Women’s history month activities for a meaningful March

Women’s History Month is here, and it’s time to celebrate!

Throughout history, women have shaped industries and changed the world - so why not take this opportunity to show some deep appreciation?

We’ve got 25 of the best activities lined up to honor the achievements of women, past and present.

So let’s get into it!

What is “women’s history month”?

Every March, Women’s History Month is a chance to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on the contributions of women throughout history. It’s a time to look back on their progress and achievements, while acknowledging that there’s still work to be done.

Companies are recognizing that Women’s History Month is not just a ceremonial gesture. The month is a commitment to creating an environment that women can thrive in. As it stands, research shows that despite making up 42% of the workforce, women hold only 32% of senior leadership positions. 

The more we support and uplift women at work, the closer we get to closing that gap.

25 activities and ideas to celebrate Women’s History Month

There are countless ways to celebrate Women’s History Month, so we’ve grouped these activities into categories, each with a different focus.

Learn and celebrate women's achievements

Women have shaped history in every field, yet their stories often go untold. These activities shine a spotlight on inspiring women, past and present:

1. Host a women's history panel discussion

Kickstarting our list, a great panel discussion can turn Women’s History Month into a genuinely inspiring event. After all, nothing beats hearing real stories from real women. Bring in women leaders who can share their lived experiences, the challenges, the wins, and everything in between. The best panels feel like a light conversation, not a TED Talk, so pick a speaker who feels relatable.

Your teams will have some burning questions, so make it interactive by letting them submit questions in advance, or live. Getting a women’s history panel right will leave them feeling inspired, reflective, and maybe even rethinking their own career goals (or at least their LinkedIn bios).

2. Spotlight women in your industry

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to highlight the unique things women bring to your specific field. Have you taken a little deep-dive on female leaders in your industry? Chances are, there are pioneers, rising stars, and innovators whose work deserves more recognition.

Feature their achievements in newsletters, blogs, or social media, or bring attention to women within your own company who are making a difference. Make it personal by asking them to nominate women who inspire them. That could be a mentor, colleague, or someone leading the industry. A little recognition really does go a long way!

3. Curate a women's history book club

A good book generates wonderful conversations, and Women’s History Month is the perfect time to start a book club highlighting female voices. Some great picks we’ve found are:

• “Becoming” by Michelle Obama – A deeply personal memoir about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice.

• “The Book of Gutsy Women” by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton – A celebration of fearless female trailblazers.

• “Eve” by Cat Bohannon – A fascinating look at how the female body shaped human evolution.

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Let your teams read at their own pace and join a relaxed discussion. If full books feel like a commitment, try essays, articles, or even a podcast episode instead. Be inspired!

4. Wall of wonder women: females who inspire

A bulletin board might seem old-school, but it’s a simple, powerful way to keep Women’s History Month visible all month long. Dedicate a space in the office (or a virtual board for remote teams) to cherish famous women, key historical moments, and employee shoutouts.

Let your teams add their own contributions too. A quote from an inspiring woman, a fun fact, or even a personal story about a female mentor. The more people engage, the more meaningful it becomes. A well-designed bulletin board creates a mini museum of inspiration (without the “no touching” signs).

5. Lunch & learn: feminist movements & workplace equality

What better way to start meaningful conversations than over lunch that everyone enjoys? Take a moment to think about the food that is going to please everyone in the office, with inclusive dietary options for all. Sounds like a winning formula!

A Lunch & Learn creates a relaxed space to explore key feminist movements and workplace equality, from the fight for equal pay to breaking leadership barriers. Also, consider bringing in a guest speaker, HR leader, or DEI specialist to share insights. The informal atmosphere is perfect for generating some new perspectives. All that, with the option of a second helping of food? Count us in!

Recognize and appreciate the women around you

Sometimes it’s good to take the emphasis off learning new things and appreciating the here and now. These activities encourage us to pause and appreciate the women around us today:

6. “Women who wow” awards

Recognition goes a long way, so why not make it official? A Women’s Achievement Award is a great way to celebrate female employees making an impact in your company. Go all out with an awards ceremony to sing their praises. Some example awards might be:

• Pioneer Award – For a woman leading the way and driving change.
• Mentor of the Year – Recognizing someone who uplifts and supports fellow colleagues.
• Rising Star Award – Celebrating an emerging leader making big moves.

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The key is acknowledging contributions from your female stars that deserve to be seen. A little appreciation creates a world of confidence and pride.

7. Wall of women leaders

Creating a Wall of Women Leaders is a simple yet powerful way to highlight inspiring women. It’s really up to you which kind of female leaders you want to shout out. They could be global superstars, changemakers or just leaders in your own company. Dedicate a physical space in the office or create a digital version for remote teams.

Feature photos, achievements, and quotes from women who have shaped history. Over time, this display becomes more than a wall; it can be a constant reminder of the impact women make every day.

8. Thank you notes for female gratitude

Sometimes, the simplest gestures mean the most. Encourage your teams to write thank-you notes for the women they work with. A moment of appreciation sets a great tone for the month and a heartfelt message can be more meaningful than a generic “great job” email.

Set up a drop box in the office or a shared digital space for remote teams. At the end of the month, share a few standout notes (with permission). Who doesn’t love an unexpected moment of gratuity? It’s an instant mood-lifter!

9. Boss ladies: Women-owned business shoutouts

Put the spotlight on women-led businesses and give them the recognition they deserve! Get to know the women-owned businesses operating in your neighborhood, from little coffee shops to fledgling start-ups.

Organize a team lunch from a woman-owned restaurant or swap your usual office snacks for treats from a female-founded brand. Supporting women in business doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as choosing where you spend your money.

10. Highlight women’s contributions in your company history

Every company has stories of women who’ve made an impact, but are these stories truly being told? Use Women’s History Month to dig into your company’s archives and say thanks to the women who helped make it what it is today.

Feature their contributions in a blog post or newsletter. If records are a little sparse, turn it into an opportunity by interviewing longtime employees and documenting their stories now. Inspire the next generation of future female leaders!

Connect, engage and strengthen your team

Elevate the emphasis of bringing teams closer together with some female-inspired team-building activities to remember! These activities bring the whole squad together while enjoying Women’s History Month:

11. Host a women's trivia challenge

Give trivia night a Women’s History Month spin! A Women’s History Month trivia challenge is a fun way to test your team’s knowledge while celebrating incredible women from history, science, sports, and beyond. Some great (but tricky) questions could include:

• Who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize? (Marie Curie)
• Which female artist has won the most Grammys? (Beyoncé)
• Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic? (Amelia Earhart)

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Use a bit of light-hearted competition to get the most out of your teams this Women’s History Month!

12. “Reel” women: a movie night for change

Here’s a lovely way to bring teams together in an informal but inspiring setting. Pick a movie directed by a woman or featuring a strong female lead (think Hidden Figures, Little Women, or Erin Brockovich).

Make it an event with snacks, nice lighting and comfy seating. If your team is remote, try a virtual watch party with a group chat for reactions. Grab the popcorn and settle in; this “team meeting” is in the hands of Hollywood now!

13. Organize a women's networking event

Connecting with like-minded professionals can open doors, so why not host a women’s networking event? Set up a casual women’s networking event where they can connect, swap insights, and maybe even find a new work bestie.

Keep it structured but casual, like speed networking, small discussion groups, or a panel with Q&A. If your team is remote, set up virtual breakout rooms to keep conversations flowing. A networking event can turn colleagues into collaborators and build real connections.

14. Women’s History Month scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt with a Women’s History Month twist? Now we’re talking! Create a list of clues, trivia, or hidden facts about inspiring women and scatter them around the office, (or even outdoors if you’ve got the space!).

Keep it fun with team-based competition and a prize for the winners. A book by a female author or gift cards for female-owned businesses works well. It’s history hunting, but with a competitive edge. What’s not to love?

15. Volunteer with women-focused organizations

Giving back is one of the best ways to recognize Women’s History Month, so have you had a look at the women-focused charity organizations near you? Partner with local nonprofits, shelters, or mentorship programs that support women and girls. There are plenty of ways to make a positive impact.

If time is tight, set up a company donation match where everyone can contribute individually. However you do it, supporting women-focused organizations is a wonderful way of turning awareness into action.

Get creative and have fun with the theme

Women’s History Month doesn’t have to be all serious discussions and history books. More often than not, the greatest lessons are learned in an atmosphere of lightness and laughter. Try these activities for a fresh, artistic celebration:

16. Art showcase: women in creativity

Start off with a showcase of some of the greatest female artists to ever grace a canvas. By doing this, you’re setting the stage for their own artistic creations. Iconic works like Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas or Georgia O’Keeffe’s Jimson Weed are great to get the ball rolling. Set up an eye-catching gallery for their masterpieces.

Then, turn inspiration into action by inviting everyone to create their own artwork. Set up a painting session where they can recreate a famous piece or experiment with their own style. Whether the results belong in a museum or just on the office fridge, you’re setting the stage for getting creative together. Bellisimo!

17. Podcast club: women’s voices

Earlier we mentioned making a book club to celebrate great women, but not everyone has the time for paperbacks. A “podcast club” makes learning on the go so much easier. Pick an episode featuring inspiring women and let everyone listen at their own pace (a great one we found recently was Malala Yousafzai’s interviews on The Diary of a CEO).

Keep it relaxed, no need for quizzes, just a chance to share thoughts, insights, and favorite moments. Learning something new has never been so easy to fit into a busy schedule!

18. Letter to your younger self activity

Women’s History Month is a time to honor past progress, and what better way to reflect on personal growth than by writing a letter to your younger self? Encourage each person to share lessons learned, challenges overcome, and advice they wish they had earlier.

Letters can be personal or career-focused, whatever feels right. Invite volunteers to share their letters in a discussion or an anonymous board. Every journey can be seen as part of a bigger story.

19. Create a women's history playlist

Music has always been a powerful tool for storytelling and breaking down barriers. Celebrate Women’s History Month by creating a collaborative playlist of powerful female songs can bring everyone together. Some great playlist starters are:

• “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (the ultimate anthem of standing strong)
• “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé (because, well, obviously)
• “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett (for those who refuse to play by the rules)

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Ask each person to add a track that inspires them and get it ready to play in the office, during team breaks, or at company events. Here’s to a soundtrack that celebrates women’s voices (literally!).

20. Themed dress day: iconic women through history

Give your team a chance to step into the shoes of history-making women, in style! Host a themed dress day where each person can dress as influential women from history, pop culture, or their own lives. 

Keep it casual or go all out; it’s the participation that counts, not perfection. Add a photo wall or a mini storytelling session where people can share why they chose their icon. However people want to dress, it’s a chance to have fun and celebrate female leaders who paved the way.

Empower and support women’s growth

Great leaders aren’t born that way; they’re made, and Women’s History Month is the perfect time to help women build the skills and confidence to lead.

Perhaps for your activities you want to cast your eyes to the future. These activities focus on mentorship and personal development, giving women the tools and support they need to thrive.

21. Women’s leadership workshop

Investing in women’s growth benefits everyone, so why not host a workshop where female growth is emphasized? Host a workshop featuring female leaders, career coaches, or industry mentors who can share insights. Focus on practical topics like negotiation, career growth, and breaking barriers (most of the things that aren’t taught in schools!).

Instead of a traditional lecture, create a dynamic session with open discussions and problem-solving. If everyone gets into it and shares experiences, by the end, they’ll walk away with practical tools and a network of women ready to lift each other up.

22. Self-care & mental wellness session

Of course Women’s History Month is focused on celebration, but it should also have some time to promote wellness and personal support. Organize a self-care session focused on mental well-being, stress management, and work-life balance. A mindfulness expert can share tips on setting boundaries and avoiding burnout, which are problems many women face at work.

To get more hands-on, organize guided meditation, yoga, or even a creative activity like journaling. Mental health resources and wellness guides can be worth their weight in gold at stressful times. Make the message clear: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.

23. Money moves: financial empowerment for women

Money matters, but too often, financial education doesn’t address the unique challenges women face. Host a financial literacy session covering key topics like salary negotiation and investing for the future to help women out at work. 

Share real-life success stories, debunk common money myths, or break down intimidating finance topics into simple, actionable steps. The focus is on helping women feel more in control of their future, one key decision at a time.

24. Confidence-building workshop

Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t; it’s something you work on and build. Women’s History Month is a great time to focus on working on your best self. Topics like self-advocacy and public speaking can help women develop the confidence to speak up when they feel unheard.

This is helping with very deep and important skills for women in the workplace. Leading meetings, negotiating a raise, or just feeling more self-assured, this workshop can help turn hesitation into action.

25. Mentorship matching program

Our final recommendation is to recognize that the best way to grow is to learn from someone who’s been there before. A mentorship program can connect experienced women in your company with those looking for career advice. A solid mentorship program is a powerful way to build relationships that go beyond just one month.

Make it easy to join and advertise it everywhere. You might choose a formal application process, a coffee shop pairing or just a one-time mentorship session. All of these can be powerful tools that can kickstart career-shifting steps. 

Take Women’s History Month celebrations to the next level!

Recognizing women’s achievements doesn’t have to stop at in-office activities. In fact, celebrating with an offsite training retreat can become the ultimate way to forge stronger team bonds at work! 

At Surf Office, we specialize in seamless, stress-free offsites so you can focus on developing teams while we handle the logistics.

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Here’s what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Give your teams the best environment to level up their skills this Women’s History Month. Spaces fill up fast, so let’s get started. Get in touch with us today!