15+ things to do to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022
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Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
Celebrated every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a day for conversation and action where we reflect on women’s achievements and take leaps towards equality.
This year, the IWD theme is #BreakTheBias, aiming to forge a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all women.
But where do you start? Here are 15+ things you can do around Canberra to celebrate women and break down the bias on IWD and beyond.
Women in Media National Press Club Address
The founder of OzHarvest, Ronni Kahn, will deliver the Women in Media National Press Club Address on March 9, to celebrate International Women’s Day.
In the address, entitled “On Purpose: Believe, Discover, Give”, Ronni will discuss her journey as a social entrepreneur, change-maker, disruptor, activist, food waste guru and CEO of OzHarvest—all things that her eight-year-old self would never have believed possible.
Wednesday 9 March, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton | $99 | Book at npc.org.au/speaker/2022/973-ronni-kahn
Female Founders: International Women’s Day
Focussing on the power of collaboration, two inspirational and action-orientated events will be held by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Kicking off at 12 pm with a “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” panel lead by writer, podcaster, youtuber, money coach and frugalista Serina Bird, there will be a focus on the UN Women’s 2022 International Women’s Day theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. Serina Bird will facilitate an interactive panel discussion with key leaders in the space including Sophia Hamblin-Wang, Mia Swainson, Ilea Buffier, and Claire Chesterton.
At 1 pm, the CBRIN team will look through the lens of innovation and entrepreneurship and how we can break the bias. They will deliver a one-hour, interactive workshop to provide practical activities, empower participants and challenge assumptions on how this can be done.
This is an in-person event. Lunch will be provided.
Tuesday 8 March, 12 pm – 2 pm | Canberra Innovation Network 1 Moore Street, Level 5 | $16.42 | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/female-founders-international-womens-day-tickets
TUSK Collaborative take International Women’s Day
Canberra’s ladies of hospitality are joining forces for their own International Women’s Day 2022 via The TUSK Collaborative, a project launched in Canberra in 2017 to “let women in hospitality shine”.
TUSK is reconvening for a one-off event on Sunday the 13th of March to raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence, and those who suffer from mental illness, by donating to DVCS and the Tipjar Fund.
While their first IWD event in 2017 was held at Bar Rochford, the 2022 event will see a new all-star cast of women across the Canberra hospitality scene take over local restaurant Zaab on Lonsdale Street in Braddon.
The lineup will include chefs from Rizla and G-Spot, bartenders from Bar Rochford and High Jinks, and front-of-house from Pilot and Miss Vans, as well as many other venues across the city. Throughout the day there will be music from local artists and other female, non-binary, and female identifying people.
The event will be ticketed and feature a bespoke degustation and drink selection that will showcase the range of cuisines and styles across the venues involved. While the staff will be all women, there is a seat at the table for everyone, with the event organisers encouraging men, women, and all genders to show their support for International Women’s Day this year.
The day will offer two lunch sittings and one dinner sitting, with four courses and a welcome drink at $80 per person, as well as a late-night drinks session, with all proceeds being donated.
Sunday 13 March, Lunch: 11.30-1.30 / 2-4 pm, Dinner: 6.30-8.30, Walk in/Drinks sessions: 4–6, 8:30–late | Zaab, 2/9 Lonsdale Street Braddon | $80 | Book at bookings.nowbookit.com
Canberra Labor Club International Women’s Day Charity dinner
Toora Women Inc has joined together with Canberra Labor Club to be the charity partner for its annual International Women’s Day Charity Dinner on Thursday 10 March at Canberra Labor Club Belconnen.
A night of empowering conversation as well as food, drinks, entertainment and a charity raffle, CEO Kellie Friend will be speaking at the event alongside a diverse panel of Canberra women, sharing stories of Toora’s important work.
Tickets to the Canberra Labor Club International Women’s Day Charity dinner are just $98 per person for a three-course dinner, drinks package, entertainment, charity raffle and panel discussion—and, of course, the chance to support the vital work of Toora Women Inc.
Thursday 10 March from 6 pm | Canberra Labor Club Belconnen | $98 | Book at tickets.myguestlist.com/2022-iwd-charity-dinner
Mother’s Day Classic Canberra 2022 Breakfast Launch
Start your International Women’s Day by supporting breast cancer research at the launch of the 2022 Canberra Mother’s Day Classic. Held at Double Drummer in Barton, attendees will hear from Mother’s Day Classic Community Ambassador, Erin Sorrensen and learn about the upcoming Mother’s Day Classic, as emceed by journalist Louise Momber.
Tuesday 8 March from 7:30 am – 9 am | Double Drummer Café, 4 National Cir, Barton| $30 | Book at trybooking.com/events/
International Women’s Day Fundraising Event
Endorsed by, and with all profits proudly donated to UN Women Australia on behalf of International Women’s Day, Canberra Milestone Events is hosting a concert headlined by Canberra-based singer/songwriter, Aya Yves (who will also be bringing her back up dancers from Sydney).
Along with the stunning Laura “LaHi” Higgins and local legends The Randoms, you are in for a wonderful show with local artists Liv Li, MissM, Transista Groove, Matriarch Inclusive, Lady Denman, Vespertine Lounge and Band Comp 22 winner nonbinarycode.
Saturday 12 March Show 1: 11.30 am – 4.45 pm, Show 2: 6.00 pm – 11.55 pm | Harmonie German Club of Canberra, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah | $35 | Book at humanitix.com/international-womens-day-fundraising-event
Music Chats + More: International Wom*n’s Day 2022
MusicACT and Burntout Bookings have teamed up for this year’s International Women’s Day, offering the chance for Canberrans to come together and discuss the ongoing issues that affect women in the music industry.
This year’s event will begin with a panel discussion, made up of Ruth O’Brien, Monica Moore and Delali Zevon-Aniakwah, discussing how each of them has progressed in their careers and the barriers they have had to overcome in the industry.
The panel discussion will be followed by a speed networking session, where each person will have the chance to spend two minutes to quickly network and meet other like-minded persons in the community. Finishing the event will be a performance by local legends Box Dye, recent winners of the Canberra Indie top 25 countdowns.
Tickets are free but registration is necessary for COVID-19 safety purposes. All patrons will be required to check-in upon arrival and to wear a mask for the duration of the event.
Sunday 6 March, 4 pm – 8 pm | Gang Gang Cafe and Bar, Shop 4/2 Frencham Pl, Downer | Free | Book at humanitix.com/music-chats-more-international-wom-n-s-day-2022
UN Women Australia Canberra IWD Lunch 2022
For over 30 years, UN Women Australia has hosted Australia’s pre-eminent International Women’s Day fundraising events, drawing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate global achievements, agitate for change and raise life-changing funds to support the world’s women and girls.
In 2022 they’ll be celebrating under the International Women’s Day theme, Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow – a theme that recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future.
Attending their official IWD events is a fantastic way to celebrate women’s achievements and show your friends, family, colleagues and community that you support the world’s largest movement for gender equality.
Friday 4 March, 12:15 pm – 3 pm | National Convention Centre| From $60 | Book at humanitix.com/iwd-2022-canberra
WIC Annual Dinner Debate
The iconic annual event is back to celebrate the contributions of women in our community and recognise the fantastic achievements of women in the ICT industry.
The annual debate evening provides the Canberra community with the opportunity to socialise, network, and enjoy an entertaining night of riotous laughter as their debate teams take a light-hearted approach to the topic “Tiktok is a really great news service”, with Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher as the guest of honour and keynote speaker.
There will also be award presentations including the ‘WICked Woman of the Year’ award, the ‘Defying Gravity’ award, and the Kate Muir Student Encouragement Award.
Tuesday 8 March, 5.30 pm | Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | $200 – $210 | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/wic-annual-dinner-and-debate-international-womens-day-2022-tickets
Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association IWD Breakfast
As part of their yearlong 25th Anniversary celebrations, the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association will be hosting an informative and entertaining International Women’s Day Breakfast on Tuesday, 8 March 2022.
Join them as they reflect and celebrate 25 years of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through a robust panel discussion, hosted by ABC’s Dan Bourchier.
The panel will feature Ms Rachelle Towart OAM, Dr Ngaree Blow, Associate Professor Lisa Whop, Aunty Pat Anderson AO and Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA.
Tuesday 8 March, 7:30 am – 9 am | The National Arboretum Village Centre, Canberra | $50 | Book at aida.eventsair.com/2022iwdbreakfast/2022iwdrego
International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Women’s Taskforce
Sister Clare Condon is a former Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Clare celebrates fifty years of religious profession in 2022 and will reflect on life with its challenges and rewards in her talk “Was it worth it? Highlights from fifty years of advocacy.”
Light breakfast, tea and barista coffee will be provided. Registration is essential.
Funds will go to MacKillop House, a place of safety for homeless women and children.
Tuesday 8 March, 7:30 am – 9 am | St Vincent Parish Centre, 7 Bindel Street, Aranda | $20 | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-breakfast-2022-tickets
International Women’s Day Networking Afternoon Tea
The CASS Gender Equity Working Group will be hosting their annual networking drinks event for International Women’s Day in conjunction with the Drill Hall Gallery and they would love for you to join them to celebrate the diverse community of women, both Academic and Professional, who work at the Australian National University.
The afternoon tea will take place amongst the solo exhibition of ANU professional staff Emma Beer. Developed in response to the scale and architecture of the exhibition space, Beer’s exhibition Zooper Dooper embodies the enigma of light.
Light beer, wine, and soft drink will be available for consumption at the event. RSVP by Friday 4 March 2022.
Tuesday 8 March, 4 pm – 5 pm | Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street, Acton| Free | RSVP at eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-networking-afternoon-tea-tickets
International Women’s Day 2022 Luncheon
Join the Regional Development Australia Southern Inland for lunch and a panel discussion on women in leadership and challenging stereotypes with a panel of leaders from across the region.
Tuesday 8 March, 11 am – 2 pm | The Royal Hotel QBN, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan | $96.04 | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-2022-luncheon-tickets
Creating a safe Parliamentary workplace for women
The Law Reform and Social Justice Project at the College of Law in conjunction with the Gender Institute will be holding a panel discussion during the week of International Women’s Day. In light of the Jenkins report into sexual harassment and assault in parliament, the panel will focus on women in parliament and the introduction of a code of conduct for parliamentarians.
Thursday 10 March, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | ANU College of Law Moot Courts, Fellows Road, Acton | Free | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/creating-a-safe-parliamentary-workplace-for-women-tickets
MSI IWD 2022: Clocks and cars and coded stars with Rowena Ball
In this talk for International Women’s Day Associate Professor Rowena Ball will pay her respects to the Seven Sisters of the night sky, by taking you along a journey through math and science songlines of cultures and histories.
Associate Professor Rowena Ball is an applied mathematician and physical chemist with broad research expertise in nonlinear and complex dynamical systems.
Tuesday 8 March, 11 am | Australian National University, Room 1.33/1.37, Hanna Neumann Building 145, Acton | Free | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/msi-iwd-2022
Gender Institute IWD Morning Tea
For their celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, the Gender Institute is hosting a simple morning tea to allow all its members to come together again.
Law professor, citizenship expert, and human rights advocate Professor Kim Rubenstein will be speaking at the event. During her tenure at the ANU Kim taught citizenship law and administrative law, and from 2006-2015 was Director of the Centre for International and Public Law in the ANU College of Law. In 2011 she was appointed the inaugural Convenor of the ANU Gender Institute, a role she held for two years. Kim became an Honorary Professor at the ANU in 2020 after her move to the University of Canberra to take up the position of Co-Director, Academic of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation.
Monday 7 March, 10 am – 11 am | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) McCoy Circuit, Acton | Free | Book at eventbrite.com.au/e/gender-institute-iwd
