International Women's Rights Day: Our Suggested Messages
International Women’s Day is not just another holiday. It’s a day of recognition, visibility, and a reminder that some battles have not yet been won. Finding the right words is one way to contribute to this cause in your own small way. At Sessile, we believe in meaningful gestures. Here are a few ideas for sending a message that rings true, whether in a professional or more personal setting.
Why send a message for Women's Rights Day?
The mimosa has been the symbol of March 8 since the 1950s. This is no coincidence: it is the flower of latewinter, the one that blooms before all others and withstands the cold. It is a symbol that speaks as much of resilience as it does of renewal.
A message for International Women’s Rights Day is much more than just a routine gesture. It’s an opportunity to say what we rarely say the rest of the year.
A Day of Recognition and Struggle
International Women’s Day has been observed for over a century. It grew out of concrete social and political demands: the right to vote, equal pay, and the fight against discrimination and violence. Progress has been made in these areas, but many challenges remain.
That’s why a message on March 8 isn’t just a formality. It says: I see what you’re going through, I acknowledge the burden you carry, and I’m here for you.
Who should I send a message to?
Pretty much everyone, actually:
- Colleagues with whom you share a sometimes uneven workday
- A manager, a mentor, a leader who has opened doors
- Your mother, your sister, your daughter—for the daily struggles, whether visible or not
- A friend for solidarity, camaraderie, and mutual support
- An activist, an artist, and an author whose work inspires you
There is no typical recipient. There are simply women who deserve to be recognized for what they do and who they are.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Messages for Women's Rights Day: Finding the Right Words
The tone, the context, the recipient: all of these factors affect how a message is received. Here are a few examples tailored to different situations, to help you avoid generic messages that slip by without leaving a trace.
In a professional setting: colleagues and teams
At work, March 8 can be an opportunity to show sincere appreciation. Not a speech, not a lecture. Just a few words acknowledging what your coworkers bring to the table every day.
Examples:
- "On this March 8, I just wanted to tell you that your presence and your work really matter."
- "International Women's Rights Day: an opportunity to say thank you for everything you do, and to remind you that we are deeply grateful to you."
- "On this March 8, our heartfelt thoughts go out to all the women on our team. Your dedication makes a difference."
These messages are direct, warm, and free of condescension. They don't make a big deal out of things. They simply say: I see you.
In my personal life: family and friends
With the people we love, we can go a little further. It’s more personal, more deeply rooted in the relationship.
For your mother, sister, or daughter:
- "On this March 8, I'm thinking about everything you carry, often without saying a word. Thank you for being here."
- "You taught me to fight for what matters. Today, I'm thinking of you a lot."
For a friend:
- "On this March 8, I just wanted to tell you that the way you live your life inspires me."
- "Thank you for being you. Today and every other day."
These messages don't have to be long. A few sincere words are better than a long, generic speech.
Phrases to Avoid: “Happy Holiday” and Common Blunders
Some phrases, even if well-intentioned, may miss the mark.
“Happy Women’s Day”: The word “day” reduces this occasion to a lighthearted celebration, like a birthday or Mother’s Day. That is exactly what this day is not.
“Happy Women’s Day”: same problem, and the wording is incorrect as well. We’re talking about International Women’s Rights Day, not “Women’s Day” as if it were a day dedicated to a gender rather than to rights.
Generic, impersonal messages like “Happy Women’s Day to all the women in the world” that are copied and pasted on social media. Everyone can tell it’s automated. It’s better to say nothing at all—or send a more personalized message.
The right approach: call it what it really is. “In observance of International Women’s Rights Day…” It’s longer, yes. But it’s accurate.
Inspiring quotes and sayings for today
Sometimes, other people's words say exactly what we'd like to say ourselves.
Quotes from activists and other feminist figures
“One is not born a woman; one becomes one.” Simone de Beauvoir, *The Second Sex*, 1949
“Women are born free and are equal to men in rights.” Olympe de Gouges, Declaration of the Rights of Women and Citizens, 1791
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” Virginia Woolf, *A Room of One’s Own*, 1929
“Women’s rights are human rights.” Hillary Clinton, World Conference on Women, Beijing, 1995
These quotes have stood the test of time because they raise questions that remain unresolved. They work in a map, a post, a speech, or even a simple note.
Short, punchy phrases
For those who prefer more direct phrasing, without literary references:
- "On this March 8, your fight matters."
- "Today and every day, thank you for being here."
- "Rights don't just fall from the sky. They have to be earned. Thank you to all the women who are fighting for them."
- "On this March 8, a thought for all the women who keep moving forward despite everything."
Short, straightforward, impossible to misinterpret.
Sessile.fr's Statement on International Women's Rights Day
At Sessile, we believe that a concrete gesture is often worth more than a long speech. And on March 8, a bouquet of fresh flowers accompanied by a heartfelt note is a simple and tangible way to say: I’m thinking of you; you matter.
With its small, bright yellow flowers and its blooming right in the middle of winter, it’s hard to find a flower more fitting for celebrating this day than the mimosa.
Our local florists create arrangements every day using whatever the season has to offer. In March, in addition to mimosa, there are ranunculus and the first French tulips. Fresh flowers that reflect the season.
Pair them with a few handwritten words for a genuine and thoughtful gesture.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.