- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AppreciationInternationalWomen
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every March 1
- Holiday emoji:
- ✊🏽
International Women of Color Day recognizes and celebrates the profound contributions of diverse women globally every March 1. Take action by amplifying their voices, supporting their causes, and advocating for equitable opportunities in every sphere.
Want to sponsor International Women of Color Day? Learn how
Expected International Women of Color Day Deals
While International Women of Color Day isn’t typically marked by commercial sales, it’s a powerful occasion for organizations and brands to amplify their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Look for initiatives from companies like Target, which often highlights women-owned businesses, or Sephora, known for its inclusive beauty campaigns. Non-profits such as Catalyst and LeanIn.Org will launch awareness campaigns, often partnering with corporate sponsors for donation matching or educational content. Many businesses will host internal events, workshops, or spotlight employee resource groups. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as March 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Women of Color Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #IWOCDay. Share stories of inspiring women of color in your professional network or highlight your company’s DEI initiatives.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalWomenOfColorDay. Create visual content celebrating diverse women, share quotes, or feature their achievements.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WomenOfColorDay. Join community discussions, share resources, or host a live Q&A with local leaders.
International Women of Color Day Hero
Dr. LaFrancis Rodgers-Rose
History of International Women of Color Day
International Women of Color Day celebrates diverse women of color, their contributions, and their traditions. It is celebrated in 25 states across America and five other countries. On International Women of Color Day, various events are hosted, including the Outstanding Women of Color and Girls of Color awards, where women from different backgrounds are commemorated. This day also celebrates supporters of women of color like men, women, and interest groups that fight against discrimination and racism in everyday life.
The National Institute for Women of Color or N.I.W.C. was established to safeguard the rights of women of color and help them build a supportive framework. Suzanne Brooks, International Association for Women of Color Day C.E.O., worked for the N.I.W.C. for 11 years and helped it grow. This was majorly an initiative of undergraduate and graduate students from Washington State University.
Since 1991, the Annual Community Women of Color Day, also known as the Diversity Event, has been held in Sacramento. This event happens on the first Sunday of March every year, and local vendors attend, and small exhibitions are also held here. Due to the support of advertisers and charity organizations, they can also raise some funds to help women in need. Over the years, more than 250 Outstanding Women and Girls of Color recognitions have been awarded to women in Northern California. Small business owners, organizations, men, girls, and everyone else who helps make the world an equal place is appreciated.
International Women of Color Day timeline
The institute grows a national network for women of African, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, Latina, and Pacific Island descent.
The N.I.W.C. announces March 1 as International Women of Color Day.
Affirmative Action Officer of Penn State University, Suzanne Brooks, begins the tradition of wearing ethnic dresses at all International Women of Color Day events.
Brooks organizes the first International Women of Color Day program at California State University.
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See MoreInternational Women of Color Day FAQs
When is International Women of Color Day?
In 2027, International Women of Color Day is observed on Monday, March 1. This day serves as a powerful reminder to honor the contributions of women of color worldwide.
Why is International Women of Color Day celebrated?
International Women of Color Day is celebrated to ensure that the voices and accomplishments of women of color are acknowledged and amplified. It’s a vital occasion for promoting equity, understanding, and solidarity.
What challenges do women of color still face today?
Today, women of color still contend with challenges such as microaggressions, limited access to resources, and disproportionate impacts of social and economic inequalities. Advocacy efforts continue to address these persistent disparities.
Who founded International Women of Color Day?
The National Institute for Women of Color (NIWC), under the leadership of its founder Dr. LaFrancis Rodgers-Rose, initiated International Women of Color Day. Though the NIWC is no longer active, its founding mission endures.
How to Observe International Women of Color Day
Post on social media
Celebrate your fellow women of color by posting on social media. Make sure to use the hashtag #WomenofColorDay for solidarity.
Make a Spotify playlist
Several female vocalists of color have delivered hit songs. Make a playlist and put some of your favorite songs by women of color in it.
Read about diverse women
The internet is a vast archive containing the records of diverse women of color contributions. Go ahead and look them up.
5 Interesting Facts About Women Of Color
Few executive positions
A recent study showed that out of the 532 African-American women who graduated from Harvard Business School between 1977 and 2015, only 67 of them were able to achieve high-ranking executive positions.
More susceptible to workplace harassment
Another 2006 survey revealed that women of color are most likely to face workplace harassment among all groups.
Less scope for promotion
Women of color are likely to receive less support from their superiors regarding promotions.
Less exposure to networking opportunities
Women of color are excluded from informal networks and do not receive helpful mentoring or guidance.
They feel invisible at work
Many studies have shown that the statements made by women of color are remembered less accurately when compared to their white peers.
Why International Women of Color Day is Important
It empowers women of color
This day is important because it reminds everyone that all women of color are amazing in their fields and deserve recognition. It empowers them to overcome their challenges.
It exposes bias
Women of color face bias on two levels — racial and gender bias. This day helps bring any kind of misbehavior towards them to light.
It celebrates solidarity
Since this day is celebrated globally, women of diverse cultures come together and show up for one another in whatever form possible. They support and celebrate each other on this day.
Social Media Tips for International Women of Color Day
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