International Women’s Day (IWD) is on the horizon—8 March to be exact. This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion which is as much about encouraging women to be prepared to take up space as it is educating others on the value women can bring to all spheres of life. It’s a bittersweet kaupapa—inclusion should be the baseline—but women aren’t throwing up their hands in defeat. Far from it.
Here are the best ways to contribute to the cause in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this International Women’s Day and beyond.
Her Seat, Her Voice: Advancing Boardroom Decision-Making
AUT University | 7 March
Without meaningful representation, we can’t have true inclusion or equity. Having diverse voices at the governance level is vital so we’re stoked about this free panel taking place at AUT University. Her Seat, Her Voice is a collab from Women on Boards NZ, Governance New Zealand, and Govern 365.
Head along to hear some seriously scintillating discussion from Professor Margarethe Wiersema, Dr Coral Ingley, Meleane Burgess, Professor Candice Harris, Nuwanthie Samarakone, and Dr Peter Crow riffing on women in governance.
Women In Food & Drink New Zealand Awards Lunch
Park Hyatt Auckland | 7 March
Cuisine Magazine just announced 50 of Aotearoa’s most influential women in food and drink. It’s a spectacular lineup that’s worthy of a deep read and features many women whose work often appears in our own best of the best.
Each of these women will be celebrated, and top awards for 2024 awarded, at the Women In Food & Drink New Zealand Awards Lunch, a delectable three-course affair at Park Hyatt. Essential, we reckon.
Bowl And Arrow @ Basecamp
Basecamp Yoga, Grey Lynn | 8 March
Morning people will relish getting up at the crack of dawn to hightail it—clad in athleisure—for Bowl and Arrow @ Basecamp. Start your day with a 60-minute invigorating yoga flow inspired by divine feminine energy led and by Sandey Hoskin. Body moved, you’ll enjoy a smoothie bowl by Bowl and Arrow. BYO yoga mat if you have one and aim to arrive by 6.15am.
International Women’s Month
Roskill Youth Zone | 8 March
One Billion Rising is a worldwide initiative founded by Eve Ensler on Valentine’s Day in 2012 in response to a grim statistic released by the United Nations. The statistic in question: one in three girls and women (one billion girls and women worldwide) will be beaten or raped in her lifetime. Now’s your chance to get involved at this afternoon event by Migrant Action Trust, Wesley Community Centre, and Gabriela Aotearoa NZ.
Donate To Women’s Refuge
Online | Always
If that statistic hit hard, know that incredible organisations are working tirelessly to support women and children experiencing family violence. Women’s Refuge is one of them and the largest nationwide organisation of its kind.
If you’re able to, a donation will help them to continue providing safe spaces for women and children to escape violence as well as their 24/7 crisis line (0800 REFUGE) or 0800 733 843. Donate here.
IWD2024: A Celebration Of Women In Tech
GridAKL/John Lysaght | 8 March
The tech sector is historically a boys' club but a bunch of femme-first organisations are putting in the mahi to change that.
Girls in Tech, GridAKL, Manzana, Migrants in Tech, She Sharp, Women in Space Aotearoa New Zealand, Women in Tech Meetup Auckland, Maslow, Women Tech Founders | Aotearoa, Hot Girls Code, and TechWomen are incredible organisations in their own right and this International Women’s Day they’re collaborating on one show-stopping event to celebrate the strides women have made in the tech industry. Better still, it’s free to attend. Swing by for a 5.30pm start.
Sex & Health Empowerment
Online via Storyo | Anytime
The path to inclusion is paved by storytelling, provided the most accessible narratives share and normalise diverse life experiences. The overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022 made it painfully clear that women’s bodily autonomy is not guaranteed.
Worse still, in sex and health, this isn’t an exception to the rule. Tipping the scales starts with searching for new stories, and sharing our lives with each other to spark understanding and celebration. Storyo does exactly this and their new Sex & Health Series is leading the way to sexual and health liberation for all people. Next time you have a second, check it out.
Women’s Day Power Tools 101
Re:Maker Space | 8 March
There’s something irresistible about wielding a power tool. If you’re on our wavelength you’ll be delighted to hear that The ReCreators are enabling those power tool-wielding fantasies with a Creative Woodwork Evening for all who identify as women. The three-hour workshop, which kicks off at 6pm, will teach you how to use a jigsaw sander and drill to turn wood offcuts into artwork.
Pay Homage To P!nk
Eden Park | 8 March
It’s no coincidence that P!nk is performing on International Women’s Day. An unrelenting powerhouse, the superstar is iconic both musically and in feminism. From Dear Mr. President and Stupid Girls, to making powerful body-positive statements, unabashedly showing support for other women, and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, P!nk has been making waves in the social sphere for the entirety of her professional career. No one gets the party started like P!nk.
International Women’s Day Brunch
Wynyard Pavilion | 9 March
Paula Whetu Jones (Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou) is the director of Whitiora Productions and is a social issues film-maker who has just created a doco spotlighting Kiwis working with the people of Gaza. Snag a ticket to this International Women’s Day Brunch to hear all about it. Tickets include a glass of bubbles or a non-alcoholic drink and breakfast.
Beachside Yoga And Coffee
Fit And Chat Girls’ Club | Ongoing
Fit and Chat Girls’ Club (FCGC) has exploded onto Tāmaki Makaurau’s wellness scene creating a third space in the fitness industry that’s much-needed.
Gracefully side-stepping the gym world’s obsession with aesthetics, FCGC is a meet-up for women aged 21-35 who feel out of place in traditional fitness settings and are keen to move in a chilled-out, social atmosphere. Their upcoming Beachside Yoga And Coffee has already sold out but you can follow their socials to get the scoop on their next event as soon as it drops.
The Curve Classroom
Online | Anytime
Financial independence is massive for everyone but since women here in Aotearoa earn, on average, 10% less than men, being financially savvy as a woman is especially important.
Local initiative, The Curve, educates women on all things money and International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to lean into a more secure financial future. The Curve’s next Classroom is due to open later this year so jump on their waitlist and, in the meantime, you can get acquainted with The Curve podcast and blog.
Magic Markings
Studio Alora | Anytime
It’s no secret we revel in getting inked but we’d never seen the likes of Studio Alora before. Deepening the dimensions of the art with precious ritual, tattoo ‘heartist’ Maddi Garrett’s Magic Markings—soulful designs and patterns to accompany you on your journey through this life—would be a stunning way to celebrate IWD and wherever you’re at right now.
Support Other Women
Various | Always
One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do this International Women’s Day is support other women. Over the years we’ve highlighted women-run initiatives, women shaking up the F&B scene, and women who actively forge new pathways on the daily.
Immerse in their stories, get inspired and contribute to their mahi. There are heaps of other local businesses that make this really easy too, like Crushes’ online store which allows you to shop by values including female-owned, locally-made, Māori and Pasifika businesses, and more. We’re stronger together.
Pop A Macaron, For The Hell Of It
Westfield St Lukes | 8 March
Having a macaroon moment might not rattle the patriarchy but it’ll sure taste good. Between 3 and 6pm you can score a free macaron from the treat cart on level 2 at Westfield St Lukes simply by downloading the Westfield Membership app and scanning the QR code.
Want more inspo? Check out this interview with Sophie Hurley, the woman behind Honest Wolf.
Image credit: Urban List | Supplied
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