It’s that time of the year again - International Women’s Day!  While we believe in the importance of honoring women everyday March 8 marks a special occasion for us to take time to praise all women have accomplished across the globe. It is a day we get to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

When women rise together, history changes, and we all thrive, and this is exactly what IWD is about.

In Latin America, where we work, gender inequality still prevails. Women face systemic discrimination and access to fundamental and higher education, but women are the region’s greatest untapped potential towards radical change. This year, we created something special to celebrate women, and shine a light on the #ladylifters among us. We have seen it happen, we believe in it, and the message is clear - #WeRiseUpBy LiftingOthers.

Here are some of the ways you can toast to women across the globe who are killing the game and shattering glass ceilings.

1. Strike the Pose

The International Women’s Day campaign theme this year is #BalanceForBetter, and they’re asking women and men across the world to strike a pose for a more gender-balanced world where everyone gets an equal part to play, everywhere. This theme isn’t just for the month, but for the whole year.

The #BalanceForBetter campaign includes a special pose to emphasize a more gender-balanced world where women and men equally get to thrive - and of course, an opportunity to capture an insta-worthy photo.

2. Listen to Podcasts

More and more women are getting into the audio game in the production, hosting, and creation side, so what better time is there to start listening to women-made shows that speak for other women? Maliheh Paryavi is releasing a podcast on IWD that features authentic and insightful conversations with women leaders throughout the world. Subscribe and listen for inspiration and growth here.

3. Give Back to Other Women

Many organizations challenge stereotypes, promote gender parity, and give spaces and visibility for women of all ages, race, and income. IWD calls for a perfect time to think about these incredible women, and more importantly, to support them. A lot of what we do center around Latinx communities where many women are still held back. Want to make a difference? Consider a gift or advocating for National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, the TransLatin@ Coalition, and MedShare.

4. Celebrate Women in Hollywood

Women account for 50% of moviegoers, but did you know that only 4% of women directors were represented in the top 100 grossing films of 2018? Even more alarming is the fact that Kathryn Bigelow is the ONLY woman to ever win the Academy Award for Best Director, and only five other women have ever been nominated (Lina Wertmüller, Jane Campion, Sofia Coppola, Bigelow, and Greta Gerwig). This really, really needs to change. Host a screening that will last all night long because here is a list of phenomenal movies directed by phenomenal women you must watch - if you haven’t already.

• Ladybird
• Lost in Translation
• Selma
• Frozen
• Bend it Like Beckham
• Zero Dark Thirty
• The Kids Are All Right
• American Honey
• The Hurt Locker

5. Support Female-Helmed Businesses

Nearly 70% of women business owners said it’s important to support other businesses owned and operated by women. So, to put money where our mouth is, it is time we reserve some seats at their tables, or services!

This year, apps like Yelp have made it incredibly easy for us to find and support all the female-led services across the country. The app has incorporated a “women-owned business” attribute as an option on company landing pages, where female founders can login to their Yelp business owner dashboard to mark themselves as women-owned, and customers will see the tag under the more business info section on the page.

6. Tune in to Inspirational Stories of Women From All Over the World

Every year, BBC will name 100 influential and inspirational women from all around the world. Their lives are told through documentaries, features, and interviews, and these stories give more space to put women at the centre of the 21st century.

This Friday, BBC will feature 100 new stories to inspire and uplift you, from India’s first school for grandmothers to comedians showing you how to respond to sexist banter.

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Want to join Project Alianza’s mission to empower women?

Sport some serious fashion to celebrate the #ladylifters across the world and join us as we give back. From t-shirts, stickers, snapbacks, to tote bags, all your purchases will proceed to programs that advocate for women’s rights and promote girls education. Every day we are reminded that when women come together, we have the potential to change the world for better.

Join us in changing the world - while serving some serious looks - today.