DIY: How to make your own banner for International Women's Day and endometriosis awareness march

Buying feminist merchandise isn't necessarily the best method of supporting gender equality because investing money into unethical businesses is not the kind of deeds the suffragettes had in mind when they famously said: "Deeds, not words". But perhaps making your own activist protest banner is a step closer to authentic activism

By Josefine Cook

The International Women's Day and Endometriosis marches are coming up, so find an old shoe box and get creative.

Here are three top tips for making your own #bannerart. 

Reuse a shoe box

When embarking on an arts and crafts adventure, we often feel the need to buy a whole new kit of tools and materials. But if you don't get crafty every week, you can reuse materials you already have. An old shoe box or cardboard packaging can be cut and used as the base of your banner. And instead of worrying about finding a plank of wood to use as the banner stick, grab a wooden kitchen utensil. Tape it to the back of your banner; when you get home from marching, you can wash it and continue using it as normal.

STEP 1: Gather your tools. I'm using an old shoe box lid and colourful markers

STEP 2: Cut the sides of the shoe box lid using scissors

STEP 3: If your cardboard has a print or logo, cover it with paper. I'm using yellow to create a colourful background

Contrast means impact

Make sure whatever you write on your banner stands out against the background. Take yourself back to primary school and imagine the colour wheel; use contrasting colours for an attention-grabbing look.

Words, not images

The suffragettes followed "Deeds, not words". When it comes to banners, think words over art. A strong, witty slogan will beat a lousy illustration and will be easier to see from a distance.

STEP 4: Use a thick marker or paintbrush to achieve a bold look. Remember, your banner must be easy to read from afar

STEP 5: Use a kitchen utensil as the stick for your banner. Tape it to the back of it securely

STEP 6: You can keep your banner simple or decorate it with symbols or illustrations. Enjoy marching

Read about how businesses are cashing in on feminism in our March issue

Pictures by Josefine Cook