International Women’s Day, on March 8, can often feel heavy with historical, cultural and personal baggage, but the truth is, there are just as many ways to spend this important day as there are ways to be women, and we’ve rounded up some of the most interesting and empowering events happening in Brisbane.
UN Women’s March Forward
On Friday, March 7, UN Women is hosting a fabulous two-course lunch for both corporations and individuals, reflecting on the past 30 years and hearing from inspiring leaders and changemakers as they share their insights, actions, and vision for the future of gender equality. Beloved actor and comedian Celeste Barber will broadcast live from Sydney, and Paralympic Gold Medalist Madison de Rozario OAM will inspire attendees onstage in Brisbane.
Get your tickets here!
đź“ŤBCEC, Merivale St, South Brisbane
Port of Brisbane
Port of Brisbane is bringing the community together ahead of the UN Women’s celebration on March 5 with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring accomplished women leaders — from CEOs to teachers — who are driving transformative change within their fields of expertise. Their personal journeys, insights, and experiences will not just serve to illustrate how they overcome challenges as female leaders, but will seek to empower other women and girls to envision and build a more equitable future for themselves.
Sign on to the journey here.
đź“ŤMulti User Terminal, 1 Seafarer Street, Port of Brisbane
Business Chicks Breakfast
On March 18, International Women’s Day gets a corporate makeover with the Business Chicks Breakfast. With talks from globally recognised executive Winitha Bonney OAM, triple Olympian Lisa Curry, and MS survivor and advocate Azure Antoinette, it will be a true celebration of female solidarity, strength and shattered ceilings.
Get your tickets here!
đź“ŤSofitel, 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane CBD
Official IWD Events
Because International Women’s Day should be as diverse as the people it champions and celebrates, the official International Women’s Day website is hosting a variety of events for women of every walk of life, emphasising a spirit of sorority and togetherness in each of them, and every single one — just like every individual life — with its own unique narrative and takeaways.
You can choose to join UQ’s Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and the School of Political Science and International Studies for a special panel discussion focusing on women in Myanmar, attend a breakfast hosted by the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and be inspired by a powerhouse panel of leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare, or celebrate Manly Harbour’s quiet achievers with a ceremony that pays homage to extraordinary women that do extraordinary work for the community without seeking accolades or exposure.
Opt to foster future generations at women and girls events, creating collage vision boards, discussing advocacy, and practising and modeling self-confidence. Connect with female peers at industry-specific events, especially ones typically dominated by men like construction and manufacturing, or honor Australia’s premier Indigenous fashion, business, and culture event, the Black Bold and Beautiful (BBB) Luncheon.
If you’re looking for a more creative way to channel your energy, you can tune into female creativity with the Fruits of the Earth Radio Program on 3 March to hear Music of Women (93.3 or 107.3 fm), featuring an interview with and music by Grammy Award winner Ruthie Foster. Get away from it all at a half-day retreat encouraging mindfulness and diving into transformational leadership or simply enjoy a day of company and camaraderie at women’s networking lunches.
See all Brisbane events here and, however you decide to acknowledge International Women’s Day, the important thing is that you get to decide.