International Women's Day Celebration: A Guide for Primary School Teachers

International Women's Day (IWD) is a significant occasion that provides an excellent opportunity for primary school teachers to inspire and educate young minds about gender equality, diversity, and the achievements of women throughout history. As educators, your role in shaping the perspectives of the next generation is crucial, and celebrating IWD in the classroom is a wonderful way to contribute to this cause. In this article, we'll explore when IWD is celebrated, its origins, significance, and practical ways for teachers to introduce and commemorate this day with their primary school students.

When is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. This date serves as a global focal point to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of women across various fields and cultures.

What is International Women's Day, and What Does It Mean?

International Women's Day is a day dedicated to recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also aims to raise awareness about the challenges women face worldwide, promoting gender equality and advocating for women's rights. The day is marked by events, discussions, and activities that highlight the accomplishments and ongoing struggles of women in various aspects of life.

Who Started International Women's Day?

The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the first National Woman's Day organized by the Socialist Party of America on February 28, 1909. However, the idea of an international day to celebrate and advocate for women's rights gained momentum at the International Conference of Working Women held in Copenhagen in 1910. Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and advocate for women's rights, proposed the idea of an annual International Women's Day, and it was unanimously approved by the conference attendees.

Why is International Women's Day Celebrated?

International Women's Day is celebrated to raise awareness about gender inequality and discrimination that women face worldwide. It serves as a call to action to address issues such as unequal pay, limited access to education and healthcare, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. The day also celebrates the achievements of women in all aspects of life and acknowledges their contributions to society.

How Can Teachers Introduce International Women's Day to Primary School Students in the Classroom?

a.    Start with the Basics:

Begin by explaining the concept of International Women's Day in age-appropriate language, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and equality.

Here's a great free resource to introduce International Women's Day to students from third to fifth grade. It includes a reading comprehension passage titled 'International Women's Day: What Is It?' with comprehension questions, a writing prompt, and 12 biography posters for the bulletin board.

International Women's Day Pack: Reading - Writing - Bulletin Board

b.    Explore Women's Achievements:

Share stories and biographies of inspirational women from diverse backgrounds and fields, such as scientists, activists, artists, athletes, and political leaders. Encourage students to discuss why these women are role models and how their contributions have made a difference.

Here's a great resource with 20 biography passages of influential women in different fields like Marie Curie, Harriet Tubman, Kamala Harris, and Sally Ride. Perfect for International Women's Day and Women's History Month, designed for students from third to fifth grades.

Women's History Month Reading Comprehension Activities - 20 Influential Women

c.    Engage in Activities:

Plan interactive activities that promote gender equality and empower students to challenge stereotypes. This could include role-playing scenarios, creating artwork or posters celebrating women's achievements, or organizing a classroom debate on gender-related topics.

d.    Foster Critical Thinking:

Encourage students to reflect on the challenges women face globally and brainstorm ways they can contribute to creating a more equitable society. Encourage empathy and understanding by discussing how gender stereotypes and biases can impact individuals' lives.

e.    Biography Research Project:

Foster independent learning and critical thinking by assigning students a biography research project. Encourage them to explore the lives of remarkable women, share their findings, and perhaps even organize a mini-presentation for the class.

Friendly Tip: Here's a fun way to do it: grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and customize our free biography research Canva template! Add the figure's name, toss in a picture, and voila – you've got a personalized research sheet ready for your students. It's like the coolest DIY project, teacher style!

By celebrating International Women's Day in the classroom, primary school teachers can instill values of equality, respect, and empowerment in their students. By educating the next generation about the importance of gender equality, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and just society for all. Let's seize this opportunity to inspire our students to become advocates for change and champions of gender equality.