International Women’s Day (IWD) is coming right right the corner, and as usual, it’s time to diary all the feminist happenings, big and small.
Whether you feel like having a boogie with your feminist friends; listening to some leadings thinkers talk blockers to gender equality; marching for equality; having a giggle at the patriarchy; or becoming familiar with feminist history, our guide to IWD 2019 is sure to set you on the right path.
Here’s a taster of what’s happening in and around Melbourne this IWD:
RALLY
International Women’s Day March and Rally
State Library of Victoria | Friday March 8 | 5.30-7pm
Free
Rallying for equality is a time-honoured way to spend IWD (read more about the history here). Join your fellow feminists for a spirited march through the streets of Melbourne. We’ll see you there!
MUSIC
Sisters of Soul celebrating International Women’s Day 2019 feat. Andrea Marr + Nardia + Iseula + Ratchild
Geddes Lane Ballroom | Friday March 8 | 8pm
Tickets: $32.59
Don’t miss this one night only soul extravaganza, raising much needed funds for Girls Rock! Melbourne, an incredible not-profit supporting young girls in music. This definitely sounds like a reason to dance.
MOTH International Women’s Day Show
Southern Peninsula Arts Centre Theatre, 245 Eastbourne Road, Rosebud | Friday March 8 | Doors 6:30pm
As part of the Music On the Hill series in beautiful Rosebud, this event will feature masses of female talent playing an array of musical genres, everything from soul and rnb to classical violin. What a treat.
Stone Love live for International Women’s Day
PBS Radio, 47 Easey st, Collingwood | Friday March 8 | 5-7pm
Free
Continuing their tradition of celebrating women and gender non-conforming people in music, PBS is celebrating IWD in a big way. The much-loved community radio station will be broadcasting women and GNC voices all day. Then, the night will be dedicated to tunes from Alice Ivy, P-UniQue, and the Sugar Fed Leopards. Deee-lightful!
TALK/LISTEN/Laugh
Choice Words on International Women’s Day
Church of All Nations, Carlton | Friday March 8 | 6.30pm
Tickets: $5 (all proceeds support the Victorian Women’s Trust—that’s us!—and the Readings Foundation)
What could be more feminist than talking about abortion on International Women’s Day? Join us and our friends at Readings, as we shine a light on the reality of abortion and celebrate the launch of Choice Words: An Anthology on Abortion.
This event will feature contributors Clementine Ford, Amy Gray and Monica Dux, in conversation with Choice Words editor Louise Swinn.
Women’s Peace Garden Walk
Women’s Peace Garden Kensington | Friday March 8 | 2-3pm, 6-7pm
Free
This is an amazing opportunity to learn about the history of the Women’s Peace Garden. Includes a walking tour and celebration of the work that completed since the garden was created as part of the International Year of Peace in 1986.
International Women’s Day 2019 with Nayuka Gorrie
Brunswick Town Hall | Friday March 8 | 6-7:15pm
Hear keynote speaker, Nayuka Gorrie, a Gunai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta writer whose work centres on feminism, colonisation and queerness. Hosted by Moreland City Council, this event is an opportunity to reflect on our progress towards gender equality and celebrate the courage and determination of past, present and emerging gender equality champions.
International Women’s Day with Cal Wilson
QV Square, Melbourne | Friday March 8 | 6:30pm – late
Tickets just $12* (+ $1 booking fee)
Get ready to LOL during a two-hour line up of feminist comedians in QV Square, plus music and dancing. Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Geraldine Hickey, featuring comedian Cal Wilson, gender transcendent diva Mama Alto, dance duet Glitter & Snatch, female-led musical comedy duo The Pick Up and an all-female hip hop dance crew. Tickets includes screening of Wonder Woman from 8:30pm.
WAR: WOMEN & RESILIENCE An International Women’s Day Symposium
CO.AS.IT., 199 Faraday Street, Carlton | Friday 8 March | 6.30-9pm
Free
Featuring women’s stories and testimonials of war in Hiroshima, Holland, Italy, Malta, Poland and Ukraine. Curated by Lella Cariddi with assistance by Caitlin Ewart Cassidy, this event will include an intergenerational program of readings, visual representations and audience participation, giving voice to women who can’t forget the unimaginable horror of war and its impact on innocents.
Women in Sport
Brighton Town Hall | Thursday March 7 | 6-8pm
Free
Join Susan Alberti and other local women to recognise women athletes kicking goals in Australian sport. The event will be a joyous celebration of the work women do in creating the strong culture of sport in this country. Cheers to that!
her words IWD Panel: On burnout, mental health & self-care
73 Cromwell St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia | Friday March 8 | 6:30-8:30pm
Come together to talk about mental health, self-care and burnout. What does it mean when you’re continually asked to ‘be strong’, achieve big things, and drive change? How can we honour the needs and limitations of ourselves and each other? What’s missing from the global self-care movement? All very timely questions.
PARTY
ACMI presents International Women’s Day
Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square | Friday March 8 | 6pm-late
Tickets: Full $25 Concession $22 Member $20
ACMI is hosting a IWD party with a difference! Includes an panel discussion with Leila Gurruwiwi, Santilla Chingaipe, Atong Atem, Nayuka Gorrie, Bhenji Ra and Lisy Kane, voguing workshops, museum tours, and dj sets. Plus, ACMI will be forging a women and non-binary video game club to make the world of gaming more inclusive. What’s not to love?
As you can see, this list is just a sample of the many thing happening on IWD 2019. For even more events, check out our community events calendar.
And if you want to celebrate International Women’s Day by taking real action, consider becoming a donor to the Victorian Women’s Trust. Your support means we can spread the message of full gender equality even further, ensuring women and girls reach their full potential. Now that’s something to celebrate.
