Since 1911, International Women’s Day has celebrated the achievements and strength of women worldwide. International Women’s Day Events are a great way to bring colleagues and organisations together to honour women of the past, present, and future and learn more about the issues women face today. At this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, International Women’s Day 2022 events are an excellent opportunity to reconnect and consider how women in Australia and around the world can bounce back stronger.
The 2022 theme for International Women’s Day, “Break the Bias”, encourages event organisers to think about International Women’s Day event ideas that call out gender bias and inequality. Though we’ve made some progress towards gender equality in the workplace in Australia, the Australian Government’s 2022 Workplace Gender Equality Scorecard shows that there’s still a significant gender pay gap and too few women in decision-making roles. Holding your own women’s empowerment event is a simple but effective way to bring about awareness, action, and ultimately, change.
International Women’s Day event ideas from our creator community
Before your event to celebrate women this year, get inspired by innovative International Women’s Day event ideas from two local creators.
Bowens’ Women in Trade Event
With almost 130 years of experience supplying hardware to the construction industry in Victoria, Bowens is committed to encouraging the next generation of women to get involved in traditionally male-dominated professions. Partnering with Master Builders Victoria and featuring a panel of successful women from the construction industry, Bowens’ second International Women’s Day Women in Trade event champions women currently working in trades. The event shares their lived experiences and educates others about the challenges facing women in a male-dominated industry.
Bowens wants to encourage Australian women considering a career in trade to join the growing industry: “Spotlighting females that have already had significant success and growth within the industry helps other women make an educated decision on picking up the tools for themselves,” says Bowens’ Chrystal Dias. “The more representation of females in the industry, the more we break the bias for women in trade.“
For the first time, Bowens is also unveiling The Margaret Hickey Award to celebrate women working in construction. The award is named after the first-ever woman employed with Bowens in 1913, a pioneer who kickstarted female representation in the business.
Ultimately, Dias hopes Bowens’ Women in Trade event will promote inclusivity in the construction industry more broadly: “Bowens hopes attendees leave the event feeling inspired and supported, whether that be as a female considering a career in trade or as a worker already in the industry who is motivated to ensure their worksites remain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all workers.“
Blackhearts & Sparrows’ Future Brewer Beer Launch
Blackhearts & Sparrows’ first beer event for International Women’s Day is something they’ve wanted to do for a long time. “I was a chef for ten years and have worked in the beer industry for seven years, and in that time, I’ve often reflected on the challenges I’ve faced being part of industries that are often male-dominated,” says Cherry Noble, senior beer buyer at Blackhearts & Sparrows. “I’m passionate about seeing a cultural shift within the hospitality industry to make it more inclusive and a better place for everyone to work. I also wanted to celebrate the women who have been instrumental in creating positive changes within the industry and shine a light on them.”
The Future Brewer: Beer Launch & International Women’s Day Special Event is a collaborative launch for ‘The Brewer’, a new IPA with a female brewer on the front of the can. The beer is sold exclusively at Blackhearts & Sparrows and Co-Conspirators Brewpub, with a portion of the proceeds going toward a scholarship program that helps women receive formal beer training and education. At the event, guests will find lots of homegrown beers available at the bar and a panel discussion with industry professionals.
The afternoon event is helping the industry to reconnect after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while breaking the bias around women in the beer trade. “I’m hoping that putting women front and centre will help change the dialogue and attitude around beer,” adds Noble. “Beer historically was a women’s industry and I want to show that beer is for everyone. We also want to create spaces that feel inclusive and inviting to everyone.”
Create your own International Women’s Day event
Celebrate in your organisation or community with these ten creative International Women’s Day celebration ideas that raise awareness against bias and encourage action for equality.
1. Host a panel where experts and thought leaders discuss bias
According to the Australian Government’s 2022 Workplace Gender Equality Scorecard, women are more likely to be working in insecure casual roles heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. International Women’s Day 2022 events are a great opportunity to bring people together, either in person or in virtual safe spaces, to have frank conversations about equal conditions and representation for women in all industries.
2. Get children involved in a fun workshop
For family-friendly or school appropriate events, try International Women’s Day activity ideas for their age group. We have a handy guide for marketing events to today’s parents – but once the kids are at the event, they’re the ones you’ll need to wow. Keep things interactive with a game like “Buzzword Bingo” featuring influential Australian women or read books that promote girl power to young children.
3. Host a Q&A with a group of successful women
One of the best International Women’s Day event ideas is a female-led Q&A session. Bringing together a group of successful and innovative women is a great way to showcase talent in various industries. Follow our tips for finding great speakers to make sure your attendees are excited and engaged.
4. Put together a showcase or concert featuring works by Australian women
Celebrate creative women by showcasing their artistic achievements in a concert, art show, or author reading. Consider different ideas for entertaining women’s social events that highlight women artists. You can even curate the art you’re showcasing according to a theme that fits with your events or International Women’s Day goals.
5. Give a presentation on significant Australian women throughout history
For International Women’s Day corporate events with a tight budget, plan a “lunch and learn” event where attendees hear stories of influential women who’ve laid the foundation for organisations like yours. Keep it close to home by inviting the women in executive roles in your community or company to share their experiences and role models.
6. Celebrate the women in your group or organisation with a self-care event
Honour the women you see every day by planning a women’s social event with the goal of rest and relaxation. Consider your group and the sorts of activities that will make everyone feel included before reaching out to possible venues. Many spas have corporate or group events packages, or you can reach out to local yoga and meditation practitioners to bring self-care to the group.
7. Interview a woman or woman-run organisation making a difference
For your women’s networking event, consider interviewing a woman or representative from a female-founded organisation making an important difference in their industry. Choose someone who has successfully increased their organisation’s diversity, committed to providing sustainable products, or is working to effect change in our political or corporate systems.
8. Organise an author reading with Australian women writers
Hosting a reading, whether in-person or live-streamed, gives your audience the opportunity to hear great Australian women writers read their latest work. In addition to the reading, you can set up a Q&A with the audience or pose prepared questions regarding important issues in publishing and the world, such as bias or racism, to the panel of authors.
9. Plan a workshop that focuses on inciting change in your community
According to the UN Refugee Agency, grassroots organisations are important for innovation. Inspire your attendees to get involved in local efforts and organisations to support women, and try some of our fun ideas to spice up your workshop and get people excited about giving back.
10. Host an event that directly impacts your community
To give back with a more hands-on approach, research local women’s organisations and volunteer your time or find out what donations they need the most. Many women’s support groups are always looking for essentials like hygiene products, and shampoo and conditioner, so consider hosting a donation drive alongside your event.
Plan an exciting and meaningful event
International Women’s Day events aren’t about giving empty accolades to women. They’re an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the women who make our world great. Check out Randi Bryant, speaking at our RECONVENE summit 2021 – she has excellent advice on diversity and inclusion. And if you’re ready to start planning your own International Women’s Day Event, let’s get started!
