How businesses are leveraging the power of 'Women's Day'?

Women’s Day celebrated on 8th March every calendar year is here again to make every woman feel special and worthy of herself. Global development has made the world a smaller place and women around the world share a common bond on this particular day. Ordinary women are excited about their rights, even if it is only for the day. International Women's Day 2014 will also draw attention to the thousands of activists gathering around the globe  who  are making efforts to make a woman’s life worth living and  continuing to work for gender  equality.

Women are achieving a tremendous success and wielding influence across a diverse array of industries and fields. As we celebrate the 106th annual International Women’s Day this Saturday, we can applaud some of their staggering accomplishments, successes, and triumphs—all a testament to the incredible progress women are making today.

Marketers and brands too are cashing  in and making the most of such occasions. They leave no stone unturned to woo women on this day .This is one occasion which lifts every woman’s mood given the numerous offers and bargains in store for her.

Keeping International Women’s Day in mind,  a most interesting first of its kind research report has been revealed  on what women feel about the current work life scenario in India. This is with reference to “Lady You’re Not a Man – The Adventures of a Woman at Work” the national bestselling book by Apurva Purohit. The LYNAM team sent out a research team to unravel the complete picture in Corporate India, where first time ever, 1000 women from across the country spoke their minds about what they feel about the current work life scenario in India.

Some very interesting observations emerged about what single women experience, working mothers want, and how women feel about issues in different parts of India. For instance, 60% Women have been asked at interviews whether they will quit if they get married – Single Women perceived as a risky hire? Women in Delhi are more comfortable with a Male boss, when compared to the rest of the Country. As for working mothers, almost 60% would be relieved if their workplace had childcare facilities. As more and more Working Women refuse to give up careers post motherhood, there could be a message here for HR departments in India. 27% of Women also believe that working women take advantage through “lost babe in the woods”, “sexy diva”, and “emotional blackmail” syndromes. Women are also most offended by not being taken seriously by Men in a workplace, even more than having their cleavage stared at.

The researched set comprised of 84% of women & 16% men. Around 66% of the respondents belonged to the age bracket of 25-34. Majority of the respondents work for the private sector & around 40% of them belong to the Media & Entertainment segment. Out of the total respondents 68% belong to the Junior & Mid-Management levels. This research was undertaken in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.

Broadcasters too are making their presence felt on this special day. Several programmes have been lined up by various channels to celebrate Women’s Day.
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, HISTORY TV18 introduces a special episode on the life of Malala Yousafzai, the 16 year old education activist from Pakistan. Get inspired as she narrates the story of her remarkable journey from a teenage girl from Pakistan, to a global activist - fighting for girls' education. Malala: Shot For Going to School, will be telecast on Saturday, 8th March at 9:00 pm. The show is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons. Tune into this gripping story on 8thMarch, at 9pm only on HISTORY TV18

Sony Entertainment Television’s CID plans to feature a special Women's day episode. Its longest running show CID has constantly been entertaining its viewers with power packed episodes. ACP Pradyuman and his team has solved many of the most unusually cases in the past 16 years now it's back with yet another one. This weekend CID brings its viewers a special women’s day episode. The episode will revolve around the murders of working women who get targeted at night on the lonely skywalks of Kharghar. CID has to find the reason behind these unusual murders and fight against the criminals. To watch this women’s day special episode, tune in to CID on Saturday 8th March only on Sony Entertainment Television

Channel Romedy Now celebrates Womanhood with a unique line-up on 8th March. Celebrate the myriad facets of a woman – fun and funny, tough and tender, witty and wise, intense and impish all at once! This Women’s Day, the exclusive English entertainment channel celebrates with a lineup dedicated to the girls for what they are – bold and beautiful with dollops of chutzpah! Enjoy the daylong marathon on Women’s Day, Saturday, 8 March, 8 AM-8 PM with the best of movies.

The fashionable foursome Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are the Women of Substance in Sex and the City 2. The brilliant Julia Roberts  will amaze you as she plays a single mother in Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who almost single-handedly, brings down a Californian power supply giant to its knees for contaminating the city’s water – even if it means knocking from door to door with a toddler in tow. Roberts also bedazzles with her bright smile in The Mona Lisa Smile where she plays an art professor in the 1950s society, teaching girls to question their conservative societal roles.  There’s the glitz and glamour of the fashion world in The Devil Wears Prada as a young journalist Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathway) lands the job as second assistant to a powerful and demanding fashion mag editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).  There’s no age for being free-minded! Catch the fun punk rock loving teenager in Juno as she deals with an unplanned pregnancy at 16 and goes through the adult life with teenage fun and freshness. In Her Shoes will treat you to two sisters who cannot see eye to eye. Throw in a hard to please grandmother who ultimately makes them get along with each other and you have the perfect combination of sibling rivalry and love. 

The celebration is not just for a day. Sit with your feet up and relax with Sweet Nothings, a special slot every Wednesday at 1 PM. Your time, your space, your channel, filled with all the great stories of love and laughter at your fingertips. Charlotte (Jennifer Lopez) has finally found the man of her dreams in Monster-in-Law but his mother Viola Fields (Jane Fonda) is a nightmare who won’t lose her son to Charlie.  War of the roses ensues in Bride Wars when best friends Liv and Emma cross swords after their common wedding planner ends up scheduling their respective weddings on the same day at the same venue! Enjoy the hilarious ride. Watch out for more moments of Sweet Nothings in Step Mom and more love in Letters to Juliet. So let your hair down and enjoy the special treats this Women’s Day only on Romedy NOW!

Live on the edge this Women’s Day with AXN. With Women’s Day just around the corner, AXN is all set to woo its female audiences with special programming line-up on 8th as well as 9th March. All the women out there will get a delightful high with an extra dose of Television’s hottest men – Sam and Dean from the Supernatural series.

Supernatural, a frenzy among women, will air the Season 9 Marathon on AXN from 10 am to 6 pm on 8th March. To make your weekend more special, AXN will continue the screening of the mystic series on 9th as well. The series will be followed up by America’s Sweetheart, a beautiful rom com on women’s day at 10 pm followed by the screening of the erotic thriller, Original Sin. 

To make things more exciting, this year AXN, in search of its ‘Total Thrill Junkie’ will be giving a chance to the lucky winner to visit Shakira on the sets of ‘The Voice’, Season 6. Who knows where you might spot your favourite Sam or Dean in LA!  Set your date this weekend with your favourite Supernatural brother!!

Star Plus salutes the strength of a woman this International Women’s Day! Every year on International Women’s Day one witnesses multiple discussions over various issues plaguing Indian women today, but rarely is there a solution offered to them. This year, an attempt will be made to bring about the change people want to see around them with their new initiative - No More Kamzor. On Saturday, March 8th at 1.00 PM, Star Plus will recognize and honor women who refused to let society defeat their indomitable spirit and through their stories of triumph convey information that will empower many others like them.

Hosted by a lady who best represents today’s strong, powerful and successful achiever – Vidya Balan, ‘No More Kamzor’ is based on the concept of empowering women with information being used as a powerful tool. The show will be interspersed with issue-centric performances creatively presented by well-known artists like Lauren Gotleib, Sayantani Ghosh and Shakti Mohan among others.

STAR WORLD is all set to celebrate International Women’s Day with a marathon session of 2 BROKE GIRLS. The channel will make Women’s day extra special for its audiences with a special marathon session of everyone’s favourite independent ladies, Caroline and Max of the hit TV series, 2 Broke Girls. On the 8th of March viewers will get to sit through their favourite episodes of the show from 1 pm right upto 7pm. The women’s day special episode marathon spans six fun-filled hours spells full-blown girl powered entertainment. So huddle up with your BFF’S, grab some ice-cream and candy, get high on the gossip and giggles as you celebrate wacky womanhood with STAR WORLD.

This Women’s day Vh1 pays homage to remarkable women in the music industry. The channel will celebrate the day this year by running a countdown of Top 50 Hottest female artists in music, who have ruled the music circuit for years. From Madonna and Rihanna, to Britney Spears and Beyoncé, the channel will honour the Goddesses by ranking them in order of their electrifying tracks. So, tune in to Vh1 to enjoy this special segment on International Women’s Day, this Saturday, March 8, at 7 PM to know where your favourite artiste features on the list.

Zee TV too has introduced  special tracks for Women's Day Specials. In Stree Samman special on 8th March at 7 PM on ZEE TV  Neha Marda - Urmi from Doli Armaanon Ki will take you through a journey wherein Zee TV's protagonists take a strong stand against any injustice against women, deliver a potent message of naari shakti and women's equality and liberation. This 1 hour-episode will feature some of the most impactful scenes picturized on the female leads of Zee TV.

In Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke - Gunjan gets into the garb of a ‘Gauti Bihari’ woman called Champa claiming to be from Champaner, Bihar. She assumes this identity to find out if Nathulal and family are really a helpless family or are they conning Mayank. In the process of her interaction as Champa with the ‘Behroopiya’ family, Gunjan finds out that the family is fake and are professional looters.

Colors too is celebrating Women’s Day in a unique manner. Shows such as Bani, Sasural Simar Ka and Balika Vadhu too have introduced tracks relating to the same which depict women empowerment in today’s joint family system where the protagonistist are shown taking initiatives to break age old traditions while handling situations diplomatically.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, Femina - India’s first and largest read women’s lifestyle magazine in association with iconic beauty brand - L’Oréal Paris presents the third edition of the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards. Lauding women of worth, the awards will be held in Mumbai on 27th March 2014. Present at a special ceremony to announce the nominees were Tanya Chaitanya (Editor, Femina), Manashi Guha (General Manager, L'Oréal Paris) and Sonam Kapoor (L'Oréal Paris Brand Ambassador).

Honoring women with extraordinary accomplishments, outstanding leadership qualities and exceptional commitment to their careers and communities; the L’Oréal Paris Femina Women Awards will have 14 categories including science, business and entrepreneurship, sports, art, and education, among others.  The nominees have been shortlisted after an extensive research process while identifying each one’s key contribution in their respective fields. These unique awards recognize and felicitate Women of Worth, while celebrating the many facets of their growth.

The jury for the third edition of the awards chairs the most esteemed panel and achievers from across various fields. They include Dr Swati Pirmal, vice chairperson, Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Sabyasachi Mukerjee, Fashion Designer and Zarina Screwvala, Founder and Managing Trustee, Swades Foundation

ARMMAN, a non-profit organization committed to improving the well-being of pregnant mothers, newborns and children, has announced an entertainment based awareness event on the occasion of International Women’s day on March 8, 2014 from 7 pm to 9.30 pm at IES Auditorium, Manikrao Vidyalay, Bandra Reclamation, Opp. Lilavati Hospital, Bandra (W), Mumbai – 400050 . This event is in association with the all-girls band, INDIVA which includes four extremely talented women, Merlin D’souza, Hamsika Iyer, Vivienne Pocha and Shruti Bhave, who will perform a mix of Hindustani, Carnatic, Jazz, Classical and World Music to support the cause.  The event is a celebration of the importance of access to preventive care information in empowering pregnant women and mothers to make better choices for themselves and their children. For Bookings call on 022-66816181/022-61793333 or for online booking visit Bookmyshow.com.

This Women’s Day Godrej launches a unique experience, “Dance to my Tune” to engage with the ladies. Their latest campaign, ‘Dance to My Tune’ which is the world's first women only unique interactive web experience, is perhaps an ode to womanhood on International Women’s Day. Godrej has always striven to make their customers lives brighter through a slew of innovative ideas and on this women’s day it has built an experience that will help women enjoy turning the tables on men, in a fun and quirky manner.

Designed and conceptualized by JWT and executed by WatConsult, the digital campaign ‘Dance to My Tune’ is exclusively dedicated to women, for women and by women! It is based on the premise that women in India feel that even well intentioned men don’t do enough around the house and need to pitch in with the household chores.

Premier Wellness brand VLCC has launched a unique nationwide ‘You are a Star’ campaign to mark International Women’s Day,  to recognize the vital role played by women in all aspects of our lives. As part of the month-long VLCC campaign aimed at celebrating womanhood, women customers visiting any VLCC outlet on March 8 will be entitled to special discounts on a whole range of beauty treatments, besides being eligible for special gifts and free services. VLCC has also lined up an additional bonus for women customers visiting its Centers on International Women’s Day in the form of free advice from beauty, lifestyle, nutrition and fitness experts.
Airlines too are making this day special for women. Women travellers are in for a treat from Jet Airways India’s Premier international airline, which will offer its lady guests special fares to mark  'International Women’s Day'. The airline will offer a special 10% discount on base fares for international travel on the airlines network and a 10% discount on base fare and fuel surcharge (excluding applicable taxes) on domestic services operated by Jet Airways and JetKonnect. All tickets, for both domestic and international travel, must be booked online on www.jetairways.com and www.jetlite.com between March 8, 2014 and May 8, 2014, with travel validity of 11 months. 
As a part of this international women’s day initiative Jet Airways will also support three Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working on a range of women’s issues by conducting its unique in-flight fundraising drive from 8th to 22nd March, on all its domestic flights.

Jet Airways will contribute the benefits of these in-flight collection proceeds to three NGOs namely – Mijwan Welfare Society, Save the Children India’s - Women's Institute for Social Education and Women’s India Trust to provide opportunities for unskilled and underprivileged women and empower them with knowledge for self-reliance.

Commemorating the spirit of independent women, the shopper’s paradise Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla will host the first ever, “Power - Woman Fiesta” beginning 8th March 2014, 11 am onwards and will continue through the month till 31st March 2014. The celebration will witness assured FREE indulges for independent women at popular spas, select F&B, premium fashion brands, and much more through the special voucher booklet issued just for the ladies. Women can redeem their voucher booklet comprising amazing free offers which include  a  bowling game at Amoebaa, an hour at Snow World ,  a  meal at Cream Center  a  vodka/beer drink at YumChavie,  a  beer at HQs and Rainforest, a 15 min ride at Flight 4Fantasy,   a  visit at Scary House and a  coffee at Aromas Café.

Other offers include, Rs.500 off on spa at Sukho Thai, Rs. 500 off on purchase worth Rs. 1500/- at FCUK on women's merchandise and many more incredible offers just for women.  All you need to carry is either a Gold Credit Card (or equivalent) or four-wheeler Driving License or, Corporate Identity Proof along with a photo identity proof to the nearest registration kiosk to be eligible to participate in this scheme. Well, it’s not every day that assured free goodies come our way, so seize the LIMITED offer valid till 31st March 2014.

Also connect with your musical side this Women’s day, at the Courtyard, Phoenix Marketcity Kurla as it hosts performances by two unique bands that will enthrall the lovely ladies through their acoustic and punk music at its weekly property Smashing Saturday on 8th March , 7.00 pm onwards.
Witness Vernon Naronah, the singer and songwriter perform live with his acoustic band on songs that revolve around the elements of Soul, Latin, Jazz, Surf, Blues and

Pop. Followed by a  reverberating performance by the Punk on Toast band.

This Women’s Day celebrate the joy of being a woman with Talking Threads.in. A woman is the epitome of tenderness, care, love and affection. Be it  a mother, daughter, grand-mother or a grand-daughter Talking Threads.in acknowledges the spirit of a woman with its latest collection. Inspired by the magic of heritage embroideries and artisanal crafts, Talking Threads.in  is slowly becoming the wardrobe choice for women across India and abroad, with its elegant and exquisite range of clothes. Their Red Kantha Work Hand Painted Saree priced at Rs. 14,500/-, Fawn Applique Work Saree, priced Rs. 9750/- and Fuchsia Jewel Neckline top for Rs. 2,350/- are some of their collections worth considering.

This Women’s Day, shop for a cause with Manubhai Jeweller’s ‘Art from the Heart’ exhibition to support Women Empowerment. One of Mumbai’s leading luxury retail jewellery brand takes a step forward to support woman empowerment by providing underprivileged women a platform to showcase and sell their products. These women are a group of skilled artisans from the slums of Mumbai who are trained by Sahara Handicrafts. However, the opportunities for them to actually sell their products are very limited. Understanding this, Manubhai Jewellers has attempted to bridge this gap between the buyers and the artists. The exhibition will be 3 daylong event from 6th–8th March 2014 from 11.30 am to 7.00pm at  Manubhai Jeweller’s, Borivali (W)  where the NGO will be able to sell their handicraft products which includes a wide variety of apparels and bags.

It’s raining offers at Da Milano this International Women’s day. Da Milano celebrates Women’s week from March 4 till March 8, 2014. Make the woman in your life feel special this women’s day by gifting her a Da Milano handbag. Da Milano brings you Women's week starting from March 2 till March 8, 2014 where they shower the amazing great grand deals.

As International Women’s Day draws near, Pavers England has partnered up with leading international spa Aura Thai to offer complimentary foot massages to their female customers. Traditional Thai foot massage is a widely popular relaxation therapy and aligns with their core brand values of comfort, wellness & happiness.  For one day  only, Pavers England brings to you complimentary foot massages upon every purchase at selected stores by Aura Thai professional therapist, plus a co-branded 30% Gift Voucher to be redeemed at any Aura Thai spa.  This offer will be valid from 2pm till 10pm on the 8th of March at the following outlets:The Oberoi Mall, Infiniti 2 Malad, Inorbit Vashi & Phoenix Mills. 

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Maruti Suzuki India has launched a special scheme to empower women with driving skills. In a promotional offering exclusively for women, Maruti Suzuki is providing the opportunity to learn driving at discounted rates at Maruti Driving Schools, accompanied by the popular “Queen of the Road” contest. Furthermore, the company is also offering discounted rates on its advanced training program, designed especially for those who know how to drive and need to brush up on their driving skills. As part of the bonanza, women would be entitled to a flat 25% discount on the learner’s program along with a Rs. 750/- discount on the advanced training program.

This year, the popular “Queen of the Road” contest is a month-long campaign, running through March. Now in its 2nd year, this is an annual initiative by the company to encourage driving skills amongst the women of the country. The contest is open to all women over the age of 18 years. The participant has to undergo 3 stages until the final round- an online test, a practical evaluation at a Maruti Driving School and the zonal winner shortlisting procedure. Winners from each of the 4 zones will be given the title of “Queen of the Road” and will walk away with prize money of Rs. 50,000 each. The winners will be announced next month.

Little Italy, India’s largest chain of fine dining restaurants, in association with Sula Vineyards is organizing a fun-filled evening to celebrate the spirit of womanhood. They are organizing a free Women's Day Live cooking seminar and wine appreciation on 8th March 2014 at their Ganesh Khind, 4:00 p.m – 6: 00 p.m and Chinchwad 12 pm to 2 pm restaurants. Little Italy’s Chef Suresh Waghmare will address the seminar, where he will teach authentic Little Italy cuisines to the participants.

Little Italy invites all the women in the city to come and celebrate this special day tasting some exotic Italian cuisine and Sula wine. Ladies can enjoy the wine while the Chef does a live demonstration of preparing sumptuous appetizer like tacos, main course like Pasta Ravioli in Arabiata sauce, Risoto in white sauce. The first two-registered participants also get a chance to assist the chef on the stage. This exotic food will be served to everyone, while they catch up with their fellow participant. For free registrations, please contact Little Italy Restaurant Chinchwad(Num) 020 66313099 and Ganesh Khind(Num) 020 41057200. The last date for registration is 7th March 2014

This year, California Pizza Kitchen is all set to make your Women’s Day SPECIAL! California Pizza Kitchen is celebrating Women’s Day this year by spreading cookie joy!  They are gifting their very own homemade lip-smacking rich chocolate-chip cookies for chocolates lovers and crunchy oatmeal & raisin cookies to ALL Women dining with them on this occasion! Their  in-house range of fresh, natural, new gourmet products from the Deli Line is their  special gift to honour every woman for their achievement inside & outside of their homes! So do not miss out on an opportunity  to taste delectable dishes  on 8th March at California Pizza Kitchen, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon.

Mir  Spirits rejoices the power of 49 with Kruto Eve’s Fix by inviting all to join them  in raising a toast to all the wonderful ladies this Women’s Day. Embodying Great Spirit, Splendor, Strength, Compassion and so much more – Kruto doesn't believe in a low-key toast for the beautiful 49% of the population.
 
Kruto Vodka offers the recipe of 49 with a mix of great spirits, a dash of sweetness and just the precise level of sharpness.  Sit back and enjoy a ‘Kruto Eve’s Fix’ with your besties or get pampered by your man while he makes you a relaxing drink. It’s a special day, in a distinctive way and what better way to toast the most beautiful person in the world. Enjoy the Kruto Eve’s Fix, and remember to not keep the attention confined to this one day! 

Womens Day and Holi the festival of colours is here to lift your spirits. Windows Phone and Windows 8 Stores help you select some amazing apps that will help you celebrate both. You can check the latest apps yourselves, download them, use them and review them.

Celebrating the spirit of women Ixigo.com India’s leading travel planning and search engine together with Lemon Tree Hotels have conducted a survey on ‘What Women want from hotels?’ The survey also confirms that women today have become very tech-savvy, with 43% booking their hotels online and 76% agreeing they only read user reviews to make their final choice. It also indicates that women today love to have their say and their travel preferences are no exception. Indian women travel as frequently as once in two months (50%) with 44% stating spending quality time with family as their common reason for travel.

Thus with all the goodies lined up for women this International Women’s Day it is undoubtedly a day to liven up spirits and make the most of all that is dedicated specially to them.