Karla Tafra
March 8 is International Women’s Day, when we celebrate the “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.” Here’s how you can support your female friends, coworkers, family members, acquaintances, or women in general.
Acknowledge Her Work
So many women struggle to get recognition for their hard work, so make it your mission to show them your appreciation and acknowledgment. A simple, “You’re doing an amazing job with X or Y,” can make a world of difference. It can make her feel like her job matters, and that her hard work is recognized.
There are a lot of things people take for granted these days, so support your fellow women by letting them know they’re doing a great job.
Celebrate Her Success
We’re all busy and often don’t take the time to acknowledge our own successes, let alone those of others. Take a moment this International Women’s Day to celebrate the successes of the women in your life. Make this the day you celebrate and relish the goals they’ve achieved.
Whether you just grab a coffee with a friend and let her know how proud you are of her or throw a full-on bash to celebrate her success, she’ll likely never forget the gesture.
Offer Your Help
Everyone could use some help every now and then, so be a bit more mindful this year and lend a hand to a fellow woman in need. Find ways to support her projects, missions, or any situation she might be in. Help her figure it out. No one should be left on her own all the time.
Whether it’s taking something off her plate, helping her find a professional, loaning her some cash, or pitching in and working with her, there are so many ways you can help out.
Find out what will help most, and do it.
Show Interest and Listen
Ask questions, and listen to what she says. Take an interest in her life. You never know what someone might be going through. Sometimes, the best support you can give is to just be there for her and listen.
Refrain from passing judgment or offering unsolicited advice. Show her that her story is valuable and deserves attention.
Whether she’s complaining about her boss or a relationship, or excited about an upcoming venture or trip, lend an ear or a shoulder she can lean on.
Let Go of Jealousy
It’s not uncommon to encounter jealousy or envy in a heavily female environment, but nothing good ever comes of those feelings. If you notice this occurring, shift the focus to something better.
Be happy for the successes and victories of the women in your life. Let them inspire and motivate you to reach greater heights in your own work and be the best version of yourself.
Respect Her Decisions
Whether you agree with a woman in your life or not, respect her decisions and opinions. Trust that she knows what she’s doing, even if you think it’s wrong. It’s okay to let her know your thoughts and offer your help, but don’t try to impose your own beliefs on her.
Respect is one of the biggest gifts you can give anyone in your life, so don’t let your ego get in the way.
Make the Time
Don’t be the person who always plans to grab a coffee with someone, but never actually schedules it. Carve some time out of your busy schedule and spend it with your mom, wife, girlfriend, or a female colleague or friend.
Even if it’s just an hour, it will mean a lot to her. It will make her feel loved, cherished, and appreciated. People need to feel connected, and female friendships are more important than you might think.
Give Her Space
As much as it’s important to be there for the women in your life, it’s just as important to give them space when they need it. Sometimes, people just need some time to deal with things.
Supporting someone includes letting them be themselves without trying to change or mold them to your own notions or beliefs.
Be there for her through thick and thin, but let her have some alone time when she requests it.
Remember Important Dates
This might seem small compared to everything else on this list. However, remembering the important dates in someone’s life can have a powerful effect on her and your relationship.
Mark her important dates on your calendar. Reach out to wish her a happy birthday or celebrate other life achievements. Wish her luck if she’s embarking on a new path or ask how an important event went. These little gestures show you care.
Get Involved
There are many amazing organizations and movements that support women’s rights. So, find one that speaks to you and learn how you can offer your support!
Only by lifting one another can we ever truly thrive. So, support your fellow women this International Women’s Day and be part of the change!
