10 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day join the feminist movement through social travel activities that empower local women in the communities you visit.

We have Lola Méndez, from online sustainable tours marketplace Visit.org, giving us her 10 tips on some of the best ways to celebrate International Women’s Day around the global while directly impacting local women.

Visit.org offers 500 immersive and impactful travel experiences in 63 countries hosted by do-good organizations. 100% of hosts’ revenue is invested back into the communities, meaning travelers can enrich important causes while encountering local culture. Tourists can add these unique experiences into their travel itineraries to make a direct impact with underserved women.

So what are you waiting for? Here are 10 wonderful ways to celebrate International Women’s Day!

1. Fashion enthusiasts will love visiting UN recognized NGO Sambhali Trust in Jodhpur, India.

The women’s empowerment charity focuses on the development of disadvantaged Indian women and girls in Rajasthan. They have impacted 10,000 females in the last decade and offer underserved women vocational training in sewing, clothing manufacturing, embroidery and block printing. Guests will learn about the traditional artisan skills directly from the beneficiaries and have a chance to shop the ethical goods.

2. Learn about traditional Moroccan cuisine with the Marrakesh nonprofit, Amal Women’s Training Center.

Visitors will learn how to make dishes such as tajine, couscous and pastilla at the immersive and cultural cooking course. All of the trainees at the center are local disadvantaged women who are receiving free vocational training as chefs and assistance securing culinary employment.

3. Those with a sweet tooth will rejoice to bake pastries with at-risk women in beautiful Essaouira, Morocco.

El Khir is a nonprofit organization that aims to assist women in gaining financial independence through cooking lessons. During the baking class guests will learn how to cook famous Moroccan treats. The desserts will taste twice as sweet since they’ve supported the economic empowerment of local women.

4. The Sahara Desert is high on every traveler’s bucket list.

Through the Khamlia Association guests can make their desert experience meaningful by camping with the Gnawa family that operates the charity. The nonprofit provides vocational training in craft and textile making for local women. Guests can witness a Moroccan rug come to life on a traditional loom and learn about local fashion styles and ceremonial garments. All revenue supports the Association’s efforts to preserve their unique cultural heritage.

5. In Cambodia, tourists may visit social enterprise Artisans Angkor.

Travelers can visit the silkworm farm and craft workshops. Then they’ll weave their own natural silk scarf on a traditional loom while local Cambodian artisan women teach them the ancient art of the Khmer traditional craft. Tour revenue supports craftswomen through education courses, job creation and professional training.

Photo Credit: Artisans Angkor

6. Those traveling in Peru can also learn local weaving skills with the nonprofit organization CTTC.

Wanderlusters can partake in preserving traditional Peruvian weaving traditions at the Cusco center where they will learn how to weave on a backstrap loom and spindle spinning. Female Andean weavers will show guests how to hand knit a small pouch through basic knitting techniques while explaining the organizations fair trade practices. All revenue is invested into the charities education programs that empower young women to keep their heritage alive through sustainable skill training.

7. Learn about regional weaving traditions in Israel with Bedouin women through Sidreh Lakiya Negev.

They teach local women weaving skills in order to empower them into becoming entrepreneurs and achieving financial independence. The beneficiaries will teach beginner weaving skills and give an introduction to local jewelry and fashions.

8. Foodies in Mexico can learn how to make a perfect tortilla by hand with indigenous Mexican women at CADEM.

Spend time with local women on their farms and help them tend to their vegetables, bees and chickens while learning about local agriculture. The community-based cooperative advocates for the rights of indigenous women in the northeastern Mexican region of Sierra. Proceeds go towards the Tochan (“Our House”) project, a community center that offers environmental, technology, and training programs for local women.

9. The nonprofit organization Fundación Chol Chol in Chile assists indigenous Mapuche artists and craftswomen through ethical retail of fair trade traditional crafts.

The Mapuche people of Araucania are the largest indigenous group of Southern Chile and have a rich history of skilled artisan goods including textiles and pottery. Guests will witness a demonstration of the ancient weaving process from a master as she creates exotic Mapuche patterns with a spindle, plant-dyed fabrics on a witral loom. Travelers can also make pottery with artisan women. Tour revenue will support the foundation’s local programs for women.

10. Those exploring Latin America have the chance to empower rural women through a visit to Fundación Soy Social in Colombia.

The nonprofit is empowering vulnerable women through development projects at their sustainable agricultural and artisanal community. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy trekking through Villapinzón’s mountain landscapes, rivers, and waterfalls. Guests are invited to participate hands-on in daily activities such as weaving, farming, and cooking local delicacies.

Lola is a communications specialist with experience in the philanthropic, travel, fashion, beauty, accessories, home and lifestyle sectors. She has volunteered at homeless shelters, animal shelters, mentored young single mothers and has attended many social events with those in need. Lola is passionate about spreading awareness for global gender equality. She has reoriented her career towards a humanitarian one focusing on women empowerment.