5 Engaging Icebreaker Activities for Your International Women’s Day Event

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to celebrate, educate, and inspire! Whether you’re hosting a school event, a community gathering, or a virtual discussion, starting with a powerful icebreaker can set the tone for engagement and meaningful conversations. Here are five engaging icebreaker activities to energize your participants and create an inclusive, empowering space.

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1. Who Inspires You? Wall

This interactive activity encourages participants to reflect on and share the incredible women who inspire them.

How It Works:

• Set up a large board, wall, or digital space (for virtual events).

• Provide sticky notes or cards where participants can write the name of a woman who inspires them and why.

• Have volunteers read a few responses aloud, sparking discussion on the impact of female role models.

Why It Works:

• Encourages participants to reflect on strong women who have shaped their lives.

• Builds a sense of connection through shared admiration.

2. Gender Stereotype Bingo

This engaging activity helps participants recognize and challenge common gender biases in a fun way.

How It Works:

• Create bingo cards with statements like:

  • “Girls aren’t good at math.”

  • “Boys don’t cry.”

  • “Women should always be polite.”

• As a facilitator, call out the stereotypes, and participants mark off those they’ve heard before.

• Once someone gets a bingo, pause to discuss the stereotypes and how they can be challenged.

Why It Works:

• Raises awareness of everyday biases.

• Encourages participants to think critically and discuss solutions.

3. Empowerment Circle

A simple yet impactful way to build confidence and community.

How It Works:

• Arrange participants in a circle.

• One by one, each person shares a strength they admire in themselves.

• Then, they share a strength they admire in another woman (a participant, friend, or public figure).

Why It Works:

• Encourages self-empowerment and recognition of others.

• Helps participants feel seen and valued.

4. Role Model Match-Up

A fun and educational game highlighting trailblazing women from history and today.

How It Works:

• Prepare a set of cards with famous women’s names and their accomplishments.

• Distribute them randomly to participants, who must find their match.

• Once paired, each group shares a brief fact about their role model.

Why It Works:

• Educates participants about influential women.

• Encourages teamwork and discussion.

5. Stand Up If…

This activity fosters connection by highlighting shared experiences and beliefs.

How It Works:

• The facilitator reads a statement, and participants stand if they relate. Statements can include:

  • Stand up if a woman has inspired you.

  • Stand up if you’ve ever been told you couldn’t do something because of your gender.

  • Stand up if you believe in gender equality.

• After each statement, invite participants to share their thoughts.

Why It Works:

• Encourages inclusivity and shared experiences.

• Provides a powerful visual representation of solidarity.

Starting your International Women’s Day event with an engaging icebreaker is a great way to foster meaningful connections, spark discussions, and create an inspiring atmosphere.

Want ready-to-use activities and a full event planning guide? Check out the International Women’s Day Celebration Kit, packed with workshops, pledge cards, and empowering activities to make your event unforgettable!

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower. By implementing even one of these activities, you can help foster a culture of confidence, leadership, and inclusivity in your school or community.

Want a done-for-you toolkit to make planning your IWD event effortless? Check out the International Women’s Day Celebration Kit—packed with workshops, activities, and resources to help you host an impactful and empowering event!