Fill your calendar with these 15+ events this International Women’s Day
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Kicking off in the first week of March, Canberra will have a fully booked calendar with events to satisfy every kind of woman.
This year, the United Nations has designated International Women’s Day (Sunday, 8 March) under the theme “Balance the Scales”. What does this mean? Equal rights and access to justice for women and girls worldwide. Seeking ways to dismantle structural barriers, this approach advocates for survivor-oriented legal systems.
From empowering speeches with women in leadership to evening cocktails with the gals, here are 15+ things to do this International Women’s Day in Canberra. These events are your ways to get empowered and get involved in 2026!
Wild Woman Rising with Gina Chick!
It’s not a trip to the Tasmanian wilderness, but it is an invitation into the wild world of Gina Chick! The author, survivalist and advocate for feminine resilience, will inspire you with discourse about questions of belonging, connection, and challenges we all face as humans.
More than just a talk, this unforgettable evening will be a fundraiser for Fearless Women and will act as an outlet for inspiration.
Monday 2 March, 5 pm – 7 pm | 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
CMS International Women’s Day Event
Twenty extraordinary stories. Fifteen countries. One powerful celebration of multicultural women shaping Canberra. CMS Radio FM 91.1 marks International Women’s Day with the launch of HerCapital Stories, recognising women whose journeys span Taiwan to Tonga, Afghanistan to Australia, Zimbabwe to the Philippines. Over high tea at Water’s Edge, hear from women leading change across science, medicine, law, engineering, mental health and community advocacy. The morning weaves together a moderated forum with distinguished speakers and the official book launch celebrating migration, reinvention and resilience. Broadcasting in 30 languages and live-streaming to 35,000 listeners, this is more than an event—it’s a moment of visibility for the diverse voices building our capital.
Sunday, 8 March, 11 am–1 pm | Water’s Edge, 40 Parkes Place East, Parkes | cmsradio.org.au
The Yacht Club Luncheon
Spend a relaxed long lunch at the Yacht Club to celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday, 3 March from 11.30 pm until 3.30 pm. Enjoy a beautifully curated three-course menu, paired with wine and cocktails to commemorate the occasion. Listen to a program of relevant, inspiring guest speakers, and perhaps win a lucky door prize.
Tuesday 3 March, 11.30 am – 3.30 pm | 1 Mariner Place, City | Book here.
2026 International Women’s Day and Helen Williams Oration
Honouring the UN Women Australia theme “Balance the Scales”, Commissioner Krissy Barrett APM will explore what justice looks like when it’s truly accessible by creating safe inclusive and accountable institutions at the National Arboretum on the morning of Wednesday 4 March.
A speaker to tune in to, Krissy has an impressive 25 years in national security and, leadership under her belt and is now Australia’s first female Federal Police Commissioner. Join her conversation to understand what “Balance the Scales” means for building workplaces and systems where women can create their own futures confidently.
Wednesday 4 March, 6.45 am – 8.30 am | Forest Drive, Mologonglo | Book here.
International Women’s Day Breakfast with Parker Coles Curtis
Start your morning with breakfast amongst the talented women from our economics, law, government and community sectors. This is not just a deluxe breakfast with live music, but this is also an opportunity to meaningfully network with leaders and unify towards a commitment to justice.
All of the profits will go to Fearless Women, and there’ll be an enticing panel discussion from Katy Gallagher (Minister for Finance & Women), Cherelle Murphy (Oceania Chief Economist) Natasha Janssens ( Founder of Money with Cents), prompting conversation regarding the economic security, safety and justice for women.
Now this is breakfast with a purpose!
Wednesday 4 March, 7 am – 9.15 am | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, City | Book here.
Canberra International Women’s Day with Brown Boss Babes
Brown Boss Babes Australia is bringing its International Women’s Day event to Canberra for the very first time, and you won’t want to miss out. Featuring an all South Asian women speaker line-up, the event will bring together South Asian women from across Canberra and beyond to connect, celebrate, and be seen.
Along with hearing from women across various backgrounds who will share their stories, insights, and experiences of leadership, resilience, and impact, you’ll also be treated to delicious food prepared by Ovolo Nishi, a curated gift bag featuring products from Australian South Asian owned businesses and more.
Thursday 5 March, 6.30 pm – 9 pm | Ovolo, NewActon Precinct, 25 Edinburgh Avenue, City | Book here.
Power in Balance: Latin American Women Shaping the Future
This event will bring together leading Latin American women from academia, public policy, industry, culture and community leadership to reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping more balanced and inclusive futures across Australia, Latin America and beyond.
Featuring Dr Estela Valverde (Honorary Associate Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies), Dr Alejandra Fernández (Policy & Research Officer, Medicines Australia), Irma Enríquez (pianist, Cultural Promoter and Diplomacy Leader), Gabriela Lov (senior mining executive and inclusion advocate), and María Muente (Community Engagement & Programs Specialist at Australian Red Cross), they will explore women’s leadership across sectors, pathways to equity, the role of culture and education, and how diverse voices can shape more sustainable and inclusive futures.
Moderated by Professor Catherine Travis, Professor of Modern European Languages and internationally recognised sociolinguistics scholar at ANU, following the discussion, attendees are invited to a post-panel networking reception in the Hedley Bull Atrium, with light refreshments provided.
Thursday 5 March, 6 pm – 8 pm | Hedley Bull Lecture Theatre, Australian National University | Register here.
2026 International Women’s Day Business Breakfast
Join the Canberra Business Chamber and Chamber of Commerce and Industry as they co-host a breakfast to honour women in business at The Jetty. Indulge in a delicious breakfast with Lake Burley Griffin as your backdrop and listen to the panel discussion with special guests of the women in business around Canberra.
Facilitated by Anna Neelagam, CEO of the Master Builders Association of ACT, the panel will feature Helen Leary (managing director of Communication Link), Louise MacDonald (partner in Ernst & Young), Alexandra Hordern (Insurance Council of Australia), and Rachel Healy (owner of Capital Lashes Canberra). This is more than just a breakfast.
Thursday 5 March, from 8 am | East Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace Parkes | Book here.
The Powerful Feminine
Join Dr Emma Woods, the co-founder/writer of MythCrafts, as she takes an imaginative journey through the ancient world, exploring powerful goddesses and feminine imagery from diverse cultures and traditions. Explore the empowering stories of feminine forces that refuse to be written or diminished by the patriarchy and strive to reclaim their potent power. Perhaps even get in touch with your own inner goddess!
Thursday 5 March, 6 pm – 7 pm | 76 Alinga Street, City | Book here.
Soroptimist International Women’s Day Breakfast
Soroptimist International Canberra is holding its annual International Women’s Day Breakfast and invites you to celebrate women’s achievements. Keynote speaker and Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay, will share empowering words accompanied by stories shared by refugee scholarship recipients. The breakfast, raffle, and live music will support scholarships for refugee and migrant women studying at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Friday 6 March, 7 am – 8:30 am | 3 Grose Street, Deakin | Book here.
Goulburn International Women’s Day 2026
Travel to Goulburn to hear the inspiring story of Lauren Huxley and her sister Simone at the Goulburn Brewery. Sharing her lived experience and powerful journey of finding her voice after a horrific assault in her family home, the event will align with the “Balance the Scales” theme, highlighting the need to ensure safety in the community for women and their urge to be protected and heard.
Prepare to be uplifted by musical entertainment from Jemma Beech, showcasing her blend of inspiring melodies and engaging performances, and treat your palate to the luxury menu crafted for celebration. You will be anything but thirsty as the event will have locally brewed craft beers, small-batch specialty brews, seasonal favourites, and wine for every taste. Don’t forget about the cocktails and canapes, which will be available throughout the event!
Friday 6 March, 3:30 pm – 6 pm | 23 Bungonia Road, Goulburn| Book here
Celebrate CBR Women
Treat yourself to a high-tea alongside some elegantly curated loose leaf blends of tea, as well as sweet and savoury delights, amongst other empowering women of the Canberra Community.
Held at the QT Canberra, this morning tea aims to celebrate every kind of woman in a relaxed, luxurious afternoon, acknowledging women personally, professionally, and collectively.
Saturday 7 March, 11.30 am – 1.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Girl Groups Belco Bike Party
Who deserves more praise than the girls shaping our pop-culture moments? Dust the cobwebs off your bicycle and ride down to Lake Giniderra for this girl-power themed bike party! Celebrate the girl groups who first played on your stereos, then in your hearts – The Spice Girls, The Chordettes, Bananarama – and ride in style to some vibrant tunes.
Saturday 7 March, 7 pm – 9 pm | 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Her Frequency
Venture onto the beautiful Goolabri Estate and you’ll find yourself at the Her Frequency festival, where Full Circle Collective (in collaboration with CBR Bass Babes) will be presenting workshops, talks, music, and art to celebrate women in 2026.
Tap into your creative side with the Henna workshops, get moving with yoga flow classes, or dance to the various DJs and performers on stage. Her Frequency will be a guaranteed fun afternoon lasting all through the evening. So, grab your gals and get ready to jam out!
Saturday 7 March, 11 am – late| 202 Goolabri Drive, Sutton | Book here
Cocktails with The Female Leader
Join the Female Leader group for some Sunday afternoon cocktails, conversation, and connection with some empowering women from the Canberra community. The event is held at Public in Manuka, and will invite a moment to acknowledge the achievements of our women and understand what’s next.
Sunday 8 March, 2 pm – 4 pm | 1-33 Flinders Ways, Griffith | Book here.
International Women’s Day Circle: Stories to Celebrate Women
Listen in or share your own story in this collaborative Women’s Day celebration held at Manning House. Hear the stories about wonderful women in your lives and grasp the opportunity to shed light on the women close to your heart at this sharing circle.
Facilitated by Dr Claire Manning (a passionate advocate for education, arts, diversity and inclusion), all are welcome to join this creative way to celebrate women.
Sunday 8 March, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest | Book here.
YWCA Canberra’s 2026 IWD Panel: Balance the Scales
Four inspiring women will be taking the mic in a panel to discuss the persistence of family and domestic abuse while addressing the theme “Balancing the Scales”. Demanding fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every girl and woman, Juliette Ford, Amy Lindner, Jazinta George, and Leah Dwyer – all women working in fields of crime and justice – will conduct the panel, providing attendees the chance to hear firsthand the ways our leaders are pushing for change.
It’s free for all, and there’s also an invitation to stay for networking and canapes after the panel!
Wednesday 11 March, 12 pm – 1 pm | 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Betty Churcher AO Memorial Oration with Quincy Houghton
Take a moment to celebrate the women in art this Women’s Day. James Fairfax Theatre will feature Quincy Houghton, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Deputy Director for Exhibitions and International Initiative, presenting the 2026 Betty Churcher AO Memorial Oration. Listen in to Quincy’s career journey through her role in delivering exhibitions at the world’s greatest museums, her institutional leadership, and her public engagement.
Wednesday 11 March, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm | Parkes Place, Parkes | Book here.
