What if, instead of competing with other women, we truly celebrated them?

For so many of us, the idea of cheering for another woman’s success can feel complicated. We want to, but deep down, we may struggle with old messages we’ve been taught—messages that say if another woman "wins," somehow that means we lose.

But what if we shifted our mindset? What if we moved from scarcity to abundance?

On International Women’s Day, I want to talk about what happens when women support each other—even when we don’t always see eye to eye.

Why Do We Celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global celebration of women’s achievements, progress, and ongoing fight for equality. It started in the early 1900s, when women around the world began demanding voting rights, fair wages, and better working conditions. Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide movement recognizing the impact women have made—and the work that still needs to be done.

This day is about lifting up ALL women, no matter their background, beliefs, or experiences. It’s a chance to celebrate, support, and champion one another.

The Power of Women Coming Together

History has shown us that when women join forces, incredible things happen.

💜 Women’s Suffrage Movement: Women across different political and social backgrounds fought together for the right to vote. Their unity led to landmark victories worldwide.

💜 The Liberian Women’s Peace Movement: In the early 2000s, Christian and Muslim women in Liberia—many who had never worked together before—joined forces to end a civil war. Through nonviolent protests, they brought peace to their country.

💜 The #MeToo Movement: Women from all walks of life spoke up against harassment, creating global change in workplaces, industries, and laws.

These women didn’t always agree on everything, but they still linked arms for a greater purpose. And when women choose unity over division, the world changes.

What My Friend Brandi Taught Me About Celebrating Women

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about women supporting women came from my friend, Brandi.

Brandi has this incredible ability to celebrate other women’s success without hesitation. She taught me—and so many others—that another woman’s win isn’t our loss. Just because someone else gets an opportunity, achieves a goal, or steps into something amazing doesn’t mean there’s less for us.

For years, many of us were taught to compete with one another. Whether it was for attention, opportunities, or success, there was this underlying belief that if she gets it, I won’t. But that’s a scarcity mindset.

The truth? There is enough room for all of us.

What if, instead of feeling threatened by another woman’s success, we celebrated it? What if we saw her win as proof that it’s possible for us, too?

This shift from scarcity to abundance changes everything.

How Can We Support Women—Locally and Globally?

If we want to truly celebrate women, we can go beyond just words and take action. Here are some ways to support women in meaningful ways this International Women’s Day.

🌍 Support Women Globally

💜 Invest in women entrepreneurs. I founded and direct Caroline’s Promise, a nonprofit that supports women in Guatemala who are starting businesses. Investing in women-owned businesses doesn’t just change their lives—it transforms entire communities. 

💜 Support women in Uganda. My friend, Brandi is creating literacy centers for women. Heal & Thrive Global.

💜 Support artisans around the world. When you purchase from Intertwined: Handmade for Good, you are supporting women entrepreneurs. 

🏡 Support Women in Your Own Community

💜 Shop women-owned businesses. Whether it’s a local coffee shop, an Etsy store, or a service-based business, investing in women helps them thrive. One of my favorites is Dunlap Love. Kaylyn's softies are great gifts and she's using her business to help others!

💜 Mentor a younger woman. Sometimes, a conversation or a little guidance can change someone’s path. Look for organizations like Western Youth Network. They provide mentoring to students in the High Country of North Carolina. 

💜 Celebrate the women around you. A simple text, a social media shout-out, or a handwritten note of encouragement can mean more than you know.

A Challenge for You This International Women’s Day

This year, I challenge you to do one thing:

✅ Celebrate a woman who inspires you. Even if she believes differently than you, even if her path looks nothing like yours—choose to celebrate her.

Because when we lift each other up instead of compete, we all rise.

Who is a woman in your life who has made a difference? Tag her, send her a message, or share this with her today.

Happy International Women’s Day! 💜