March is a month of renewal - in the seasons, in our routines, and in how we reconnect with what matters. It’s also packed with meaningful cultural, religious, and historical observances that invite organizations to celebrate identity, deepen understanding, and build workplaces where more people feel seen.

From Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month to Purim, Holi, and Eid al-Fitr, March gives ERG leaders and people teams a powerful opportunity to blend education with community-building - and to create programming that’s thoughtful, not performative.

If your organization supports faith-based inclusion, March is an ideal month to reinforce your approach. If you’re building or strengthening interfaith programming, check out Verbate’s best practices for effective, inclusive interfaith ERGs.

Planning your ERG programming for March? Verbate gives ERG Leaders & Program Managers resources, community and recognition for their ERG work. Learn more here.

March at a Glance

A quick, scannable overview of March’s key observances to support planning and inclusive engagement.

Key March Heritage & Awareness Observances

Women’s History Month (All Month)

Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements, leadership, and cultural impact of women across history - while also spotlighting the work still needed for gender equity. What began as a week-long recognition in 1981 expanded into a month in 1987, and has since grown into a broader movement for representation, inclusion, and systemic change.

In practice, the most meaningful Women’s History Month programming doesn’t treat women as a monolith - it makes space for lived experiences shaped by race, disability, sexuality, class, and more. For a real-world example of this approach, explore how Women of Betterment centered intersectionality and community.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Spotlight women leaders, innovators, and changemakers across roles and identities.
• Partner with Women’s and Pride ERGs to highlight intersectional stories.
• Host mentorship, sponsorship, or career development events led by ERGs.
• Support women-owned businesses or community organizations.

Irish American Heritage Month (All Month)

Established in 1991, Irish American Heritage Month honors the resilience, culture, and historical contributions of Irish Americans. It’s also a reminder that migration stories are often layered - shaped by colonialism, discrimination, labor history, and community-building over generations.

Nearly 31 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, which is more than five times Ireland’s population - making this observance a meaningful cultural touchpoint for many employees and communities.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share stories of Irish-American history, traditions, and community contributions.
• Highlight Irish-American art, music, poetry, and cultural milestones.
• Host programming that centers heritage without stereotypes.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (All Month)

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month promotes inclusion, accessibility, and disability rights - and encourages organizations to examine how systems and norms can exclude disabled people. Founded in 1987, the observance supports a broader movement toward community belonging and equitable opportunity.

According to the CDC, roughly 1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental disability - a reminder that disability is common, often invisible, and deeply relevant to workplace inclusion.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share resources on disability inclusion, universal design, and accommodations.
• Invite disability advocates or community partners to speak (with consent and compensation).
• Audit workplace systems for accessibility improvements (digital, physical, and procedural).
• Highlight Disability ERG leadership and lived-experience expertise.

Zero Discrimination Day (March 1)

Observed globally, Zero Discrimination Day calls attention to the right of every person to live with dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination. Originally launched by UNAIDS, the day highlights how bias — whether based on race, gender, disability, health status, or identity — undermines individual wellbeing and collective progress.

In workplace settings, Zero Discrimination Day is a moment to reflect on how policies, behaviors, and systems either reinforce or dismantle inequity.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share learning resources on unconscious bias and systemic discrimination.
• Encourage ERGs to host conversations about lived experience and belonging.
• Review workplace policies for equity gaps or unintended barriers.
• Reinforce organizational commitments to inclusion and psychological safety.

National Nutrition Month (All Month)

National Nutrition Month is a wellness-focused observance emphasizing healthy habits and food literacy. Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973 as a week-long campaign, it later expanded into a month - with themes that often encourage culturally diverse and accessible eating patterns.

This is a great moment for organizations to talk about wellness without moralizing food or centering “one-size-fits-all” health narratives.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share culturally diverse recipes and nutrition resources across ERGs.
• Offer learning on food access, affordability, and cultural food traditions.
• Host wellness programming that’s accessible (movement breaks, stress support, flexible options).

Purim (March 2–3)

Purim is a joyful Jewish festival rooted in the story of Esther, celebrating resilience, courage, and community. It’s often observed with costumes, humor, and storytelling - a reminder that celebration can be both lighthearted and deeply meaningful.

Many people celebrate with festive gatherings, charitable giving, and sharing food gifts (mishloach manot).

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Respect observance needs, including evening events and community gatherings.
• Learn about Purim traditions like mishloach manot (gift-giving) and charitable acts.
• Invite Jewish ERG leaders to share (voluntarily) how they observe and what support looks like.

Holi (March 4)

Holi, often called the Hindu festival of colors, marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Its colored powders symbolize letting go of past grief and embracing new beginnings - themes that resonate well beyond the holiday itself.

Holi’s origins trace back to ancient Hindu legends about devotion, love, and community unity. In inclusive workplace settings, Holi is best approached through cultural understanding — not just aesthetics.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Explore Holi’s cultural meaning, stories, and values - not only the visuals.
• Partner with Hindu or South Asian ERGs for educational programming.
• Offer a cultural appreciation event (music, storytelling, food traditions) with consent and context.

Employee Appreciation Day (March 7)

Employee Appreciation Day recognizes the contributions, effort, and dedication of employees across organizations. When done thoughtfully, appreciation goes beyond perks or one-time gestures - it reinforces belonging, trust, and recognition.

This day is an opportunity for leaders to model gratitude and for teams to reflect on how appreciation is expressed equitably year-round.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Offer personalized or team-based recognition that reflects diverse contributions.
• Encourage peer-to-peer appreciation across roles and levels.
• Ensure recognition practices are inclusive and accessible.
• Center appreciation & recognition of ERG leaders.
• Pair appreciation with listening: invite feedback on what support looks like.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s rights and gender justice, recognized since 1911. It’s both a celebration and a call to action - an opportunity to look honestly at equity gaps, barriers to advancement, and what meaningful accountability can look like.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Host discussions on pay equity, leadership pathways, and inclusive culture.
• Celebrate women innovators and impact-makers across the organization.
• Pair recognition with action: commitments, resources, and measurable goals.

International Day to Combat Islamophobia (March 15)

This UN observance promotes religious inclusion, understanding, and safety for Muslim communities. Established in 2022 amid rising concerns about anti-Muslim bias, the date marks the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks - reinforcing that this day is rooted in remembrance and protection.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Host educational sessions on religious inclusion and anti-bias practices.
• Support ERGs in creating safe spaces for dialogue.
• Review workplace policies related to religious accommodations and safety.

Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17)

Saint Patrick’s Day is widely recognized as a celebration of Irish culture, community, and heritage. It’s also full of fascinating historical nuance: Saint Patrick wasn’t Irish - he was born in Roman Britain - and the original color associated with the holiday was blue, not green.

In workplace settings, this day is a chance to celebrate culture without reducing it to stereotypes.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Highlight Irish-American history and contributions across fields.
• Avoid stereotypes; focus on cultural storytelling, art, music, and community.
• Partner with ERGs for heritage spotlights and learning moments.

Eid al-Fitr (March 19–20)

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with gratitude, prayer, generosity, and community. The name translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and traditions often include family gatherings, special meals, and giving zakat al-fitr (charitable donations).

Because Eid follows a month of fasting and reflection, the celebration can be deeply joyful - and also logistically busy for those observing.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Be mindful of scheduling during prayer and celebration times.
• Offer flexibility and avoid making key meetings mandatory during Eid.
• Learn about Eid traditions, including zakat and community giving.
• Invite Muslim ERGs to share educational resources (voluntarily) and lead celebrations if they choose.

World Down Syndrome Day (March 21)

World Down Syndrome Day promotes inclusion, rights, and visibility for people with Down syndrome. The date (3/21) represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome, and campaigns like “Lots of Socks” encourage wearing bright socks to spark conversation.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share stories and resources from advocacy groups and self-advocates.
• Promote disability-inclusive hiring and workplace practices.
• Review accessibility supports and ensure accommodations are easy to request.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)

This global observance calls for collective action against racism and discrimination. The date commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 in South Africa and remains a powerful reminder of the urgency of anti-racism work.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share anti-racism learning resources and reflection prompts.
• Host discussions led by leaders or ERGs (with psychological safety in mind).
• Connect learning to action: policies, practices, and measurable progress.

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25)

This day honors lives lost and recognizes the lasting global impact of the transatlantic slave trade. The UN holds annual memorial events, and initiatives like UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples document histories across continents.

It’s an observance that calls for remembrance - and also for continued work toward justice and repair.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share educational materials and historical reflections.
• Host International conversations internally and partner with relevant organizations or cultural institutions.
• Host a facilitated learning session focused on historical memory and present-day impact.

Medal of Honor Day (March 25)

Medal of Honor Day honors the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. service members who have received the nation’s highest military decoration. The day recognizes extraordinary acts of courage and service, and offers a moment to reflect on the human cost of conflict.

In workplace contexts, this observance can be an opportunity to honor veterans and military families with respect and care.

Inclusive Ways to Observe

• Acknowledge veteran employees and Veterans ERGs.
• Share educational resources about the Medal of Honor and its recipients.
• Support veteran-focused organizations or community initiatives.
• Create space for reflection rather than celebration-centric activities.

Palm Sunday (March 29)

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and marks the beginning of Holy Week in Christian traditions. Many churches distribute palm branches symbolizing peace and victory, and observances often include processions or reenactments - traditions that date back to the 4th century.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Be mindful of service times when scheduling events.
• Acknowledge Holy Week observances within Christian employee communities.
• Share educational resources about Holy Week traditions for interfaith understanding.

International Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31)

International Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates transgender joy, resilience, and leadership while raising awareness about ongoing inequities. Founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, a transgender activist from Michigan, it’s one of the few global observances centered on trans visibility and joy.

In workplace culture, it’s a powerful reminder that inclusion is not abstract — it’s felt through safety, affirmation, and everyday practices.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share stories from trans leaders and advocates (with consent and care).
• Offer resources on gender inclusion and affirming workplaces.
• Review policies around names, pronouns, benefits, and gender-affirming care.
• Partner with Pride ERGs to lead programming and community-building.

Strengthening Awareness & Connection Through March Observances

March’s observances carry themes of renewal, equity, resilience, and cultural celebration — and they’re most impactful when they’re treated as part of ongoing culture work, not isolated moments on a calendar.

Use March to plan proactively: build a rhythm of learning, listen to ERG input early, and design engagement that’s accessible across identities, time zones, and work styles. Check out our event planning and measurement guide for tactical tips. 

For a year-round planning view, explore Verbate’s Heritage Months & Cultural Calendar.

Planning your March ERG programming? Verbate provides community and resources for ERG Leads and ERG Program Managers. 

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