template with young super hero girl for international womens day celebration
March 8th is International Women’s Day and that means it is time to honor the incredible contributions of women across all fields, including literature, poetry, self-care advocacy, and creative expression. Let’s face it – WE ROCK! Not only do we produce life but we’ve long been at the forefront of storytelling, using their words to inspire, heal, and spark change.
From crafting journals that encourage self-reflection to writing books on mental health and social justice, our influence is woven into the fabric of our culture. That’s why, this month, I decided to explore how women have shaped the world of books, poetry, and even literary-themed swag, while highlighting some key figures who have led the charge.
1.Women and the Power of Journaling Alright, let’s talk about the OG self-care tool—journaling. Whether you’re scribbling down your dreams, venting about life’s drama, or plotting your next big move, women have been leading the journaling game for ages. Take Rupi Kaur, whose poetry books double as guided reflections, or Julia Cameron, the mastermind behind The Artist’s Way, who straight-up gave us “morning pages” as a creative life hack.
Hot Tip: If your journal is looking a little neglected, grab one with prompts from these ladies and start spilling your thoughts. It’s cheaper than therapy, just sayin’.
Sizzling Tip: Interested in learning how your past is ‘present’ in your life today and how it shaped your values and even successes, check out my Healing Journal based on my book “Black Child to Black Woman” HERE
2. The Rise of Spoken Word Poetry You ever listen to a poet spit fire on stage and get full-body chills? Yeah, that’s the magic of spoken word, and women have been running the show. Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Amanda Gorman—these powerhouse voices have turned poetry into a movement, tackling everything from social justice to self-love.
Your Move: Look up a spoken word event in your city (or hit up YouTube if you’re in full-on introvert mode). You might just find your new favorite poet!
3. Women Writing About Self-Care and Mental Health Self-care isn’t just face masks and bubble baths (though, let’s be real, those are fabulous). Women have been dropping knowledge on mental health for years, and we are HERE for it! Glennon Doyle told us to unleash our inner cheetah in Untamed, and Brené Brown got us all talking about vulnerability like it’s a superpower (because, uh, it is!).
Quick Thought: Next time you need a pep talk, crack open one of their books and let them remind you just how unstoppable you are.
4. Books as a Catalyst for Social Change Wanna know who’s been using words to shake things up? Women. Period. Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, bell hooks, and so many others have been dropping literary mic drops that make us THINK, FEEL, and ACT.
Today, women like Roxane Gay and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are keeping that torch burning, pushing conversations about feminism, race, and equality forward.
What to Do: Add one of their books to your reading list and get ready to have your mind blown. Also, maybe grab a highlighter—there will be quotes you wanna remember.
5. The Intersection of Literature and Swag Because let’s be real—what’s better than reading? Reading while rocking a bookish tee or sipping from a mug with your favorite literary quote.
Women have turned book-themed merch into a whole vibe. Companies like Out of Print and Feminist Book Club are making sure we can wear our bookish hearts on our sleeves (literally).
Treat Yo’ Self: Next time you need a little retail therapy, check out some bookish swag from women-led brands. Because books + style? Yes, please!
Conclusion
So, here’s the deal: Women have been running the literary world since forever. Whether we’re writing, performing, journaling, or creating, we’re making our mark in bold, unforgettable ways. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate by supporting female authors, reading their books, and reminding the world that women’s words have power. Now go forth and read like a boss! Until next time…
About the Author
Cheryl Bannerman is a prolific and versatile author with a portfolio of ten published works across various genres including mystery novels and a children’s book. In 2018, she received the prestigious 2018 Book Excellence Award for her poetry collection, Words Never Spoken. In 2020, Bannerman’s book, Black Child to Black Woman: An African-American Woman Coming-of-Age Story, garnered acclaim, winning the Best Books Award in African American fiction and the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award Contest in Urban Fiction in 2021.
Readers can connect with Bannerman, purchase signed copies of her books, and subscribe to her newsletter through her website, www.bannermanbooks.com. When she is not writing for her next book, Bannerman is running her 28-year-old virtual B2B Training and Development company based out of her Orlando, Florida, home.