International Women's Day - 8th March 2023

What is International Women's Day?

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and recognise the achievements of women around the world. This year, it takes place on Wednesday, 8th March and has a theme of DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. According to the UN, ‘37% of women do not use the internet, and around 259 million fewer women have access to the internet than men, even though they account for nearly half the world’s population... By 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas. Yet today, women hold just 22% of position in artificial intelligence, to name just one.’

What resources are there on Purple Mash to help teach about this day?

Why not start with learning all about the purpose of International Women’s Day and the importance of a gender equal world and writing about it with this template. Or perhaps you’d like to think about your ideal female role model. Who are they? Could they be a family member, sportsperson, celebrity, or community member? What makes them a role model? What do they do? Answer all these questions and more with the My Female Role Model writing frame.

Well Known Women

You’ll also find a huge range of well-known female figures past and present within the International Women’s Day area of Purple Mash. From politicians and nurses to Olympians and scientists, we have them all.

The list begins with Ada Lovelace. Inside her folder you'll see a slideshow and a quiz, along with a factfile for children to complete. We also have resources on the incredible Rosa Parks, where you can create an interview or newspaper report about her contribution to the Civil Rights movement.

DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality

If you want to honour this year's theme of DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, why not use some of our digital technology tools with your class? Encourage the girls in your class to lead a small group in creating a game in 2Code or 2DIY3D, create animations in 2Animate which highlight topics for discussion on this day, design a new invention specifically designed for women in 2Design and Make, or manage a coding club using our Mash Club resources.

Books for International Women's Day

If you've got access to Serial Mash, then we have some great books for you to read with your class on International Women's Day.

We have some brilliant non-fiction books courtesy of DK Learning:

We also have some lovely stories with girls as the main characters:

Ages 5-7:

Ages 7-9:

Ages 9-11:

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These are just some of the women celebrated within the International Women’s Day area of Purple Mash. Be sure to explore to find even more activities, quizzes and games about a diverse range of female icons.

Share how you’re celebrating International Women’s Day with us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.