Get ready for some serious femspiration! Stars took to social media in an empowering show of support for International Women’s Day (IWD) — from honoring the women who’ve personally motivated them or made their lives better to championing for gender equality stars spent their International Women’s Day lifting women up.
According to the official IWD website, this global day exists to celebrate the “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.” At the same time, it serves as a call to action — by raising awareness about issues women still face, the hope is that we can work to close the gap in gender equality. Although not officially recognized until 1911, IWD dates back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The day has since grown in status to include everything from marches and rallies to parades and performances. These are taking place around the globe and, yep, that includes a strong Hollywood presence.
Here are some of the ways your favorite celebs (women and men) celebrated International Women’s Day. To all of the incredible women who came before us, those who’ll come after us and those who walk among us — here’s to you.
Nicole Kidman
We can always use more opportunities to celebrate the deeply special women in our lives. Thinking of my beautiful Mumma and sister @AntoniaKidman today for #InternationalWomensDay 💕
A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman) on Mar 8, 2020 at 10:30am PDT
Dwayne Johnson
Sugar time! Lovely Sunday visit this afternoon, when one of my favorites, Aunt Dorothy (the pride of Macon, GA) drove up with the family to spend a little time with us. 89 years young and still handling business like a boss. What a life. She blessed us today with her presence. #internationalwomensday #prideofmacon #auntdotty
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:18pm PDT
Kerry Washington
This #IWD2020 I want to hear how YOU #EmbraceAmbition, and am challenging @niecynash1, @issarae, @nicolekidman & @officiallexiunderwood to spread the word!
A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Mar 8, 2020 at 11:47am PDT
Barack Obama
55 years ago, in Selma, Alabama, John Lewis and Amelia Boynton Robinson were two of the many civil rights organizers who were beaten for the simple act of attempting to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In 2015, Michelle and I, along with Michelle’s mother and our girls – three generations, hand-in-hand – joined these heroes to walk the path that they had paved. The story of Selma is quintessentially American – it’s the story of ordinary people coming together to shape our nation’s course because they believed in the simple idea that people who love their country can change it. Today, the march goes on. But the way forward is a little easier, thanks to all those who came before us, who sacrificed everything for the foundation stone of democracy – the right to vote. Now it’s up to us to honor their legacy by protecting and exercising that precious right, knowing that the work of perfecting our union is never done.
A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama) on Mar 7, 2020 at 7:15am PST
Kate Upton
Here’s to the strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. Happy #InternationalWomensDay 💕
A post shared by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on Mar 8, 2020 at 10:59am PDT
Supermodel Kate Upton shared two photos showing some of the most special ladies in her life: her daughter, Genevieve, and her mom and sisters. She captioned the pics with an iconic quote: “Here’s to the strong women. May we know them. May be them. May we raise them.”
Shania Twain
Let’s go girls! Today and everyday ✊❤️ #IWD2020 #internationalwomensday
A post shared by Shania Twain (@shaniatwain) on Mar 8, 2020 at 5:23am PDT
Shania Twain wished fans and followers a happy International Women’s Day using a few words from her famous hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” In a short video, the country music legend traced, “Let’s go girls” into the sand of some sunny beach.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex visited Robert Clack School, to celebrate the women of the future, and also highlight the important role men and boys play in International Women’s Day. The Duchess asked a young student to come on stage and share his perspective on the importance of the day, and whilst much attention has been focused on his initial comment, what he shared beyond that was compelling and true. Please watch the full video and tag a man in your life, and have him share what #IWD means to him
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:23am PDT
50 years ago, women in Britain won the right to equal pay. That monumental moment began with one courageous and inspiring group of women in a factory in Dagenham, England. In 1968, facing a pay settlement that declared them less skilled than men, the sewing machinists of the Ford Motor Company walked out on strike. In the face of great pressure, they stood firm, and two years later the UK Parliament was forced to pass the Equal Pay Act, protecting and supporting working women ever since. To mark International Women’s Day, The Duchess of Sussex visited Dagenham to meet with Geraldine Dear, one of the strikers, and spend time with students at the Robert Clack Upper School to meet the town’s next generation of female role models, and talk to young women and men about the women who inspire them. • “Being in Dagenham is incredibly profound. Because as you can see with Geraldine and the other women who had the strength to really stand up for something that they knew needed to be done. This is the best example of no matter how small you might feel, how low you may feel on the ladder or the totem pole, no matter what colour you are, no matter what gender you are, you have a voice, and you certainly have the right to speak up for what is right.” – The Duchess of Sussex A lifetime advocate and campaigner for gender equity, The Duchess joined a special assembly to celebrate this remarkable local story, as well as recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of all women around the world. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2020 #EachForEqual Photo © The Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Chris Allerton
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 8, 2020 at 5:08am PDT
Happy International Women’s Day! Here, a glimpse of The Duchess’ visit to the Robert Clack School to hear from the students on what IWD means to them, and how we can all uplift one another. Tag an inspiring woman in your life and tell us what #IWD2020 means to you. More behind the scenes moments coming soon…
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 7, 2020 at 10:56pm PST
A sneak peek of The Duchess of Sussex’s visit in honour of International Women’s Day to the Robert Clack school in Dagenham. Check in here tomorrow for behind the scenes moments and special coverage of the visit throughout the day. #IWD Photo © The Duke and Duchess of Sussex / Chris Allerton
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 7, 2020 at 2:31pm PST
In honor of International Women’s Day, the Duchess of Sussex shared a stirring speech she made at Robert Clark School in Dagenham, England, on Friday. In addition to touching on important issues like gender equality, Meghan also took time to speak to young female students (who were clearly overjoyed to meet one of their she-roes).
Gisele Bündchen
Much gratitude and respect for all the women who paved the way, so we could be here today working, voting and having a voice. Through their strength, courage and love they continue transforming the world and making it a better place for the next generations to come. Today and every day, I celebrate women. Let’s support and lift each other up! We are stronger when we are together. Happy women’s day! ❤️❤️❤️ Muita gratidão e respeito por todas as mulheres que abriram o caminho para que pudéssemos estar aqui hoje trabalhando, votando e tendo uma voz. Através de sua força, coragem e amor, elas continuam transformando o mundo e tornando-o um lugar melhor para as próximas gerações. Hoje e todos os dias, celebro as mulheres. Vamos apoiar e levantar umas às outras! Somos mais fortes quando estamos juntas. Feliz dia das mulheres!
A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) on Mar 8, 2020 at 8:50am PDT
In a series of sweet photos, Gisele Bündchen captured how much women mean in her own life. “Much gratitude and respect for all the women who paved the way, so we could be here today working, voting and having a voice. Through their strength, courage and love they continue transforming the world and making it a better place for the next generations to come,” she captioned the pictures, adding. “Today and every day, I celebrate women. Let’s support and lift each other up! We are stronger when we are together.”
Lauren Conrad
We had our 3rd annual @thelittlemarket international women’s day event today 💛 I am so grateful for the beautiful community that surrounds and supports this non-profit and loved celebrating with them today!
A post shared by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on Mar 6, 2020 at 7:44pm PST
ICYMI, Lauren Conrad and friend Hannah Skvarla co-founded The Little Market in 2012, a non-profit fair trade shop featuring ethically sourced, artisan-made products. Founded by women to empower women, it encourages more conscientious consumerism. So, it’s only fitting that Conrad and Skvarla hosted their Third Annual International Women’s Day Event at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in California over the weekend.
Taylor Swift
In honor of International Women’s Day, I changed out my @AppleMusic playlist to songs I’m loving right now by female artists and bands. 💕 Let’s all celebrate together by honoring the women in our lives and the women out there pushing things forward 😘 https://t.co/YSUOgCUqIa
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) March 7, 2020
Swifties are getting a major dose of female empowerment today! For her IWD tribute, Taylor Swift filled her Apple Music playlist entirely to songs she’s “loving right now” by female artists and brands. “Let’s all celebrate together by honoring the women in our lives and the women out there pushing things forward,” she tweeted.
David Beckham
I’m so lucky to be surrounded by amazing and strong women as we celebrate International Women’s day #IWD2020 #InternationalWomensDay @victoriabeckham @sandra_beckham49 #HarperSeven ♥️♥️♥️
A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Mar 8, 2020 at 6:53am PDT
“I’m so lucky to be surrounded by amazing and strong women as we celebrate International Women’s Day,” David Beckham captioned a series of super-sweet photos showing his wife Victoria Beckham, their daughter Harper and his mom.
Rita Ora
Be a lady they said. Don’t talk too loud. Don’t talk too much. Don’t take up space. Don’t sit like that. Don’t stand like that. Don’t be intimidating. Today is International Women’s Day. For years I’ve questioned, is what I’m doing ok? Am I doing too much, am I too naked? who cares?? But I care! No I don’t, yes I do! The back and forth would kill me! I’ve worked so hard to be proud of my choices and sacrifices I make every day to be here today and be who I am. I can only imagine decisions made by women, mothers, sisters, aunties, women CEO’s, grandmothers, godmothers, godsisters, foster mothers, foster sisters, any role any woman takes on in life! So today I stand for all of you who are proud of who you are, what you’ve done in your past, present and future! Here’s to creating your own legacy. Here’s to us. Love yours forever, Rita Quote from @girls.girls.girls.magazine by #CamilleRainville #Internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2020 #IWD #IWD2020 📸@ronanpark
A post shared by RITA ORA (@ritaora) on Mar 8, 2020 at 3:33am PDT
For Rita Ora, International Women’s Day was an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of so many women in her life — and to honor those contributions. After admitting how conflicted she’s felt over the years in becoming a confident, successful woman, she nodded to the females who helped her get to where she is now.
“I can only imagine decisions made by women, mothers, sisters, aunties, women CEO’s, grandmothers, godmothers, godsisters, foster mothers, foster sisters, any role any woman takes on in life! So today I stand for all of you who are proud of who you are, what you’ve done in your past, present and future!” she said, adding, “Here’s to creating your own legacy. Here’s to us.”
Kelly Ripa
Happy #internationalwomensday to this fierce woman- daughter and all my sisters around the world. In celebration let’s leap ahead and lose an hour of sleep 🌎⭐️🔥♥️💕💪🏽
A post shared by Kelly Ripa (@kellyripa) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:59am PDT
When you’re blessed with a “fierce woman” for a daughter, you want to shout it out from the rooftops every day. Kelly Ripa did just that on IWD, sharing three stunning photos of her 18-year-old, Lola Consuelos. The Live with Kelly and Ryan host also gave a shout-out to “all my sisters around the world.”
Laura Dern
We all have the power to change the future. #PomellatoForWomen #Pomellato #InternationalWomensDay
A post shared by Laura Dern (@lauradern) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:36am PDT
Big Little Lies star Laura Dern shared a video she took part in for Pomellato jewelry’s Pomellato for Women sisterhood initiative — a communication platform of like-minded women from varied backgrounds, ages, disciplines and more meant to inspire with positive examples of female leadership. “We all have the power to change the future,” Dern captioned her post.
Jameela Jamil
This international women’s day, if you do not have a medical condition that requires you to monitor your weight, please THROW OUT YOUR SCALE. Do not be imprisoned by numbers that dictate your mood and worth for the day every morning. Your value cannot be measured on a scale. You deserve so much better than this. I threw mine out two years ago and reclaimed my autonomy. I thought weighing myself helped me control my life, but it controlled me, and stole so much joy and spontaneity from me. It’s not worth it. It changes nothing. It’s bad for your mental health. Head to @i_weigh to join my movement of people DONE with being reduced to how little space we take up in this world… love you. I know this is hard but I’m in it with you. ❤️
A post shared by Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamilofficial) on Mar 8, 2020 at 6:03am PDT
Actress and activist Jameela Jamil took to Instagram on Sunday to encourage women to become more body-neutral. “This International Women’s Day, if you do not have a medical condition that requires you to monitor your weight, please THROW OUT YOUR SCALE,” the Good Place star said. “Do not be imprisoned by numbers that dictate your mood and worth for the day every morning. Your value cannot be measured on a scale.”
Alicia Keys
Happy #InternationalWomensDay 💜 Proud to celebrate & uplift my amazing, powerful brilliant sisters EVERYDAY!!!! Keep being unstoppable!!! pic.twitter.com/LI1BZjCQeE
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) March 8, 2020
You can always count on Alicia Keys to spread love and light, right? The singer took to Twitter to empower women, writing, “Proud to celebrate & uplift my amazing, powerful brilliant sisters EVERYDAY!!!! Keep being unstoppable!!!”
Billy Ray Cyrus
My girls. Happy #InternationalWomensDay! pic.twitter.com/ENAl7QyRBI
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) March 8, 2020
In a show of solidarity, Billy Ray Cyrus shared a snapshot of his wife and daughters when they attended the March for Our Lives gun violence prevention rally. His simple caption? “My girls. Happy #InternationalWomensDay!”
Caitriona Balfe
64-year-old becomes oldest woman to row across Atlantic Ocean #InternationalWomensDay https://t.co/9SoGZNdO5A
— Caitriona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) March 8, 2020
Want to know what inspires Outlander star Caitriona Balfe? She gave a little insight on Sunday. “64-year-old becomes oldest woman to row across Atlantic Ocean #InternationalWomensDay,” she tweeted, along with an article about rower Sara Brewer’s accomplishment.
Paula Abdul
This is my boss lady, power look. We all have our own different power looks. Those differences make us unique and beautiful. Today and every day we celebrate the power of women. We run the world‼️ Happy #InternationalWomensDay ❤️ xoP pic.twitter.com/96vPqiv3VW
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) March 8, 2020
She’s a legend for a reason, y’all! Paula Abdul emphasized on IWD that our difference ultimately make us stronger. “This is my boss lady, power look,” she captioned a photo of herself, continuing, “We all have our own different power looks. Those differences make us unique and beautiful. Today and every day we celebrate the power of women. We run the world!”
Hillary Clinton
On #InternationalWomensDay and every day, let’s say out loud once more that women’s rights are human rights—and no administration, political party, court, legislature, or biased attitudes can change that.
A post shared by Hillary Clinton (@hillaryclinton) on Mar 8, 2020 at 10:39am PDT
Quoting her iconic 1995 United Nations speech, Hillary Clinton wrote on Instagram, “On #InternationalWomensDay and every day, let’s say out loud once more that women’s rights are human rights — and no administration, political party, court, legislature, or biased attitudes can change that.”
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