12+ events to help you feel empowered this International Women’s Day
Posted on
For generations, women and men have pushed to shape a world in which the uncomfortable gaps that live in gender equality can begin to close. March 8 (IWD) marks a powerful continuation of this legacy.
This year’s theme, ‘Cracking the Code’, looks ahead to the future where all women can live in a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination—as well as shining the spotlight on what still needs to be done to achieve a universal sense of equality.
For those looking to join this celebration and be part of the fight for change there are plenty of ways to show your support in Canberra. From inspiring screenings to protests and rallying discussions over delicious food, let’s #EmbraceEquity together—today and every day.
Feared and Revered: Raise your glass – Celebrating female leadership
Looking to immerse yourself in creative feminine power? Look no further than the National Museum of Australia’s groundbreaking exhibition, Feared and Revered. It’s a moving collection of works any day of the week, but particularly this IWD as they raise a glass to a panel of successful women in business this Friday 3 March.
The event features product tasting and a discussion featuring Claudia Roughley of Underground Spirits, Tracy Margrain of Bentspoke Brewing Co and Kate Day of In Two Minds Wine. The inspiration will be endless.
Friday 3 March from 5.30 pm–7.30 pm | National Museum of Australia Lawson Crescent Acton | Book at eventbrite
UN Women Australia’s IWD Lunch
To help contribute towards positive change and directly impact the lives of women worldwide, the UN will be hosting a fundraising lunch on Friday 3 March.
The event will bring together leaders and changemakers who are redefining innovation—creating new social, economic and cultural codes for a gender-equal future, and help us raise much-needed funds to accelerate gender equality.
If you would like to attend but can’t make the event in person, you can buy a ticket for their online event, streamed live or viewed for a limited time after the event anywhere in Australia. Seats are limited, so don’t wait!
Friday 3 March from 12 pm – 3 pm | Exhibition Hall, National Convention Centre | Book at events
International Women’s Day at Le Tres Bon
Looking to get out of the city this IWD? Why not make your way to one of the oldest French restaurants in the Canberra region, Le Très Bon.
Aside from a glass of prosecco on arrival and the delicious flavours of Le Tres Bon’s French antipasto selection, guests can also enjoy a heartfelt presentation from esteemed author Tania Blanchard on her latest novel, ‘Daughter of Calabria.’
Telling a moving story inspired by true events, her discussions and meaningful insights are just as rich as the food on offer. Oui s’il te plaît!
Sunday 5 March from 12 pm – 3 pm | 40 Malbon St, Bungendore NSW | $50pp | Book at letresbon.com.au/event/womens-day-celebration-daughter-of-calabria
International Women’s Day 2023 at Poachers Pantry
In honour of this year’s theme, the Poachers Pantry will unite and empower women in regional NSW, highlighting how politics and community can better support women living in the land.
Panel discussions will feature extraordinary women like Sam Longmore, farmer and owner of OhBullDust and Slalom Water Skier, Anna Wyllie, Director of Regional Development in Southeast, Regional NSW, Allison Harker, GAICD, Chair Non-Executive Director of LLS State Board and Rhonda Daly, Managing Director and Co-founder of YLAD Living Soils.
Donations when purchasing tickets will go towards an aspiring agricultyre student or farmer to join the event and be part of this conversation.
A glass of bubbly, lunch and dessert will be on offer because you can’t push equality forward on an empty stomach.
Wednesday 8 March from 12 pm – 3.30 pm | Poachers Pantry | 431 Nanima Road Springrange, NSW 2618 | $86 | Book at eventbrite
Launch of BentSpoke Brewing Co’s Marion Beer
Join BentSpoke Brewing Co to celebrate International Women’s Day, and pay tribute to Marion Mahoney Griffin, through the release of their newest beer Marion. There’ll be some very special speakers, an exclusive first taste of Marion and some deliciously paired canapes.
12pm Wednesday 8 March | BentSpoke BrewPub, Elouera Street, Braddon | bentspokebrewing.com.au
ANU Women’s Department International Women’s Day protest
Refusing to let the silence coexist with the polarising politics attached to abortion in the ACT, this year the ANU Women’s Department is taking to the streets this March 8 to fight for female autonomy.
While (after last year’s protests) abortions were made free in the ACT, it’s still not possible to get an abortion after 16 weeks in this state, as there are no specialists, and half of the ACT is serviced by the publically-funded Calvary Hospital which does not perform abortions on religious grounds. According to ANU Women’s Department, abortion is not accessible in the ACT, a poignant reminder of the progress that needs to be made, even in our seemingly progressive city.
Wednesday 8 March from 1pm | Kambri at ANU | allevents.in/canberra/canberra-international-womens-day-protest-accessible-abortion-now
Strong Female Lead: International Women’s Day Screening at Dendy
In recognition of the sound of sexism in Australian politics, Dendy Cinema is screening Strong Female Lead, a profoundly moving account of the struggles faced by women in power, their discrimination and blatant harassment.
Using archival footage, we see the attacks that characterised Gillard’s time in office and how she bravely fought them to inspire women across the globe. The film also explores the media and public response to our first and only female prime minister, shining the spotlight on both the immediate and long-term effects this had on Australian society.
Yes, you will leave with a mix of melancholy and empowerment—a duality that often lives inspiring stories like Julia’s.
Wednesday 8 March from 7 pm | Bunda St, Canberra | Book at Dendy
CBR GRRRLS To The Front
Calling all Canberra grrrrrls—that’s right, we’re looking at you!
At this mini-festival of music, empowerment, and defying the status quo, women in the Canberra music scene will be elevated and, most importantly, celebrated.
With a line-up that includes a fusion of punk, alternative, and heavy metal sounds, GRRRLS To The Front will be headlined by VOIID, Box Dye, Masochist, and Pretty in Punk—four female and gender-diverse bands currently on the rise in Australia, chosen specifically to showcase the best of local, female-driven music.
The event will also support Share the Dignity, encouraging all attendees to bring an old handbag or backpack with some toiletries inside (we recommend pads, tampons, sunscreen, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and moisturiser), to directly make a difference in the daily lives of Canberra women.
Saturday 4 March from 7 pm – 11 pm | The Basement Canberra, 2 Cohen Street | Book at thebasementcanberra.oztix
IWD International Women’s Day Braidwood Luncheon
Make your way to Braidwood this International Women’s Day for a free (yes, that’s right, free) luncheon at the Braidwood National Theatre. The lunch is part of a series of events for the QPRC Women’s Festival, which includes exhibitions, discussion circles and talks.
The IWD Luncheon will feature discussions by inspiring artists Alison Alder, whose exhibition ‘There are battles yet to win: Feminist Posters 1979’ is currently showcased at the Rusten House Arts Centre, Braidwood.
Wednesday 8 March from 12 pm – 3 pm | Braidwood National Theatre 100 Wallace Street Braidwood, NSW | Book at Eventbrite
ANU College of Law’s International Women’s Day Breakfast
Marrying together breakfast and empowerment is the ANU College of Law’s Visiting Judges Program. Their 2023 IWD breakfast creates an opportunity for young Canberra women to connect with inspiring lawyers from the ACT and learn about the diverse career paths for women in law.
A perfect chance to network, feel inspired and eat delicious food simultaneously.
Tuesday 7 March from 8.30 – 10 am | ANU College of Law Moot Court 5 Fellows Road Acton | Book at Eventbrite
International Women’s Day at Empowered
Empowered Electrical’s IWD event is thanking those who have supported their female-led business with light refreshments at their recently renovated workshop showroom.
The event also welcomes any women who have questions about pursuing a trade to come in and pick their brains for valuable knowledge, guidance and insight.
Wednesday 8 March from 2 pm – 5.30 pm | 1/16-18 Purdue St 16-18 Purdue Street Belconnen | Book at eventbrite
International Women’s Day at Smiths Alternative
Head to Smith’s Alternative this IWD to hear from an incredible lineup of eight remarkable local scientists from diverse fields who are not only meaningfully shaping the world of science but sharing their knowledge and experience with other women working within this largely male-dominated industry.
The presenters will be from a wide range of disciplines in STEM who will be creatively taking the stage to share their stories and impactful words.
Tuesday 7 March from 7 pm – 9 pm | Smiths Alternative 76 Alinga Street | Book at eventbrite
International Women’s Day Breakfast at MacKillop House
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a sentiment that couldn’t be more accurate at the MacKillop House International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Featuring guest speaker Dr Helen Watchirs who received an OAM for her work in human rights in 2010, was ACT Senior Woman of the Year 2020, winner of the 2015 ACT Chief Minister’s Award for Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness, 2012 Telstra ACT Businesswoman of the Year, and a finalist in ACT Australian of the Year in 2016. You can guarantee that you will be left feeling empowered.
Thursday 9 March from 7 am – 9 am | 10 Watson St 10 Watson Street Turner | Book at eventbrite
