Celebrating 2021 International Women’s Day in Canberra
1 March 2021
International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than to get together with your nearest and dearest friends and head to an international women’s day event taking place across Canberra!
This past year, we’ve witnessed first-hand just how important women are within our community and across the globe. From the women working across our frontline services, educators who have had to adjust to distance learning, and mothers who have taken on a greater burden of care in the household, there’s no denying the power and value that women play in our daily lives.
That is why this International Women’s Day is more important than ever, as it is a time for us to truly recognise and celebrate the women who have made both sacrifices and gains for equality not just in our own lives, but for lives all over the world.
What YWCA Canberra is doing this IWD
It’s no surprised IWD plays an important part in our organisation. That is why this year for IWD, we’ll be hosting a range of activities and events aimed to highlight and celebrate the experiences and achievements of women across the ACT and the greater region.
Our Lives, Our Futures: Gender equality in the age of COVID-19 – Join YWCA Canberra on Wednesday 10 March, as we host our annual IWD event, where we will be screening a short documentary followed by an expert panel session. This year our event will focus on exploring the impact of gender inequality on women’s housing and financial security and wellbeing, including how COVID-19 has exacerbated existing systemic issues.
When: Wednesday 10 March 2021, 9.30-10.45am
Where: Kambri Cultural Centre
Cost: Free to register
YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement IWD Mural
In celebration of International Women’s day, YWCA Canberra’s Youth Engagement team is partnering up with ACT Gov to bring to life a beautiful mural at Garema Place inspired by Australian cyclist and champion BMX rider, Caroline Buchanan. The project is expected to launch Wednesday 3 March and will be completed over two days. If you find yourself in the city next week, make sure to check it out!
When: Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4 March 2021
Where: Garema Place, ACT
Cost: Free
Can’t make it to either of these events? Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered for all things IWD, so you don’t have to miss out! See below for other IWD events taking place around Canberra over the next few days.
IWD events happening in Canberra
Event: Choose to Challenge: The future is unequal If the voices aren’t diverse
On Saturday 27 March, Join the Canberra Multicultural Women’s Forum for a conversation with Walkley-award winning journalist and TV presenter Jan Fran. Hear from Jan as she speaks about her experience in the Australian media, her approach to advocacy as a woman of colour and the importance of diversity in civic conversation and the media.
When: Saturday 27 February 2021, 9-11am
Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601
Cost: $30-40
Event: The Australian National University – HERE I AM | Véronique Serret- A Stolen Satellite
To help close Kambri’s summer-long HERE I AM: Art by Great Woman festival, come along and watch a special solo performance by internationally acclaimed and genre-defying violinist, Véronique Serret. The hour-long performance will feature the original works of Serret’s mesmerising compositions, making for a most relaxing evening celebrating women artists.
When: Wednesday 3 March 2021, 6-7pm
Where: Kambri, Outdoor Amphitheatre, Acton, ACT 2601
Cost: $10-15
Event: Women in Media Canberra – International Women’s Day Networking Event with Elizabeth Broderick
On Thursday 4 March, join Women in Media Canberra as they host a special International Women’s Day networking event featuring global anti-discrimination champion Elizabeth Broderick. On the night Elizabeth will be discussing themes of gender equality, women in leadership and international movements such as the #MeToo campaign, you won’t want to miss out!
When: Thursday 4 March 2021, 6.30-8.30pm
Where: National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton, ACT 2600
Cost: $49
Event: UN Women – Canberra IWD Lunch 2021
Join UN Women on Friday 5 March, as they host their annual IWD event exploring this year’s theme ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’. On the day, hear from prominent female figures such as CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, Michelle Deshone, Australian of the Year, Grace Tame and Ambassador for Gender Equality as they speak about issues of gender inequality and women’s achievements towards a more equal future.
When: Friday 5 March 2021, 12.30-2.45pm
Where: Exhibition Hall, National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Ave, Canberra ACT 2601
Cost: $119+
Event: Bookssorted Group – IWD2021 Panel Discussion #ChooseToChallenge
Join Bookssorted Group CEO Christine Marr on Friday 5 March as she hosts a special IWD panel supported by Communications Specialists and QT Canberra. The event, which takes place at QT Canberra, aims to explore the experiences and accomplishment of women leaders and address why it is important for us all to challenge gender biases.
When: Friday 5 March 2021, 7-8.30am
Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601
Cost: $82.50
This International Women’s Day, the Vice-Chancellor and the Gender Institute bring you a panel discussion moderated by Honorary Associate Professor Sally Moyle. During this event, you will hear from a panel of distinguished speakers representing three generations of feminist legal thought will explore how we have progressed towards gender equality over those decades.
When: Friday 5 March 2021, 12.30-2pm
Where: Kambri Cultural Centre
Cost: Free
Event: Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn Catholic Women’s Taskforce -International Women’s Day Breakfast
In honour of International Women’s Day, the Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Women’s Taskforce will be hosting an IWD breakfast featuring guest speaker Madeleine Banister. During the event, enjoy a light breakfast as you hear from Madeleine as she speaks about her experience at the UN Commission on the Status of Women 2019 with the Australian delegation from the Catholic Women’s League.
When: Thursday 11 March 2021, 7.30-9am
Where: St Vincent Parish Centre, 7 Bindel Street, Aranda, ACT 2614
Cost: Free (donations are welcomed)
This International Women’s Day, join Amnesty International Australia as they put together an all-female speaker’s panel exploring the issues of Domestic Violence for women during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the day, you will hear from local female support services providers, and learn about ways in which you can get involved to support vulnerable women in our community.
When: Tuesday 9 March 2021, 6-8.30pm
Where: Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres, 55 Ainslie Ave, Braddon, ACT 2612
Cost: Free