Women have made great gains in the fight for equality, but gender bias continues to create huge barriers for many—especially for immigrants, women with low incomes, victims of domestic violence, and women seeking reproductive health care. But you can take action for women’s rights regardless of whether you only have a minute or a year. Here’s how:

In a Minute

• When you hear a sexist joke or comment, say something! Often such asides and jokes seem harmless and may not truly represent an individual’s beliefs so much as they are just meant to get a laugh. Unfortunately even something that seems like harmless fun can be painful to others and have wide reaching consequences. Don’t be afraid to confront such individuals with a short, no-nonsense approach such as: “I can’t believe you just said that” or “What a disgusting sentiment”. Such a stark reminder that sexism is intolerable may be enough to shock the individual into reconsidering his or her words, or to shock others into vocal support of your statement.

In an Hour

• Write an article on women’s rights for your school or town paper. There’s power in the written word so spread the news on the issue!
• Make a poster, timeline, or other display about women’s history or the women’s rights movement. Post it at your school, at the library, or even at your community center. Be sure to use facts, quotes, and interesting pictures or artwork. Enlarged photos of female leaders will attract attention.
• Write to your legislators demanding the enforcement of the Violence Against Women Act [insert link], better pay laws, better childcare legislation, contraceptive coverage and access, and any other issues about women that are important to you. [here’s how]

In a Day

• Register women to vote. Women do not vote nearly enough although many laws and legislative decisions indirectly or directly affect women. You can also hand out flyers where women can find out more information about politics, such as the League of Women Voters. [here's how]
• Hold a public viewing of a film honoring women or women’s issues. If you want, you could make a fundraising event out of it by charging a small admission fee and donating it to your local women’s shelter or charity. Some film ideas include Erin Brockovich, The Color Purple, The Joy Luck Club, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Girl, Interrupted, Fried Greed Tomatoes, and more. [more movie ideas]
• Honor your favorite female leader by hosting a forum, discussion or booth at the library or local store. Some ideas include Oprah, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Alice Walker, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Hilary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, and many others.
• Wear it proud! For the guys who feel left out, you can take part in these activities, too, but you can go a step further! Wear a NOISY t-shirt that says, “Real men support women’s rights” or “I love empowered girls!” Show your strength, be funny, be loud, and be proud!

In a Month

• Celebrate! Whether you’re female or not, human rights and freedoms affect everyone. Celebrate the advance made so far with a party, formal dinner or any way you see fit. Just make sure it’s informative and fun! Remember: March is Women’s History Month but if you missed it, go ahead and celebrate anyway!
• Do a staged reading of The Vagina Monologues, by Eve Ensler. Staged readings are easier than plays because you can read off the page, but you should be familiar to keep your acting going along (so practice first!). You don’t have to do the whole book if you don’t want to. The sections are easily divided with facts to help you figure out what you want to use. And if you’d like you can make this a fundraising event for V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raise funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Even Ensler’s award winning play.

In a Year

• Start a new tradition at your school by organizing a yearly celebration of Women’s History Month in March. You can celebrate a powerful woman in history each day or pick a particular cause relative to women’s rights each week. The sky’s the limit on this one!

So get out there and do something and don’t forget to report back to dosomething.org to tell us the amazing things you’ve done!