Stars Celebrate International Women’s Day

Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington is all about girl power. (Photo: Instagram)

International Women’s Day kicked off in style as celebrities flocked to their Instagram accounts to share messages of inspiration, resistance, and solidarity. While not every star took the day off from work, many shared heartfelt sentiments about the “Day Without a Woman” movement, which aims to recognize “the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socioeconomic system — while receiving lower wages and experiencing greater inequities, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity.”

To get this message across, the campaign encouraged women to support the cause by:

  1. Taking the day off, from paid and unpaid labor

  2. Avoiding shopping (with exceptions for small, women- and minority-owned businesses)

  3. Wearing red in solidarity with the “Day Without A Woman”

Kerry Washington did clock in at the office but explained she was only doing so to support her female boss, Shonda Rhimes.

“At work to support my bad*ss boss lady and all the women in our work world but I’m wearing red in solidarity with my sisters! #ADayWithoutAWoman #womensmarch #Resist,” the Scandal star wrote beside a shot of herself on set.

Cindy Crawford praised others. “Thankful to have worked with such amazing women throughout my career. Celebrating you all today! #InternationalWomensDay,” she gushed beside a throwback shot of herself with other models, including Stephanie Seymour, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington.

Speaking of supermodels, Naomi Campbell posted an inspiring message in celebration of the day: “We are strong, we are powerful, we are women.”

We are strong, we are powerful, we are women #InternationalWomensDay #Strength #strongertogether

A post shared by Naomi Campbell (@iamnaomicampbell) on Mar 8, 2017 at 11:40am PST

Viola Davis echoed Naomi’s sentiment with her Maya Angelou-inspired tee: “Together we are strong, we are proud, and we are phenomenal. Today is International Women’s Day, so let’s celebrate all of the phenomenal women out there.”

Connie Britton sported the same shirt as Viola — along with a pair of red kicks. “Happy International Women’s Day!” she exclaimed. “I’ve already been having a full day celebrating PHENOMENAL WOMEN around the world. And I’ve got my red shoes on too! Hope y’all are celebrating the women in your life today too.”

“Phenomenal Woman” tees are all the rage in Hollywood! Ciara’s got one too.

Meanwhile, Charlize Theron celebrated by taking part in the #bratoss challenge. “Ladies, let’s #bratoss in support of each other this #internationalwomensday,” she announced in a vid, nominating Chelsea Handler and Aisha Tyler to toss their bras next!

While Chelsea hasn’t tossed her bra just yet, the comedian did post this message encouraging women to be bold for International Women’s Day: “It’s time to be bold. If you can’t be bold for yourself, be bold for others: run for office, volunteer, get active.”

Britney Spears posted a photo of Beyoncé, citing both the “Lemonade” singer and Madonna as “2 of the many women who inspire me. Always fierce throughout their careers,” she wrote. “Thank you for being amazing.”

Another star who celebrated the ladies in her professional life was Shakira. “3 of the most amazing women I know! Congrats to all the super girls on our team and all of us around the world on this International Women’s Day!” she wrote beside a montage of shots of herself with the aforementioned women.

Sarah Jessica Parker used the occasion to pay tribute to her mom. “On this #internationalwomensday I stand shoulder to shoulder with all women near and far and I salute and celebrate the tireless commitment, love and dedication you share with your families and communities,” wrote the actress. “I start with my own strong, heroic, magical and beloved mother.”

So did Queen Latifah. “To one of the strongest women I know, happy #internationalwomensday,” she posted along with this sweet pic.

To one of the strongest women I know, happy #internationalwomensday ❤️️???????? #sheinspiresme

A post shared by Queen Latifah (@queenlatifah) on Mar 8, 2017 at 12:03pm PST

Sheryl Crow followed suit. “I am celebrating this day in my mom’s honor,” wrote the singer. “She is a strong and noble woman, and she is a great example to me in raising my boys.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca Romijn took a moment to remember her mom, Elizabeth, who died on Christmas Day. “Remembering the most beautiful, important woman in my life today,” she shared. “I miss you, Mom.”

Remembering the most beautiful, important woman in my life today. I miss you, Mom. #internationalwomensday

A post shared by Rebecca Romijn (@rebeccaromijn) on Mar 8, 2017 at 12:41pm PST

Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross proudly rocked her stylish “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights” tee.

She followed up that post with another message to show she was standing in solidarity with women today and every day: “WOMEN…I LOVE YOU, I SEE YOU and I AM PROUD TO SAND WITH and AMONG YOU!”

Like Kerry Washington, songstress Sara Bareilles celebrated the day by wearing red. “#RED all day. In support of and in admiration of the movement that seeks to affirm, empower and acknowledge women…especially today, #internationalwomensday,” she wrote. “Every day I am grateful for @womensmarch for igniting in me a flame that has been burning in so many for so long. I stand in solidarity, in respect, and in love with this sea of sisters that spans the globe. #Daywithoutawoman I support you. I believe in you. And I am learning from you how to be a better woman.”

Mayim Bialik got in on the fashion action. “Good morning to all of the women wearing red today in support of the day without women movement. Yes, this is my goony old lady nightgown and I’m even waking up wearing red,” she declared.

Salma Hayek wants respect and equality now! “Let’s celebrate #internationalwomens day supporting each other,” she wrote.

Actress Michelle Monaghan shared a snapshot of herself perched behind the wheel of her car, clad in a sweatshirt emblazoned with the message, “She persisted.” The Path star looked serious and committed, sharing the thoughts, “Thank you to all the incredible women that have come before us, are amongst us and that will come from us. Let’s honor, celebrate and empower one another this day and everyday. #internationalwomensday sweatshirt available @googleghostpress proceeds benefit @plannedparenthood.”

Emmy Rossum posted a quote from Malala Yousafzai. “‘I raise up my voice — not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.’ —Malala Yousafzai.”

Katie Holmes showed her support for the movement with a simple painting of a red square.

#red #internationalwomensday ????????????????????

A post shared by Katie Holmes (@katieholmes212) on Mar 8, 2017 at 8:01am PST

In case you didn’t know, Blake Lively reminded us all that girls rule.

Girls. Rule. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on Mar 8, 2017 at 9:05am PST

Alicia Keys hopes to teach her boys how “magnificent women are.” She wrote: “I will raise my children to be beautiful human beings and powerful men who understand how magnificent women are. I believe that all women, all over the world, are beautiful, whole and powerful. They should be honored like goddesses, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. We must continue to lift each other up, believe in ourselves and not hold back from this truth.

Elle Fanning posted a cute baby pic of herself posing with her big sister, Dakota, and their mother, Heather — all in blue. “Grateful to be surrounded by the strongest women,” the 18-year-old actress captioned the snap.

Grateful to be surrounded by the strongest women #happyinternationalwomensday #girlpower ????

A post shared by Elle Fanning (@ellefanning) on Mar 8, 2017 at 10:50am PST

Gisele Bündchen has just one wish for International Women’s Day: “It’s time to end all forms of discrimination. Let’s support and love one another. Happy Women’s Day for all women around the world. #equality#loveistheanswer#weareone#internationalwomensday.”

Yoko Ono, 84, shared an empowering throwback of herself circa 1960 posing at the Museum of Modern Art, in NYC: “I’m still this young woman today.”

MoMA, 1960. I'm still this young woman today #internationalwomensday

A post shared by Yoko Ono (@yokoonoofficial) on Mar 8, 2017 at 10:50am PST

Katy Perry posted a heartfelt message:

❤S/O WOMEN! ❤#internationalwomensday

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on Mar 8, 2017 at 12:02pm PST

Olivia Culpo also got in on the action, sharing a pic from Paris, where she appeared to be enjoying an alfresco meal: “Happy International Womens Day! I love you all so much and I’m so grateful for you. Good Morning from Paris.”

Amy Schumer posted a cute pic of herself walking beside her niece (who was hidden by a stroller) and explained, “When my 3 year old niece was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up she said without hesitation ‘a woman.'”

Chicago P.D. star Sophia Bush thanked all of her followers who were taking part in #ADayWithoutWomen with a picture of the Statue of Liberty gone dark. “However you choose to express your solidarity — striking, wearing red, making phone calls to your reps, only spending money at women-owned businesses (one or all of these things) — thank you,” she wrote.

Some men even got into the mix. Dancing With the Stars pro Derek Hough shared a sweet snap of himself flanked by the most important ladies in his life: his mother and sisters. “Blesssed to be surrounded by wonderful women in my life. I definitely grew up knowing the value and power that all women possess. #internationalwomensday,” he wrote.

David Beckham also posted tributes to women who have had an impact on him. “International women’s day … All about girl power #womensday,” he captioned a sweet pic of two very special ladies.

International women's day … All about girl power #womensday ????

A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Mar 8, 2017 at 2:44am PST

He followed this up with a second post that included his boss-lady wife, Victoria Beckham. In the pic, she cuddles with their daughter, Harper. “Happy Women’s Day to all the amazing ladies around the world #womensday,” he wrote.

Happy Women's Day to all the amazing ladies around the world #womensday ????

A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Mar 8, 2017 at 2:32am PST

NCIS star Wilmer Valderrama posted a special video in honor of the day. “Proud to stand by my mother and sisters who without them my world wouldn’t exist and to everyone women who makes us proud to be in America today!” he exclaimed.

Orlando Bloom took a moment to recognize women with this Instagram post: “power to all the incredible women out there on #internationalwomensday!”

power to all the incredible women out there on #internationalwomensday! #IWD2017

A post shared by Orlando Bloom (@orlandobloom) on Mar 8, 2017 at 11:40am PST

Skylar Astin knows the power of a woman and shared this gorgeous photo of his wife (and Pitch Perfect co-star) Anna Camp: “Oh did someone say it was #internationalwomensday ??”

Oh did someone say it was #internationalwomensday ?? @therealannacamp #queen

A post shared by Skylar Astin (@skylarastin) on Mar 8, 2017 at 10:48am PST

Mark Ruffalo let it be known that he and Danny DeVito stand with Planned Parenthood.

In other words, Hollywood was feeling the cause.


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