International Women’s Day gives us a powerful way to celebrate women’s achievements and to advocate for greater action and investment to create an equal society.
Celebrating a year in women's success
2015 / 2016 has been a great year for women around the world, with major steps taken towards gender equality. In Canada, the new Federal government announced the ground-breaking gender parity in Cabinet and women's issues have risen to the forefront of popular culture, creating national conversations about the struggles and successes of women around the world.
Check out some of the major milestones and successes of women locally, nationally and internationally.
To learn more about the YWCA work supporting women and girls, contact Chantelle Krish ckrish@ywcavan.org / 604 895 5767
Local Events Honouring International Women's Day
Free and by donation:
Screening of Suffragette: Mothers. Daughters. Rebels
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter
Celebrate International Women’s Day by joining Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter for a special screening of SUFFRAGETTE at the Cinematheque. Movie plot: In early 20th-century Britain, the growing suffragette movement forever changes the life of working wife and mother. Galvanized by political activists, they join a diverse group of women who fight for equality and the right to vote.
March 8th, 2016
6:30-8:30PM
Entry by donation
http://www.straight.com/listings/events/633941 /
http://www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca/
Walk in Her Shoes Challenge
CARE Canada
In many developing countries, women and girls walk more than 10,000 steps each day to access basic essentials, such as water and food for their families, leaving little time for getting an education or earning an income. CARE is working to change that. And you can too by Walking In Her Shoes at Jericho Beach on March 6, two days before International Women’s Day.
March 6th, 2016
9:30AM start time
http://careca.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pg=informational&fr_id=1170&type=fr_informational&sid=1210
Vancouver International Women in Film Festival
Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV)
Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, the 11th annual festival celebrates the best of cinema created by women. The festival, organized by Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), is in co-production with VIFF’s Vancity Theatre. For workshop and industry event info, see www.womeninfilm.ca
March 8-13, 2016
Free for volunteers.
http://www.womeninfilm.ca/
One Billion Rising LOVE Dance in VANCITY 2016
One Billion Rising
One Billion Rising joins in solidarity, purpose and energy to DANCE and shake the world into a new consciousness. This is an inclusive and kid friendly event for anyone who wants to come together to help make the world a better place by moving joyfully together. One Billion Rising in Canada is on International Women's Day because they recognize and respect the Memorial Marches that have already been going on in Canada for over 20 years on this day.
March 5th, 2016
10AM-2PM
Pay as you can
https://www.facebook.com/events/1645503479046884/
100 Years Wise: Women in Science and Engineering, Bridging the Past and the Future
UBC
UBC and the UBC National Core for Neuroethics are hosting a major event which will provide an opportunity for the local and international academic and public community to engage in a dynamic discussion about empowered leadership and WISE diversity with a former Canadian Prime Minister, university presidents, health and industry leaders, and more.
March 9th, 2016
7-9PM
Free Admission
http://100.ubc.ca/events/100-years-wise/
International Women’s Day Celebration
City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver invites you to a celebration of women in the arts for International Women's Day. Join Vancouver City Council in the 3rd floor Council Chamber for an evening of music, poetry, art and celebration. The event is free, but you must RSVP to rsvp@vancouver.ca by March 4th. Space is limited.
March 9th, 2016
5:30-7:30PM
Free admission with RSVP to rsvp@vancouver.ca
https://www.facebook.com/events/588658241310421
A Time to Lead: City-Making in the 21st Century
SFU Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies
Drawing on her work as Mayor of Victoria as well as leadership and happiness science literature, Mayor Lisa Helps will outline how the qualities and traits traditionally gendered female are the key elements for leadership, innovation and city making in the 21st century. Join Simon Fraser University as they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the SFU Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.
March 7th, 2016
7PM
Free admission with RSVP to www.sfu.ca/reserve
https://www.sfu.ca/gsws/community-outreach/events/upcoming-events.html
Ticketed events:
YWiB’s 5th Annual International Women’s Day Conference: Breaking Boundaries
YWiB (Young Women in Business SFU)
The International Women’s Day Conference is an annual event that brings the SFU and Greater Vancouver communities together, engaging them in a day filled with inspiring keynote speakers and workshops. There is also an expo, which showcases amazing social businesses and organizations. Delegates will have the opportunity to network with likeminded peers and professionals.
March 12th, 2016
9–4PM
$37-$43
http://ywib.ca/sfu/iwd-2016/
SheTalksYVR
Recognized by CNN International last year as one of the top 10 things to do in the WORLD for International Women’s Day, SheTalksYVR aspires to harness the power of a women collective in all sectors using an open platform for women to share with each other. SheTalksYVR inspires connection through real women with real stories. You will hear 8 minute stories from women who’ve accomplished incredible things through adversity and challenge.
March 5th, 2016
10-3:30PM
$25-$40
http://shetalksyvr.ca/
International Women’s Day Celebration
The University Women’s Club of Vancouver at Hycroft
In honour of International Women’s Day, the University Women’s Club of Vancouver is hosting a panel discussion entitled Refugee Women – Living the Story: Information, Insights & Inspiration. Come hear from a variety of women speaking to the experience and reality of being a refugee as a result of global violence and conflict.
March 8th, 2016
6-8PM
$20 non-members, $15 for members
http://www.uwcvancouver.ca/index.php/programs-events-events-entertainment?task=view_event&event_id=576
The VINETTA SHOWCASE: Startup Pitch & Panel
The Vinetta Project
The VINETTA SHOWCASE is a high-impact pitch and panel series. An esteemed panel consisting of two active investors and two founders of successful startups gather to listen to pitches of top female founders, ask tough questions, and deliver actionable feedback.
March 8th, 2016
6:30-9:30PM
$15-$25
https://www.picatic.com/event14557665081929
Rant On, Sister!
Greater Van Gogos
Greater Van Gogos encompasses a network of Canadian grandmothers groups that began in Vancouver and its suburbs who stand up for their African counterparts. Need to get something off your chest? Join Greater Van Gogos as they host guest female ranters from the floor in celebration of International Women’s Day.
March 8th, 2016
7-9PM
$25
http://greatervangogos.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Rant-On-Sister-poster.pdf
Vancouver International Women in Film Festival
Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV)
Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, the 11th annual festival celebrates the best of cinema created by women. The festival, organized by Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), is in co-production with VIFF’s Vancity Theatre. For workshop and industry event info, see www.womeninfilm.ca
March 8-13th, 2016
http://www.womeninfilm.ca/
2016 Equality Breakfast
West Coast Leaf
Celebrate International Women’s Day with West Coast Leaf’s 29th Annual Equality Breakfast. Honour collective achievements, inspire and be inspired, catch up with old friends and meet new ones, and raise much-needed funds for West Coast LEAF’s upcoming projects in the areas of public legal education, law reform, and litigation.
March 11th, 2016
7-9AM
$90
http://www.westcoastleaf.org/event/2016-equality-breakfast/
Strong Women Strong Music 2016
Atira Women’s Resource Society
In celebration of International Women’s Day join Atira Women's Resource Society on the 8th, 10th and 11th of March for the 10th annual Strong Women Strong Music concert series, featuring West Coast’s most prominent women jazz musicians singing up support for their Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA) program. Revel in the voices and music of these talented artists while investing in the soul and spirit of the Downtown Eastside, where EWMA helps art and empowerment bloom.
March 8-11th, 2016
8-10PM
$20
https://www.facebook.com/events/1736255983278817/
Raising Hope: International Women’s Day Celebration
REED (Resist Exploitation, Embrace Dignity)
Celebrate International Women’s Day with REED at their second annual fundraiser for exploited women: Raising Hope. Guests will arrive to music by local jazz artist Monica Siu and delicious appetizers followed by an address by the Honourable Nancy Morrison, former BC Supreme Court Justice. Invite others who are passionate about justice and who want to make a difference in the lives of exploited women in Vancouver.
March 4th, 2016
6:30-9PM
$50
https://www.facebook.com/events/1563297003993670/
