You know how gyms are packed in January? Everybody is serious, drinking protein shakes, wearing fresh workout gear, posting their “New Year, New Me” gym selfies. Then by February, silence. The energy has vanished, and the gym is back to its regulars, the ones who never stopped and are just grateful to get their space back.
That’s exactly how Women’s History Month feels sometimes. For 31 days, the whole world is hyped. Panel discussions, empowerment hashtags, “breaking barriers” speeches and “aspire to perspire” LinkedIn posts. We are all about women winning. But then April 1st comes, and we’re back to regular programming.
But we can’t keep doing this to ourselves. Stopping is the enemy. If we stop doing the work, we lose the progress. And when it comes to championing women (or anybody, really), it can’t be seasonal because the challenges we’re trying to resolve don’t come in seasons.
From Moments to Movements
The problem isn’t that we don’t care; it’s that real change takes consistency. It’s easy to create a buzz around a hashtag, but what happens when a trending topic fades?
Women don’t suddenly stop needing support because the calendar moved forward. The challenges that made Women’s History Month necessary in March don’t magically disappear on April 1st. Women still face barriers in the workplace. Young girls still need mentorship. Opportunities are still scarce.
So, what’s the plan?
We have to ask ourselves: are we about moments or movements? A moment is powerful, yes. It can spark something in someone. But a movement is what creates real change. And movements require consistency.
From Lip Service to Real Service
For me, this isn’t just a conversation, it’s action. Which is why I loved this year’s theme: Accelerate Action. This life? Thoughts and prayers, hopes and dreams won’t sort it. Na action go run am. A good friend is running a training course on Email Marketing Automation, and I committed to sponsoring a few girls who would have been brilliant at this but could otherwise not afford it. I’m doing it because what is a reasonable investment for me can make a difference. I know that access can change everything, and tech can transform lives, so I’m putting my money where my motivational quotes are.
In a few weeks, these young ladies will have the skills to build, create, and carve out opportunities for themselves. This is the real goal: empowerment that translates into independence.
But I should be clear in saying that you don’t have to fund scholarships to make an impact. It might just be saying a word in season to ears opened to listen, but we can all do something.
Supporting Yourself: Because You’re Part of the Movement Too
And while we’re at it, are you also pushing yourself?
One of the most powerful things you can do is self-sponsorship, investing in your own growth, advocating for yourself, positioning yourself for bigger opportunities. We often pour energy into lifting others up but hesitate to do the same for ourselves. Why? If you tell a young girl to be bold but you’re afraid to ask for that raise, what message are you sending?
Let’s normalise pushing ourselves forward. Take that course. Find that mentor or even just reach out for help when you need it (because, one day, we will talk about how we are self-sabotaging with “Hard babe, hard babe”). Negotiate that salary. Learn that new skill. The best way to inspire others is to show them what’s possible.
Small Actions, Big Wins
You don’t have to donate millions to make an impact. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pass on what you know.
Mentorship is free, and it can change a life. The guidance you wish you had? You can give it to someone else. That mistake that cost you time? You can help someone else avoid it. The career advice you had to figure out alone? You can share it. Even if you think you don’t know much, trust me, there’s always someone who could benefit from the lessons life has taught you.
And beyond mentorship, there are other small ways to keep the spirit of Women’s History Month alive:
Amplify other women’s work: refer them, share their projects, call their names in rooms they’re not in.
Open doors for others, even if it’s just pointing them in the right direction.
Celebrate people loudly. A simple message saying, “I see what you’re doing, keep going!” can mean so much to someone who needs a kind word to keep grinding.
The Real Winning Streak
Let’s not be the January gym-goers when it comes to action for progress. The real flex is consistency.
If we keep showing up, we keep winning. And when one person wins, it creates space for more people to win. That’s how we go beyond the hype. That’s how we make sure Women’s History Month isn’t just a moment but a movement that never stops.
Let’s get it.
Rachel Onamusi is the CEO of VN Sync, a UK-based tech company and full-service marketing firm with expertise in all aspects of media and a strong focus on digital strategy development and implementation. Dedicated to creating lasting impact, Onamusi is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, writer and frequent media contributor.
Rachel Onamusi
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