International Women’s Day 2021

International Women’s Day 2021 theme is “Choose to Challenge” Use the official hashtag: #ChoosetoChallenge. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  It has been observed since 1911. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Also read: This International Women’s Day 2021, basta Ilongga, gwapa and empowered

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day this Pandemic? (Infographics)

Join #ChooseToChallenge hashtag on social media and show support.

Simple yet powerful. By using the hashtag #ChooseToChallenge whenever you go social is a sign of support of your commitment to challenging gender biases. You are also taking a time to raise awareness against bias, celebrating women’s achievement, and taking action for equality.

Support women-owned businesses.

By simply supporting businesses that are owned, operated, and controlled by a woman, you are contributing to equal economic empowerment. In the middle of the pandemic when almost majority of the businesses were affected, choose to help the women and local businesses first.

Few Iloilo food places I know which are owned and managed by women are Nice to Meat You, Takuri, and Book Latte. Just remember to follow safety health protocols if you decide to go dine-in.

Send a nice message to a female colleague.

As most of us are still being on the work-from-setup, it is risky to meet in groups. By sending an email or an instant message to your colleague you could help pulling them up. Working is not easy. A lot has been displaced from their jobs but for some who was able to keep going – it is a superwoman thing. Let us be each other’s cheerleader.

Spend time with your favorite woman.

It could be you mothers, wife, girlfriend, grandmother, aunt, friend or whoever that is so special for you. Make the most of the time you have with the wonderful woman who is close to you. Do the things you both like and strengthen the bond between you two.

Accomplish a personal goal.

Hey woman, you deserve this day too! There might be a project you put on hold, a task you are afraid to try, a course you are hesitant to take – make this day a gift to yourself for that little victory. There are difficult times, self-doubts, procrastination but this women’s day could be a different story.

International Women’s Day for Ilonggos

Iloilo City and the whole province’s support for women has been tremendous through the years. I know there will be lots of onsite and online events dedicated for women. As a start, you may want to check out and support the following:

Sa Una Nga Butlak: An Art Exhibition By Baryo Balangaw Creative Initiatives. It is an all farm folk women art exhibit.

Ilongga Bicycle Diaries Collection Of Personification Essays. A passion project of Kasingkasing Press and Hubon Manunulat. Its main purpose is to invite all Ilongga bike enthusiasts to tell their cycling experience in Iloilo City during the pandemic.

I will be updating the list once I know other events.