International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a powerful call to action to drive gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and challenge the societal norms that hold us back. Over the past few years, we’ve seen some exceptional campaigns that have gone beyond and truly resonated with us – bold, creative, and thought-provoking work that cuts through noise and sparks real conversation. Here are some of the campaigns that have stood out to us, and why we found them powerful.
A haunting twist on the beloved children’s story ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’, this campaign is anything but fiction. ‘The Monster Who Came to Tea’ delivers a hard-hitting message about domestic abuse, reminding us that for many women and children, fear is part of daily life. The campaign sheds light on a painful truth: over 50% of women in refuges have children, yet vital services remain underfunded and overstretched. By framing domestic abuse in the context of a children’s book, Women’s Aid made an often-hidden issue heartbreakingly visible – prompting viewers to act, donate, and demand change.
This campaign is all about shifting perspectives. ‘See What She Sees’ invites men to experience the world through the eyes of women – where an everyday object such as a mobile phone doubles as a self-defence tool, or a simple cheers at a bar is shadowed by fear of a spiked drink. By highlighting the contrast between how men and women perceive the same situations, Beyond Equality delivers a powerful and empathetic message – we can’t change what we don’t understand.
L’Oréal took a bold step with this campaign, directly confronting the staggering statistics around sexual harassment – 75% of women have faced it in public spaces, and shockingly, over half of people still blame the victim. The ‘Never Your Fault’ campaign shifts the narrative – it’s not about what a woman is wearing or how she looks. The message is clear – women should never have to alter their appearance out of fear. The campaign empowered women with the affirmation, “It’s never your fault,” and called out victim-blaming for what it is – unacceptable.
This simple yet striking poster campaign challenged the gender biases that still linger – starting with the way children view gender roles. Prompted by research showing that nearly 40% of primary school kids still believe mums should stay at home while dads work, the ‘Imagine’ campaign urged viewers to reflect on their internal biases. “Imagine a CEO. Is it a man?”, “Imagine a nurse. Is it a woman?” The questions were straightforward, but they packed a punch.
Narrated by Serena Williams, ‘Dream Crazier’ celebrated women in sports who dared to push boundaries and defy stereotypes. The campaign spotlighted athletes who were often called “crazy” for wanting more – more respect, more success, more recognition – and reframed that word into something empowering. It featured mantras like “Be the hero you didn’t have” and “If they think your dreams are crazy, show them what crazy dreams can do.” The campaign felt like a rallying cry for women everywhere, not just athletes. It was aspirational, inspiring, and a reminder that pursuing your dreams – no matter how “crazy” they seem – is an act of courage.
Each of these campaigns has harnessed the power of creativity to challenge perceptions, inspire action, and champion women’s rights. Whether it’s addressing domestic abuse, dismantling gender stereotypes, calling out harassment, or celebrating ambition, they share a common thread – they give women a voice and invite the world to listen.
As International Women’s Day comes around each year, we’re reminded that powerful messaging – when done right – can be a catalyst for real change. These campaigns are proof of that.
Remember – you are powerful, you are capable, and you deserve to celebrate yourself not just on International Women’s Day, but every single day.
