Businesses have a vital interest in highlighting women’s contributions to society and the world—approximately half the global audience of consumers is made up of women, after all. Moreover, the internal benefits for a company that actively supports and empowers women are numerous and well-documented, from being viewed as a more attractive employer and seeing higher employee retention rates to finding greater organizational success.
Showcasing and celebrating the critical roles women fill, both internally and externally, is a win-win-win for business: Women leaders receive recognition, and ideally, more seats at the table; businesses find more success and earn positive reputations; and consumers are able to support organizations they believe in. Here, 12 members of Forbes Agency Council share insightful and creative takes on the best ways to show ongoing support of women in the workplace and celebrate their achievements.
1. Compile An Online Book
Companies can create an online “Women’s HerStory” book where employees can share stories about the inspiring women in their lives, whether they’re famous figures or personal heroes. These stories can be compiled into an online anthology for everyone to read and share. This creates a lasting and accessible tribute that not only honors women, but also becomes a part of the company’s own story. – Datari Ladejo, Fernhill Digital Consulting
2. Develop An Affinity Forum
Develop an affinity forum for women within your company to regularly uplift, inspire and learn from one another. This ongoing initiative will foster candid discussions on topics like business, work-life balance and wellness. As a woman-owned company, we believe honoring women year-round is an effective and inclusive way to build a supportive work environment. – Anne St. Peter, Global Prairie
3. Create A Mission Council
Create a mission council of employees passionate about women’s empowerment. This council can facilitate discussions, develop social media campaigns and explore ways to support women’s organizations, women-led businesses, and mentorship programs. Within businesses, this initiative can foster community engagement and empower employees to make a tangible difference collaboratively. – Katie Meyer, MoonLab Productions
4. Host A Virtual Panel
Host a “Women Entrepreneurs” virtual panel. Invite diverse female leaders to discuss their career journeys, challenges and successes. Open it to the public and record it for later viewing. This creates accessible, inspirational content, positions your company as a thought leader and highlights the varied contributions of women in business. – Lisa Montenegro, Digital Marketing Experts – DMX Marketing
5. Launch A Storytelling Series
Launch a raw, unscripted series where women share their real stories, struggles and wins—no corporate polish, just honest conversations that inspire action. When women speak their truth, others gain the courage to rise. True celebration isn’t just about recognition; it’s about amplifying voices that drive change. – Amy Packard Berry, Sparkpr
6. Share ‘Meet Our Team’ Posts
Feature the successful women on your team in daily or weekly “meet our team” posts on social media. Highlight their stories and the paths they took in achieving their success in order to inspire others. Showcase that your brand is dedicated to the growth of women in your industry and at your company. – Bernard May, National Positions
7. Establish A Mentorship Program
A powerful way to celebrate women in your organization is by launching a mentorship program that pairs women leaders with aspiring professionals, particularly in underrepresented industries. This approach goes beyond short-term celebrations by fostering long-term growth and empowering women with the support and tools they need to thrive and create lasting change in their fields. – Jacquelyn LaMar Berney, VI Marketing and Branding
8. Build A Bank Of Role Models
There is so much we can learn from personal legacy. Let us share more stories about inspiring women in history who weathered challenging storms, built something profound and made a powerful impact in our own communities. It’s about creating a value bank and a resilience roadmap for the next generation of changemakers, and they need strong role models to learn from. – Samantha Reynolds, ECHO Storytelling Agency
9. Bring Women-Led Ideas To Life
Fund and amplify women-led ideas—whether through internal innovation grants, mentorship programs or direct investments in women entrepreneurs. Imagine an initiative where employees nominate women-led projects or nonprofits, and the company provides funding, resources or platform visibility to bring them to life. Why? Because history is still being written. – Gully Flowers, ALSO KNOWN AS
10. Guide New Women Entrepreneurs
Throughout the year, we take every opportunity to mentor new female entrepreneurs and those just getting started in their careers—to give them advice and encouragement and guide them on a path to success. In this way, we can ensure a stronger future for women. – Paula Chiocchi, Outward Media, Inc.
11. Spotlight Women Via Owned Media
It is always the perfect time to spotlight the women contributing so much to your team. Celebrate and support female leaders at your company by highlighting their amazing work on your company blog and social media channels. It could be anyone, from a C-level leader who is a mentor to all to an outstanding engineer to an HR director who built your team from scratch. – Ayelet Noff, SlicedBrand
12. Sponsor Micro Businesses; Fund Grants
A majority of consumers prefer brands that take a stand on social issues. Instead of doing generic campaigns, companies can sponsor female-led micro businesses or fund women’s innovation grants. Highlight recipients’ stories in content marketing to inspire and engage audiences. This not only fosters real impact, but also enhances brand loyalty and authenticity. – Christina Mendel, ChristinaMendel.com
