Check out these must-see events where you can celebrate womanhood in all its multi-faceted glory – and best of all, there's not a tokenistic cupcake in sight
Since its inaugural celebration more than a century ago, International Women's Day has become an annual rallying point for women around the world to come together in solidarity. It's a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, but also to recognise the challenges that women continue to face to this day.
This year, the theme is Inspire Inclusion – it's all about working to inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, in order to forge a better world. Because when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
To help you celebrate and support female-identifying persons in our community and worldwide, we've selected our pick of the best businesses to shop at, seminars to catch and events to attend.
Founded by Beverley Johnson, Consequence of Change is a small but mighty fashion brand that prides itself on collaborating with local female artists to produce wearable art. The brand developed Australia's first 100 per cent recycled and heated puffer coat (complete with four nano heating pads, four temperature controls and a plant-based down filling), but it also boasts a range of vibrant, colourful apparel that will make sure you stand out from the crowd. Check out the range here.
Craving Italian with a side of empowerment? On March 8 Mister Bianco is hosting a gorgeous five-course dinner (think zucchini flowers, calamari, pasta and veal cheek) cooked by Joe Vargetto. The event will also feature two very special guest speakers: Alana Forster, para-cyclist and member of the Australian Cycling Team, and Steph Morris, a senior dietician at Monash Health. MC for the evening will be journalist Candice Wyatt. Tickets cost $115 and can be purchased here.
Many of us can probably relate to the shame and discomfort associated with mainstream sex toys. If you own any, they're probably relegated to the back of your bedside table drawer or hidden underneath your bed. That's why Rachel Baker founded Lbdo, a female-run and inclusive sexual wellness brand that offers toys and accessories that are beautiful enough to be displayed on your dresser. You can browse the goodies here.
To honour the achievements of all women and drive change for a better and more equal world, Aussie female-founded flower delivery company Daily Blooms has created a special bespoke bouquet. It's been designed to celebrate and delight doorsteps by spreading a message of resilience and hope for a more equal future. This year, each bouquet will also come with a free BOPO body oil – which is another female-founded and operated local business. It's available to order online.
Located in the heart of the CBD, Queen Victoria Women's Centre is a heritage-listed building and home to a not-for-profit organisation for the benefit of disadvantaged women. It stocks wares made entirely by women and non-binary makers, and you can peruse the goods through the online marketplace here. You'll find everything from handmade earrings and original pieces of artwork to DIY art kits and beauty products.
Being surrounded by nature is good for the soul, so pick up a few new plant babies by a fabulous woman-owned shop in Fitzroy. Plants of Colour is housed in the Rose Street Market and is owned by Han Nguyen, who takes pride in the ways her shop builds a sense of community through the love of plants.
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