International Women’s Day is almost upon us!

On March 8th, women all over the world will be celebrated as part of International Women’s Day. Every year, this day comes and goes, and sometimes we don’t even notice it. Or for those of us that do, we spend it doing the same thing.

Below are 8 ways you can celebrate International Women’s Day this year in the least cheesy, least expensive, most fun way possible.

Spend time with your mum

Mothers are great, and honestly, they won’t always be there. This International Women’s Day, make the most of the time you have with the wonderful woman who bore you. Take her to her favourite restaurant, watch a movie with her, cook with her – however, it is you usually bond.

You’ll be surprised by how much she’ll appreciate your spending time with her, and more importantly, how much you’ll learn from being with her. Parents have feelings just like us, and doing this would definitely create a greater bond between you two.

Celebrate with women you admire

If you have a mentor (which you all should have, but more on that later), this is the time to reach out to her. Mentor-mentee relationships should not be one-sided with you always taking from your mentor. You should consciously seek ways to add value to the life of your mentor as well. On that day, treat your mentor to lunch or a coffee date.

If there’s someone else you admire who you haven’t yet built the mentor-mentee relationship, then this is a great opportunity to do so! Not only would the person be flattered by your thoughtfulness, but you will also get the added bonus of a great conversation with someone you look up to.

Give back to other women

Get involved at an NGO or social enterprise that is all about empowering women and girls. Alternatively, you could even volunteer at your local community centre or help out at church.

The point is to find ways to reach out to women in your community who are in need of help or rehabilitation, and there are many opportunities to do just that.

Accomplish a personal goal

Remember that thing? That important-but-oh-so-scary thing that you’ve been procrastinating on? Yup, you know exactly what I’m talking about, it just came to your mind now. Yeh, so get.it.done.

There is no better way to celebrate than accomplishing a seemingly daunting task. The more difficult it seems, the better. Let your triumph be your gift to yourself this International Women’s Day.

Visit a local women’s day event near you

Between networking mixers, concerts and art exhibitions, there is a Women’s Day Event in literally every city. So much so that the UN has made our lives easier and compiled a list of all these events here.

Last year’s theme was #PledgeForParity, and so a lot of the events raised awareness about the pay difference seen between men and women. There will, of course, be other issues involving inequality that will be addressed as well this year, but this would be a great time to learn some more about the pay gap problem and what we have to do to reverse it.

Support other women

There are many wonderful women doing powerful things, and we can all find ways to support their enterprises! This Women’s Day, visit that gallery run by that woman whose art you admire, splurge on that outfit by that designer you adore, download that innovative, game-changing app!

Fortunately, there is a surge in talent and this trend is something we all want to see continue.

Learn about impactful women

I know, I know. I promised you a fun list, and here I am bringing homework. Since when was learning ever fun? But hang on there, it really depends on how you do it. Get a group of friends and make it a fun, interactive activity. (Games night anyone?) Play a game of trivia and discover who among you knows the most about famous women civil rights activists.

Here, I’ll even give you a few key starting points: Maya Angelou, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Gloria Steinman, Nina Simone, Chimamanda Adichie. The winner gets bragging rights and a bag of treats!

Ladies, spend it alone – Treat yourself by doing absolutely nothing

If you want to stay at home, basking in the presence of your awesomeness that is totally fine with me. Just make sure you commit and go all out while you’re at it.

If it’s going to be you and a book, don’t just stop there. Grab that book and curl up with a hot cup of tea, hot chocolate, biscuits – whatever your favourite comfort food is.

This year, do things a little differently. Celebrate the powerful women in your life and yourself for being just that – powerful.