The team at Dr. Brandt Skincare is always working to empower the lives of all women through effective formulas, nurturing self-care rituals, and expert guidance. International Women's Day (IWD) is a unique global opportunity to unite with people around the world to celebrate women's achievements throughout history, fight gender inequality, and empower women and girls for generations to come. Here, a brief history about this holiday and what you can do to champion women’s rights, ignite change, and advance gender equality.

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day dates back to the early 1900s when women workers and female activists were demanding better pay and voting rights in various countries around the world. Since 1913, March 8th has been the official day to celebrate this holiday, although the United Nations did not begin its observance until 1975. Today, IWD is about driving action towards gender parity and honoring the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women over the past century, while also recognizing that there is still much work to be done for women to truly have equal rights in all areas of their lives. It is also a day to raise awareness for the violence against women that takes place every single day, and the importance of categorizing this violence as a public, human rights issue—not a private issue.

Ways to Celebrate International Women's Day

The beauty of this holiday is that there are many ways to celebrate it—nationally, locally, and even individually. Here are a few ideas on how to get involved in International Women's Day.

1. Attend an Organized Event

From concerts and conferences to marches and fun runs, there are hundreds of different events taking place across the world on March 8^th. Check this list of local events to see how you can take action this year: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/EventSearch

2. Champion Women in the Workplace

There are many ways to honor working women making a difference. Organize a lunch for both men and women to attend at which you host a discussion about power dynamics and gender diversity at workplaces. Ask different women leaders to speak about their personal experiences, challenges, and achievements in the workforce and get their advice for empowering women on the job. Or simply send an email to your first woman mentor telling her how and why she had a positive effect on your career path.

3. Be Inspired by Creative Women

Whether you are curling up with a captivating memoir, being engaged by a forward-thinking film, perusing the paintings of a progressive artist, or shopping designs from women-owned businesses, educating yourself on the feminist experience is an incredibly productive way to spend the day.

International Women's Day 2020 campaign theme: #EachforEqual

This year, organizers have chosen the campaign theme #EachforEqual for International Women's Day. This theme emphasizes the idea that we are all parts of a whole. What we do as individuals—the way we think, the way we behave, the way we speak—can have a big impact on our larger society and women’s empowerment in general. If we all do our individual part to make change happen, collectively, we can help create a gender-equal world.

The Powerful Women of Dr. Brandt Skincare

Dr. Brandt Skincare is proud to say that this year, our Skin Advisory Board is made up entirely of women. Experts in both integrated dermatology and their related fields, these brilliant females help us create groundbreaking skin solutions that also enhance wellbeing and encourage empowerment.

Dr. Shasa Hu: An American Board-Certified Dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has earned numerous accolades both for her medical practice and research endeavors.

Dr. Katlein França: A medical doctor and a specialist in dermatology with a master's degree in health sciences and a Ph.D. in psychology, as well as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Melissa Fox: An esteemed celebrity facialist and skincare industry expert, who is the recipient of the highest honor in the aesthetic industry, the CIDESCO Diplomate.

Molly Knaur: A registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition who helps her clients eat mindfully and create healthier habits that keep them looking and feeling their best.

However you plan to celebrate, whether it be on IWD, during Women’s History Month, or all year long, we hope that you share in our passion to break down barriers, spread love, and create a more empowered world for everyone.

Make sure to use the hashtag #EachforEqual if you are posting on social media during that day.