International Women’s Day (IWD) is on the horizon—8 March to be exact. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity which is all about recognising that equal opportunities isn’t enough, an inclusive world demands equity.
What’s the difference? Equality means every person is given the same resources or opportunities but equity recognises that people begin from different contexts so need access to different resources to end up on par, or truly equal, with others who are more privileged. You can delve into this more deeply here. In the meantime, be sure to get amongst the celebrations. Here are 7 of the best International Women’s Day events to hit up in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Women’s Work 2023: The Shape Of Things
Saturday 4-12 March, Ellen Melville Centre
Art collective Women’s Work is showcasing a selection of 50+ creative works in The Shape Of Things, a collaboration with over 30 professional female and non-binary photographers. Entry is free with artist talks being held on Sunday 4 and 12 March and a “Don’t Hire Us” panel discussion led by Women’s Work founder, Victoria Baldwin, on Wednesday 8 March from 6-8pm.
Kōrero With Coco Solid
Tuesday 7 March, The Classic: Comedy Club
Musician, visual artist, animation creator, 2021 Arts Foundation laureate, author of “How To Loiter In A Turf War”, and co-director of Onehunga community space, Wheke Fortress, Coco Solid is a force to be reckoned with. And she’s taking to the stage at The Classic: Comedy Club in Kōrero With Coco Solid where she’ll be interviewed by Stacey Morrison about changing the world through story and art. Open to all, entry is a koha between $10 and $40 and NZSL interpreters will be on hand. Tickets are limited, so if this sounds like a bit of you, you’ll want to get in quick.
International Women’s Day Wellness Morning
Wednesday 8 March, Basecamp Power Yoga
Morning people will relish getting up at the crack of dawn to hightail it—clad in athleisure—to Basecamp Power Yoga in Grey Lynn for an International Women’s Day Wellness Morning. Start your day with an invigorating vinyasa flow followed by a delicious smoothie bowl by Bowl and Arrow, and a panel discussion hosted by Bowl and Arrow owner, Leisha White. Panellists include the founder of Miss Polly’s Kitchen Polly Markus, founder of The Curve financial education platform for women Sophie Hallwright, freelance digital marketing specialist and marriage celebrant Jamie Erren, and founder of Aurea Fine Jewellery Alex Patchett. BYO yoga mat if you have one and aim to arrive by 6.30am.
She Sharp & Countdown: International Women’s Day
Wednesday 8 March, Countdown Ponsonby
If 6.30am’s a little too early for you, you might like to get a spoonful of She Sharp’s International Women’s Day breakfast instead (at the more civilised time of 7.30am). In collaboration with Countdown, you’ll have plenty of nutritious kai to chow down on while you’re inspired by a panel of speakers including sustainability professional, Catherine Langabeer. Register for a chance to win some very special prizes.
EmpowHER Scholarship
Wednesday 8 March, online
Dermalogica X Saben X The Icehouse are launching a brand new EmpowHER scholarship in support of emerging Kiwi women business owners and applications open on International Women’s Day. There will be five grants up for grabs collectively valued at over $20,000 with one scholarship recipient also receiving mentoring with the founders and teams at Dermalogica NZ and Saben. So, if your side hustle could do with a bit of a leg up, or you’ve been toiling away at your business and it’s ready to go next level, you should definitely apply.
International Women’s Day 2023: Digitall: Innovation And Technology For Gender Equality
Wednesday 8 March, Grid|AKL - John Lysaht Building
You’ve heard of the gender pay gap, but did you know a digital gender gap exists too? According to the UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, excluding women from the digital world has dropped the GDP of low- and middle-income countries by $1 trillion in the past decade. Not here for this? You and us both. Swift yourself a ticket to Digitall, an event exploring the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces, and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence. Headlining is CEO of Fibre Fale Julia Arnott-Neenee, and Design Researcher and Lecturer Dr Diana Albarrán González PhD.
#EmbraceYourEntrepreneurialSpirit
Wednesday 8 March, PwC
NZ Global Women and PwC are combining forces to bring us a free International Women’s Day event all about entrepreneurial spirit and their panel is stacked with inspiration. You’ll hear from youth forensic psychiatrist and professor of indigenous research Dr Hinemoa Elder, CEO of World Pulse Jensine Larsen, Chair of PwC Keren Blakey, award-winning novelist Paula Morris, front person of soul band Ardijah Betty-Anne Monda, founder of SheEO Vicki Saunders and artist Dr Fiona Pardington.
WeMeditate: Wed Meditation Class
Wednesday 8 March, Manzana
International Women’s Day is a prompt to be more mindful—mindful of how we are, the decisions we make and the ways we connect with others, or don’t. While not an official IWD event, learning the basics of meditation and how to make meditation a regular practice at Manzana, a women-led community and space for creative entrepreneurs, sounds spot on. WeMeditate will start at 5pm and is set to be led by spiritual artist and meditation facilitator, Sierra Truong.
Actually Do Something
Ongoing, online
It’s all very well going to a riveting panel discussion and soaking up a whole lot of new knowledge around actually making this world more equitable but if you don’t do anything with that knowledge, nothing’s going to change. Narrative Muse is an online platform that matches users with books, tv shows and movies by and about women and gender-diverse people. It’s all about expanding the mainstream narrative by shining a spotlight on lesser-represented stories to help break down stereotypes and biases for a more inclusive society. As luck would have it, they’re doing a massive crowdfunding drive as well as looking for more contributors so if this mahi resonates with you, International Women’s Day is the perfect time to get involved.
Want more inspo? Check out this interview with talented rapper, JessB.
Image credit: Ezekixl Akinnewu.