Koh Living’s collection of corporate gifts featuring Aboriginal artwork by female artists.
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Pair it with a message – A small note of appreciation, whether from leadership or peers, can make the gesture more personal and heartfelt.
Implement Long-Term Workplace Changes
Each year, International Women’s Day highlights a theme that encourages meaningful progress toward gender equality. The 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a call for faster, more decisive efforts to break down barriers and create real opportunities for women.
Rather than treating IWD as a standalone event, businesses should use it as a launchpad for sustained action. Here’s how to bring this year’s theme into your workplace:
Offer Professional Development Opportunities for Women
Investing in women’s growth and leadership potential is one of the most impactful ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. Providing access to career development opportunities not only supports individual employees but also strengthens your entire workplace.
How to make it impactful:
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Sponsor leadership training, workshops, or industry conferences for female employees.
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Launch mentorship programs where women are paired with senior leaders for career guidance.
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Offer skills development grants or stipends for courses that support women’s career progression.
Professional development doesn’t just benefit the women who participate—it helps create a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace.
Review and update company policies
Workplace policies play a critical role in shaping opportunities for women. Reviewing and updating policies ensures that gender equality is built into the foundation of your organisation, rather than being an afterthought.
How to make it impactful:
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Conduct equal pay audits to identify and close wage gaps.
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Establish clear leadership pathways that promote women into senior roles.
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Offer flexible work arrangements that accommodate caregiving responsibilities without penalising career progression.
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Review recruitment and promotion practices to remove biases that may disadvantage women.
A strong policy framework helps create an environment where women have equal access to growth, leadership, and career security.
Hold Listening Sessions with Female Employees
If businesses want to create meaningful change, they need to hear directly from women about their experiences in the workplace. Listening sessions provide a safe space for employees to share insights, challenges, and ideas for improvement.
How to make it impactful:
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Organise roundtable discussions where women can openly discuss workplace challenges and opportunities.
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Set up anonymous feedback channels to encourage honest input from employees who may not feel comfortable speaking up publicly.
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Act on insights gathered—ensure actionable follow-ups so leadership commits to making real improvements based on feedback.
By listening to women and acting on their concerns, businesses can create a workplace culture that values and prioritises gender equality.
Final Tips for an Impactful IWD Celebration
A great International Women’s Day event goes beyond good intentions—it should feel genuine, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone involved. Here are a few final things to keep in mind:
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Make it inclusive – IWD isn’t just for women. Encourage all employees to participate in conversations and initiatives that promote gender equality.
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Avoid tokenism – A morning tea is nice, but actions speak louder than cupcakes. Focus on initiatives that have a lasting impact.
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Encourage year-round commitment – Use IWD as a starting point for long-term changes that support women in your workplace.
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Get employee input – The best IWD celebrations reflect what matters most to your team. Ask employees how they’d like to mark the occasion.
By keeping these tips in mind, your IWD celebration can resonate with employees, create meaningful conversations, and drive real progress in your workplace.
Make Your International Women’s Day Gifts Meaningful
Looking for a thoughtful way to show appreciation this International Women’s Day?
Koh Living offers custom-branded and bulk-order corporate gifts and International Women’s Day for employees that celebrate women’s creativity and culture.
Our unique collection features ethically made products showcasing Aboriginal artwork by female artists, making each gift a meaningful tribute to women’s achievements.
Why Choose Koh Living?
✅ Support Female Artists – Every purchase helps empower Aboriginal women artists and their communities.
✅ Custom Branding – Add your company logo or a personalised message for a thoughtful corporate touch.
✅ Bulk Ordering Made Easy – Whether you need gifts for five employees or fifty, our streamlined process ensures a seamless experience.
✅ Ethical & Sustainable – Our products are crafted with care, supporting ethical practices and responsible sourcing.
To enquire about customisation or bulk orders, contact us at sales@kohliving.com.au or call 1800 811 598. Let’s make this IWD celebration truly meaningful.