From a sip-sational dinner to the chance to meet Liane Moriarty: 10+ events to celebrate International Women’s Day in Canberra
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Forget a pink cupcake in your workplace kitchen, these International Women’s Day events in Canberra will be much more satisfying.
International Women’s Day is marked on Saturday 8 March, and Canberra’s calendar is packed with meaningful ways to commemorate this global celebration before, during and after the day.
This year, the official United Nations theme is ‘Accelerate Action’. Why? Because we need to accelerate action for gender equality. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
Supporting the call to speed up the rate of progress worldwide, from a sip-sational dinner to the chance to meet Liane Moriarty (yes, the mastermind behind Big Little Lies), all of these events support amazing women in the community through recognition, donation and celebration!
Sip and Celebrate: International Women’s Day Dinner at QT
This exclusive dining experience is not to be missed! On Thursday 6 March Capital Bar & Grill is raising a glass to some of the amazing women who have helped to put the Canberra Wine District on the map.
Celebrating three fabulous women behind some of the Canberra Wine Region’s most popular local wineries (Pankhurst Wines, Shaw Wines and Eden Road), you’ll start the evening with pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the deck, before indulging in a delectable three-course dinner. Each course will be expertly paired with wines, and a portion of the proceeds from tickets will be donated to Karinya House.
Plus, you’ll receive a gift bag with wine experiences, a pamper pack and more!
Thursday 6 March, 6 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book tickets here.
Business Chicks International Women’s Day Breakfast
Celebrating women and all the amazing things they do; this International Women’s Day Business Chicks is bringing three powerhouse speakers to share their stories.
Head along to hear keynote speaker and mindset coach Sarah Grynberg, one of the world’s leading experts in habits, Dr. Gina Cleo and author, speaker and performer Azure Antoinette as they reflect on the past and reimagine the future.
Tuesday 4 March, 8 am – 10.30 am | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
WIC Women in ICT International Women’s Day – United in Progress: Paving the way for tomorrow
Join non-profit organisation Women in ICT (WIC) to celebrate International Women’s Day at Old Parliament House!
Hosting an empowering lunch and panel discussion, you’ll hear from four amazing technology leaders who are paving the way for tomorrow: General Manager (Advisory and Technical Services) at Downer Professional Services Connie Heaney, Senior Software Engineer and People Lead at Shine Solutions Group Sampurna Sen, the Chief Architect and Assistant Secretary for Architecture, Design and Security at the Department of Home Affairs Dr Michelle Graham, and Claudine Beltrami – the Public Sector Leader at Verizon Business Group!
They’ll be diving into the topic ‘United in Progress: Paving the way for tomorrow’.
Wednesday 5 March, 11.30 am – 2 pm | Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
MBA ACT International Women’s Day Luncheon with Liane Moriarty
Calling all bookworms, the MBA Women in Construction group to celebrate International Women’s Day with a very, very special guest speaker.
Along with a delicious two-course lunch, you’ll hear from New York Times Bestselling author and Australian literary icon, Liane Moriarty. Yep, you read that right. She will be sharing her captivating story and journey to success, so make sure you take your books along to be signed!
Wednesday 5 March, 12 pm – 2.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book tickets here.
Salon Canberra Ideas Forum: Building Inclusion and Diversity in the Construction Industry
Celebrating the role of women and diversity in reshaping the construction industry for the better, this Internation Women’s Day event is a must-attend.
Hosted by Salon Canberra in partnership with AECOM, the event will provide insights into proven strategies and practical steps for embedding inclusion into Canberra’s construction industry, including our major infrastructure projects. You’ll hear from Director-General, Major Projects Canberra and ACT Chief Engineer Gillian Geraghty, Regional Managing Director of AECOM Australia NSW + ACT, Gabrielle Trainor AO, the Chair of Construction Industry Culture Taskforce.
Whether you’re a developer, contractor, project manager, policymaker, architect, engineer, or urban planner, head along to learn how to take action on diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.
Thursday 6 March, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
IN CONVERSATION: Katherine Bennell Pegg for International Women’s Day
Canberra Museum + Gallery is celebrating International Women’s Day with a special in-conversation event featuring Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first person qualified as an astronaut under the Australian flag!
Perfect for all ages, you’ll gain an exclusive look into Katherine’s inspiring journey to achieve her childhood dream, alongside insights into her pioneering work at the Australian Space Agency. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by Australia’s first officially qualified astronaut!
Friday 7 March, 9.30 am – 10.45 am | 176 London Circuit, City | Book tickets here.
Soroptimist International Canberra International Women’s Day Breakfast
Operating since 1921, Soroptimist International is a women’s organisation and charity which focuses on the well-being and education of women and girls. This year, the Canberra branch is hosting an International Women’s Day breakfast to raise funds to provide scholarships for refugee women studying at Canberra Institute of Technology!
There will be a cooked breakfast, coffee, tea, croissants, a raffle, and live music by AIR & GRACE! Talk about eating good to do good.
Friday 7 March, 6.45 am – 8.45 am | Canberra Deakin Football Club, 3 Grose Street, Deakin | Book here.
International Women’s Day Breakfast at University of Canberra
The University of Canberra is hosting a thought-provoking and powerful International Women’s Day panel discussion, bringing together fearless local leaders, changemakers, and disruptors to explore the realities of empowerment, progress, and the challenges that remain.
Expert panellists will challenge perspectives, share personal stories, and spark ideas for lasting changen – covering everything from financial resilience in marginalised communities to cultural empowerment, leadership, and the emotional strength required to drive progress.
Friday, 7 March, 7:30 am – 9 am |Ann Harding Conference Centre, 24 University Drive South, Bruce | Register here
International Women’s Day 2025 High Tea at The Q
Join Samuel Johnson OAM for conversation, high tea and scones! Held in support of the Love Your Sister Chairty, Samuel (yes, the Gold Logie Award winning Australian actor, winner of Dancing with the Stars 2019, and the 2018 Victorian Australian of the Year) will be the VIP guest speaker, coming to share his story in person.
As well as some yummy food (hello famous CWA scones), there will also be a silent auction and a raffle!
Saturday 8 March, 2 pm | The Q, 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Book here.
Canberra Southern Cross Club International Women’s Day Dinner
The Canberra Southern Cross Club have partnered with Share the Dignity to host a special dinner that will celebrate and support the incredible women who shape the local community.
Along with a cocktail on arrival, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner (including dishes like Junee lamb and an artisan cheese platter) that will be expertly paired wines. Plus, there will be live music, a lucky door prizes, and an inspiring panel discussion featuring the CEO of Underground Spirits Claudia Roughley, the President of Canberra Women in Business Mandy Hill, restaurant manager of Such and Such and Alison Hall of Share the Dignity.
Plus, on the night of the event, you can make a real difference by donating unopened packets of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period undies, reusable pads, and incontinence aids to help those experiencing period poverty.
Saturday 8 March, 6.30 pm | 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip | Book tickets here.
International Women’s Day creative storytelling workshop at Manning Clark House
Keen to share some stories about the wonderful women in your life? Manning Clark House is inviting people to go along for a special workshop to stop, reflect, write and share in creative ways the many women in their lives who have provided support and helped along the way.
Facilitated by Dr Claire Manning, it will be a wholesome way to spend the afternoon.
Saturday 8 March, 3 pm – 5 pm | Manning Clark House, 11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest | Book here.
International Women’s Day with the Stellar Company
Looking for something a little different to do? Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Stellar Company, a non-for-profit arts organisation in the ACT.
Celebrating women of all ages and abilities, they’ll be offering a range of events including a weaving workshop, a mini-pitch session from Canberra artists and businesswomen and a performance exploring stories of female empowerment. Go to one or go to all three!
Saturday 8 March, 4.30 pm | 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon | Book here.
Celebrating Canberra women in Jazz
A night of fabulous big-band music on International Women’s Day? Don’t mind if we do. The CW Big Band have come together for a special showcase of some of the finest local musicians, and to celebrate composers from Canberra and around the world.
Sing along to well-known hits from Beyonce, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Dua Lipa and more – all profits raised will be donated to Karinya House!
Saturday 8 March, 7.30 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
CPA Australia International Women’s Day Luncheon
Featuring renowned journalist, author, and gender equality advocate, Tracey Spicer, you’ll want to head to QT for this empowering luncheon.
Exploring the theme “Accelerate Action”, Tracey will give a keynote address and provide insights on navigating and transforming workplace inequality. There will also be live music performed by Charlie Grace, you’ll also have the chance to network with like-minded professionals and change-makers and there will be a charity raffle on the day with proceeds going towards Fearless Women.
Friday 14 March, 11.45 – 2.30 pm | 1 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Feature image supplied by QT Camberra.
