On March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. You’d think we’d have evolved quite far 2019 years after the first Roman Emperor was still walking this earth. However, women and women-identifying people around the globe still have to put up with great socio-economic injustices and physical/mental violence all while fighting for basic human rights and (access to) healthcare. The well-adjusted mind boggles. But it can also get to work. The official IWD organisers have named this year’s edition “Balance for Better”: ways you can help create a more gender-balanced world. No better time to draw your attention to a few women-lead projects, equality-based initiatives, formidable female achievements, challenges, art, culture, business, sports, beauty and much more. Let’s organise, donate, celebrate, support, believe. Let’s tip the scale further. And remember, if your brand of feminism only includes white cis gender women, it’s fake as hell.

Now, to equality! * Queen Radio explosion *

1) WATCH THIS

“Better Things”, currently in its third season. Created by acclaimed writer, producer, director and actor Pamela Adlon. Put this on top of your to-watch list.

“Period. End of Sentence.” on Netflix: the Academy Award-winning documentary short by Rayka Zehtabchi on a women-lead initiative in India that provides menstruation pads and aims to end period stigma for local girls and women. 

“Red Table Talk” : Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow & Gammy break it down to you and when you get it, Jada will scream ‘THAT PART’ in your face and you will love it.

“Russian Doll”, co-created by Natasha Lyonne and Leslye Headland. Directed by women only and created by an all-female writer’s room.

2) READ THIS

 Everything on this list, including Angie Thomas’ (The Hate U Give) latest YA novel “On The Come Up”.

”Bad Feminist: Essays” by the inimitable professor Roxane Gay.

“I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual”, essays on media and culture by Luvvie Ajayi.

“Freshwater” by Akwaeke Emezi, recently longlisted for the prestigious Women’s Fiction Prize.

“The Body is not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee-Taylor. 



3) LISTEN TO THIS

The “Gurls Talk” podcast by Adwoa Aboah - the formidable model, activist & founder of online community Gurls Talk invites her friends and they discuss everything from anxiety to addiction.

”When I Get Home” by Solange. It’s just a few days old at this point. Have you really taken it all in? 

The “Boss Ladies” episode of “Call Your Girlfriend”, by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman: real talk on female self-employment.

4) Submit Your Work To This

The Writers Lab - a 4-day New York script development workshop for women over 40 (entry deadline is March 14).

5) Support/Buy This

go as u.r. - a new Belgian label focusing on vegan beauty and sustainable fashion “on a mission to empower girls & women worldwide to be and move as they are”.

No Sesso - (“no sex/no gender” in Italian), the first label founded by a trans woman, Pierre Davis, to show at NYFW.

GreenBoxShop - Founded by Kayla Robinson, GreenboxShop is an ever-growing and evolving body of artists, activists and creators promoting authenticity, inclusivity and awareness, providing you with quality products in the process.

CHNGE - The carbon neutral clothing company championing ethical manufacturing, sustainable fabrics and a transparent production process.

Florence Given merch, designed by the influential London-based artist and social issues advocate.

Studio 189, an ethical platform created by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah which brings ‘made in Africa’ content and clothing to an international market.

6) Attend This

Primavera Sound, the Barcelona festival that worked to create a gender-equal line-up that includes Solange, Cardi B, FKA Twigs, Kali Uchis, Robyn and goes irresponsibly hard. 

“Black History Month Antwerp”, organised by the African Youth Organization, featuring many projects originated by Black women.

Julie Scheurweghs’ “Woman As Parts” exhibition at Botanique Brussels.

Statement Festival, a Swedish initiative and the world’s first music festival for all women.

WaveSisters, a surf and yoga camps for girls held in Portugal.

7) CLICK ON THIS

The International Women’s Day website, of course.

MyBeautyStack, the must-get beauty appointment app created by the inspirational entrepreneur and WAH Nails founder Sharmadean Reid.

The WomenWho newsletter by Otegha  Uwagba.

Marguerite, a networking organization for women working in the arts.

DevelopHer, elevating women in tech.

Gurls Talk, an online community where women discuss mental health, race, gender and much more.

Women Enabled, working to advance the human rights of women and girls with disabilities.

Makers, the conference uniting industries for gender equality.

Kivu Coffee, the boutique coffee project founded by Christina Hardy.

GirlCrush, the online beauty magazine founded by Crystal Die.

Sad Girls Club, the IG account driven by women of colour & building community within the mental health world & sparking conversations with GenZ & millennials.

SuperShe, the all-female retreat in Finland.

Header image: (c) GreenBoxShop

There are so many more great women’s initiatives out there, get in touch (info@knotoryus.com) & tell us which project you ride for!