BALANCE FOR BETTER. The official slogan for this years International Women’s Day campaign – ‘a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.’

This year I thought I’d make a list of some ideas on how we can celebrate; today and every day.

A couple of the fiercest women I have ever had the pleasure of photographing.

Thank the women in your life who have supported you; tell them how you’re thankful for them, what they’ve done for you, and that you appreciate them in your life. Send a card, send flowers, or simply pick up the phone and make time to call them.

Speak to people about sexism, racism, ageism and privilege. Support those speaking up about it. Even more importantly, listen.

Find some online petitions that are campaigning for change and equality. A great place to start is Change.org – get signing and get sharing!

Support women’s projects and businesses; shout about them on social media, like their Facebook posts, engage in conversation on their Instagram, buy something from their businesses, donate to their Kickstarter.

Spark a conversation with someone you’ve been meaning to for ages but haven’t because life has happened. We often forget that it’s the little things that can help. Invite them for coffee. Buy them flowers. Make them a cake. Ask them to watch a film. Cook dinner. Go for a walk in the park. Share a bottle of wine. Pick up the phone!

Do some research on women’s histories, both in your country and around the world. For those in the UK, some great starting points are the Suffragette movement, The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919, The Equal Pay Act 1970 and The Equality Act 2010. Find something interesting? Why not share some of your newly found knowledge with a friend.

Register to vote! With so much changing in the world right now, make sure your voice is heard. If you’re 18 or over and a UK citizen, you can register here.

Donate to a charity that supports women; Refuge, Smart Works, Rape Crisis, Days for Girls,  and Women’s Aid are just some of the charities you could support, either by donating or helping to raise awareness. For the cost of a couple of morning coffees, you could be making a massive difference to the lives of other women around the world.

Invest in some self care. With Balance for Better being the theme this year, it might also be time to take a look at your own life balance and practise a little self care. Self-care isn’t just bath bombs and flowers; give yourself an early night, do your finances, catch up on admin work or mute/unfollow anyone on social media that doesn’t make you feel good and replace them with awe inspiring new accounts instead.