Lesson & Activities - What Is International Women's Day?
Updated: May 3
✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ LESSON:
☞ PART 1 - What Is International Women's Day
☞ PART 2 - How Did International Women's Day Start?
☞ PART 3 - Who Celebrated International Women's Day?
☞ PART 4 - Things That People Do On IWD
☞ ACTIVITY 1 - Narration Comprehension Activity
☞ POLL - Which IWD Are You Interested In Doing?
☞ PART 5 - The Special Women In Our Lives
☞ ACTIVITY 2 - Matching Activity - Important
☞ POLL - Who Is The Special Woman In Your Life?
☞ PART 6 - Concluding Thoughts
☞ LISTENING - International Women's Day
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
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International Women's Day
Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions
Instructions:
Listen to and read the following conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See the answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. Why do we celebrate International Women's Day?
We celebrate International Women's Day to honour and recognize the achievements of women.
2. How do people celebrate International Women's Day?
People celebrate International Women's Day by attending events, sharing messages on social media, and giving flowers or gifts to the special women in their lives.
3. What colour is associated with International Women's Day?
The colour purple is associated with International Women's Day.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word.
Important Words - International Women's Day
international
honour
fairness
equality
achievement
appreciate
participate
support
progress
challenges
International Women's Day
Instructions:
Read the following text.
Listen to the audio files.
Complete the activities within the lesson.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
What Is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day, also known as IWD, is a special day celebrated every year. It is a day to honour and recognize what women have done all over the world. On this day, people talk about the important jobs women do in society and how they help make the world better. It is also a time to think about the problems women face and to work for fairness and equality for everyone.
When Is International Women's Day Celebrated?
International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th of every year. People all over the world celebrate this day.
How Did International Women's Day Start?
International Women's Day began many years ago. It started in 1910 when a group of women from different countries met in Denmark. They wanted to have a special day to talk about women's rights and equality. The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911, where women protested for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal pay. Since then, people all around the world celebrate this day every year on March 8th. It is a day to remember the achievements of women and to work towards a better future for everyone.
Who Celebrates International Women's Day?
Many countries take part in this special day, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Germany, France, Italy, China, Japan, and many others.
What Are Some Things That People Do on International Women's Day?
*Before reading about things that people do on International Women's Day, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
On International Women's Day, people participate in various activities to show their support for women everywhere. Here are a few examples:
IWD Activity #1
Attend Events About Women's Rights
Join local events or online webinars about women's rights. These events teach us more about gender equality.
IWD Activity #2
Share Stories About Inspiring Women
Talk about inspiring women you know or have read about. Sharing stories can motivate others.
IWD Activity #3
Volunteer At An Organization That Supports Women
Help at organizations that support women. Volunteering can make a big difference in people's lives.
IWD Activity #4
Share Messages On Social Media
Many people share inspiring stories and messages on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using hashtags like: #InternationalWomensDay.
IWD Activity #5
Wear Purple
Purple is the colour of International Women's Day. Wearing purple on March 8th shows that you support this special day.
IWD Activity #6
Have Fun Gatherings With The Special Women In Our Lives
Families and friends can come together to honour the special women in their lives by spending time together or sharing a meal.
Listening, Reading & Writing Practice
Narration Comprehending Activity
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 6.
Listen and then read the 6 narrations.
Use the chart - Things That People Do On International Women's Day and decide which type of activity matches which narration.
Practice your writing by writing the type of family next to each number on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each narration.
Things That People Do On
International Women's Day
Narration #1
Narration #1: “On this special day, I want to wear something that everyone can see. It is a colour that shows support for women. I think my scarf in this colour will look great, and it will help me feel part of the celebration." Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Wear purple
Narration #2
Narration #2: “I want to go somewhere to learn more about women’s rights. I enjoy listening to speakers and learning new things. I think it is important to understand the problems women still face today.” Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Attend events about women’s rights
Narration #3
Narration #3: “I want to spend time with the important women in my family. We are planning to get together, eat something nice, talk, and enjoy the day together.” Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Have fun gatherings with the special women in our lives
Narration #4
Narration #4: "I want to tell people about a woman I admire. She worked very hard in her life, and her story shows strength and courage. I want to share her story with others so they can learn from her.” Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Share stories about inspiring women
Narration #5
Narration #5: “I want to help women in my community. I plan to spend the afternoon at a place that gives support to women who need it. I want to give my time and help in any way I can.” Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Volunteer at an organization that supports women
Narration #6
Narration #6: “I want to write something online. I want to post a message to say thank you to the women who inspire me. I hope my family members and friends will read it and feel encouraged to share their own messages too.” Which International Women's Day activity does this narration describe?
ANSWER: Share messages on social media
Take Our Poll
Which Activity Are You Interested In Doing On International Women’s Day?
Which activity would you be interested in doing on International Women's Day?
Attend Events About Women’s Rights
Share Stories About Inspiring Women
Volunteer At An Organization That Supports Women
Share Messages On Social Media
The Special Women In Our Lives
Special Women In Our Lives | Descriptions |
Mother | Your mother is the woman who gave birth to you. She loves you, supports you, and helps you grow. |
Stepmother | Your stepmother is the woman who is married to your father but did not give birth to you. She is part of your family through marriage. |
Foster Mother | A foster mother is a woman who takes care of you when you cannot live with your birth parents. She gives you a safe home. |
Adoptive Mother | An adoptive mother is a woman who legally becomes your mother. She cares for you and raises you as her child. |
Grandmother | Your grandmother is your mother’s or father’s mother. She often shares stories, love, and wisdom. |
Great‑Grandmother | Your great‑grandmother is the mother of your grandmother or grandfather. She is part of the older generation in your family. |
Daughter | Your daughter is your female child. You take care of her and help her learn about life. |
Granddaughter | Your granddaughter is the daughter of your son or daughter. She is part of the younger generation in your family. |
Sister | Your sister is a girl or woman who has the same parents as you. She can be older or younger. |
Half‑Sister | Your half-sister shares one parent with you. She is still your sister, but you do not have both parents in common. |
Step‑Sister | Your step-sister is the daughter of your step-parent. You are connected because your parents married. |
Foster Sister | A foster sister is another child being cared for by your foster parents. |
Adoptive Sister | Your adoptive sister is a girl or woman who becomes part of your family through adoption. |
Aunt | Your aunt is the sister of your mother or father. She may also be your uncle’s wife. |
Great‑Aunt | Your great‑aunt is the sister of your grandmother or grandfather. |
Cousin (Female) | Your cousin is the daughter of your aunt or uncle. She is part of your extended family. |
Niece | Your niece is the daughter of your brother or sister. |
Mother‑in‑Law | Your mother-in-law is the mother of your husband or wife. |
Daughter‑in‑Law | Your daughter-in-law is the woman married to your son. |
Sister‑in‑Law | Your sister-in-law is your sibling’s wife or your spouse’s sister. |
Godmother | Your godmother is a woman chosen by your parents to guide you in life, especially in spiritual or personal matters. |
Best Friend | A best friend is a woman who you trust very much. She supports you, listens to you, and shares good and bad moments with you. |
Friend (Female) | A friend is a woman you enjoy spending time with. You talk, laugh, and support each other. |
Mentor (Female) | A mentor is a woman who gives you advice, teaches you things, and helps you improve your skills. |
Teacher (Female) | A teacher is a woman who helps you learn new things at school or in another place. |
Coach (Female) | A coach is a woman who helps you learn a sport or skill. She encourages you to do your best. |
Caregiver (Female) | A caregiver is a woman who helps you when you are sick, young, or need support. |
Reading & Writing Activity
Matching Activity - Important Women In Our Lives
Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 15.
Read the 15 descriptions.
Use the chart - Important Women In Our Lives, and decide which important woman belongs to each description.
Practice your writing by writing the 15 important women in your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each description.
Matching Activity
Important Women In Our Lives
Best Friend | Teacher | Stepmother |
Aunt | Friend | Foster Mother |
Sister | Mother | Adoptive Mother |
Daughter | Grandmother | Caregiver |
Niece | Cousin | Godmother |
Description #1: This woman guides you through learning and helps you understand new ideas at school or in another class. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Teacher
Description #2: This woman is the daughter of your brother or sister and is part of the younger generation in your family. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Niece
Description #3: This woman became part of your family through marriage to your father, even though she did not give birth to you. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: StepMother
Description #4: This woman is someone you trust deeply because she listens, supports you, and shares important moments in your life. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Best-Friend
Description #5: This woman is your female child, and you help her learn, grow, and build her future. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Daughter
Description #6: This woman is your parent’s mother, and she often shares stories, traditions, and advice. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Grandmother
Description #7: This woman takes care of you when your birth parents cannot, giving you a safe and caring home. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Foster Mother
Description #8: This woman enjoys your company, and you spend time together talking, laughing, and sharing experiences. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Friend
Description #9: This woman legally became your mother and raised you with love and responsibility. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Adoptive-Mother
Description #10: This woman was chosen by your parents to guide and support you in your personal or spiritual life. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Godmother
Description #11: This woman is the sister of your mother or father and is part of your extended family. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Aunt
Description #12: This woman helps you when you are sick, young, or in need of extra support and care. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Caregiver (Female)
Description #13: This woman is the daughter of your aunt or uncle and is part of your wider family circle. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Cousin (Female)
Description #14: This woman has the same parents as you and may be older or younger. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Sister
Description #15: This woman gave birth to you and has supported you throughout your life with love, care, and guidance. Which important woman does this description describe?
ANSWER: Mother
Take Our Poll
A Special Woman In Your Life
Who is a very important woman in your life? (select one)
Mother
Sister
Daughter
Granddaughter
Concluding Thoughts On
International Women's Day
In conclusion, International Women's Day is an important celebration that brings
people together to honour what women have achieved and to work for equality. It is a day to think about the progress women have made and the challenges that are still there. Celebrating this day reminds us how important it is to work together for a future where everyone is treated equally and with respect.
Listening Activity
International Women's Day
Instructions:
Press the play button below.
Listen to the audio -International Women's Day.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio.
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz
Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.
Click below for a reading without the accompanying activities:
Written by: Nicole WT
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