This International Women’s Day, visit the market run by women, for women

Posted on 22 February, 2024

Highlighting the amazing women in the Canberra community and all that they do, a local makers market is being held in celebration of International Women’s Day.

And unlike a cupcake and cup of tea in the office, this market has the power to create significant change in the lives of girls and women locally and globally.

Run by women for women, on Sunday 3 March the Celebration of Women Market will be filling the halls of the Fitters Workshop in Kingston with 24 stalls selling beauty products, candles, pottery, food, art, and more.

Created by the local organisation Canberra Circle of Women (which was established to empower and support women around the globe through their programs), the new market will soon become an inaugural event in Canberra’s calendar to celebrate women for International Women’s Day.

As well as sparking conversations about the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in the community, according to organisation member and stall holder Micaela Centenera, the aim of the market is also to showcase the talented makers of the region while raising much-needed funds for those in need.

“We plan to hold it annually to celebrate women in our community while also helping women globally,” she says. “

“We want to raise awareness of the work that Canberra Circle of Women does within the Canberra community, across Australia and internationally. And perhaps they may want to join one of our social programs.”

“We have various volunteer groups that foster relationships and a sense of belonging, while also helping women and children living in poverty – this could be from being part of our sewing group creating Days For Girl’s menstrual kits, clothing, and school essentials bags or our knitting group who make clothing and toys, and our packing group who assembles period kits.”

Bringing together 24 stalls (22 of which are female-owned), on the day, from 9.30 am marketgoers will be able to buy everything from handmade candles from House of Slone to earrings from Nakaric Designs, handmade kids goodies from Little Lala Bug, handcrafted artisan skincare from Mad Passion Skincare and more.

For food lovers, fresh honey (that’s been flavoured using natural spices and essential oils) will be available to purchase from The Honey Box Company, you can nibble on chocolate-covered almonds from Eva Scoops , Peggy’s Pantry will be there selling handmade and hand-cut preserves and you’ll be able to grab yourself some sweet treats from Bake My Day.

And that’s just the beginning.

“The day is about fun and enjoying the talents of local stall holders while also raising awareness for our work and the plight of women and girls here and abroad. I think it will do just that,” says Micaela.

“The whole premise of how [The Canberra Circle of Women] came to be, was we were a group of women working to help other women in Australia and around the world. International Women’s Day is extremely important to us and helps us highlight the continuing needs of women and girls. Our goal is to help break the poverty cycle through education and support.”