8 Ways to Empower Your Daughter and Yourself for International Women’s Day

March is Women’s History Month and March 8th is International’s Women’s Day, This blog offers a collection of ideas for you, your daughter, and all the women in our community. May you inspire and empower both yourself and others, fostering a spirit of support and upliftment in everything we do.

Ask women how they are doing and JUST LISTEN.

Do you recall when the Elmo post went viral just by asking how everyone was doing that day? Simple, everyday gestures can make anyone feel empowered. One of our favorite services at Austin Therapy for Girls is our art journaling groups. This group fosters peer-level connections, and each week, we share our favorite moments and challenges during our check-ins. The beauty of these check-ins lies in the fact that the other person simply listens to your experiences, feelings, and even the disappointments you’ve encountered. There are no opinions or advice—just the gift of being heard. So, try your own version of happies and crappies and see what unfolds. Just be sure to listen without judgment or interruption.

Take a moment to smell the roses

For many, life feels overwhelming right now, and chaos seems to surround us. Today, more than ever we need to practice mindfulness, which emphasizes being present rather than getting lost in the “what ifs.” In simple terms, engaging with nature can boost the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of a tree or a wildflower emerging in spring allows us to pause and breathe. A simple walk can provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. In Texas, we’ve been hearing that mothers and daughters have started enjoying nightly walks together, and it seems to be boosting everyone’s spirits.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T find out what it means to me

Respect, by definition, refers to showing “high regard” for or giving special attention to someone or something.

When it comes to women, respect can take many forms.

It may appear as recognizing achievements, embracing diversity, or just providing a judgment-free listening ear. Respect encompasses acknowledging and appreciating women’s contributions across all areas of life, be it at home, in the workplace, or within the community. It involves supporting their decisions, honoring their uniqueness, and championing equality.

When reflecting on respect for our clients, I’m reminded of Alma’s, one of our therapist’s favorite quotes:

“Access to me is a privilege.”

This phrase emphasizes the importance of valuing time and presence, highlighting the need for selectivity in personal relationships. Some topics we cover during our sessions revolve around understanding healthy expectations in romantic relationships. Some girls might feel a sense of obligation to their partners, which can result in relinquishing their own power.

Remember, closeness and even physical intimacy is not a guarantee and asking yourself or the women in their life, what does respect mean to you?

Share empowering messages to those you love.

When it comes to honoring your body, there are moments when women can be particularly critical of themselves, especially when glancing in the mirror. This week, we’re sharing uplifting messages through one of our favorite activities. You can do this at home or at school. Grab some Post-it notes and write down empowering messages or song lyrics so that when those feelings of self-doubt arise, you can combat them with positivity. We hope you’ll carry these messages with you and place them somewhere as a daily reminder.

Leave a supply kit with menstrual products at your local school or library.

Many of us were not prepared to start our period. I could tell some stories….Access to menstrual products is a human right. Ensuring that every girl and woman has access to menstrual products is essential for their dignity and health. It’s important to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote open conversations about it. Educating both girls and boys on this topic fosters understanding and empathy, while also laying the groundwork for a more supportive and informed community. Deliver a special bag of supplies to your local library or ensure that your school’s bathrooms and office are well-stocked. Having access to these resources is crucial for empowering both you and your daughter to manage her cycle effectively

Remember that exhaustion is not a badge of honor.

While this year’s symbol for International Women’s Day encourages flexing your bicep, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to take a break.

Finding balance between strength and rest is essential. In a world that often celebrates perpetual motion and productivity, taking a moment to pause, recharge, and reflect is an act of self-care and empowerment. Acknowledging when you need rest doesn’t diminish your strength; rather, it honors your well-being and enhances your ability to contribute meaningfully. So, as we celebrate the achievements and resilience of women everywhere, let’s also champion the importance of listening to our bodies and minds, allowing time for rest and rejuvenation. Need some help figuring out your self-care plan, check out our worksheet for adults and teens HERE.

Support women-owned businesses.

As I share with my clients, retail therapy is my second favorite form of therapy. Supporting women-owned businesses is essential for empowering women. Here’s a fun fact: Austin experienced the highest growth of women-owned businesses in 2022. There are so many amazing places in Austin that it would be impossible to highlight them all. Check out our instagram as we give some props to some of our favs.