Every year on March 8th International Women’s Day celebrates the “social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women” all around the world. The day brings the concept of gender parity into focus while at the same time honouring the accomplishments and challenges of women as a gender.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over one hundred years, this year’s theme is summed up under the #BalanceforBetter slogan. Encompassing the concept of building a gender balanced world, and that it is up to us all, not just women to work towards this goal.
How Does It Work?
International Women’s Day is not driven by any one government, charity, corporation, network or organisation; various different groups adopt the annual IWD theme and use that in support of their own cause or specific agenda. This means the events, and activities can take on a life of their own around the world and include such things as concerts and conferences, fun runs and festivals, and much more.
Why Purple?
Purple is a colour used on an international scale for symbolising women. It is derived from the historic use of the colours purple, green and white which were used to symbolise women’s equality back in 1908, when purple signified “justice and dignity”.
International Women’s Day Events In New Zealand
Here in NZ we are lucky to have a sprinkling of International Women’s Day events spread right across the country for everyone to enjoy.
Auckland
Handling Imposter Syndrome – 5th March 2019
- Rydges Auckland, 59 Federal Street, Auckland, 6 pm – 8 pm
The Handling Imposter Syndrome Auckland is an inspirational seminar on navigating self-doubt and fears in your life and how to overcome them. Drinks on arrival and canapes are included in your ticket price, along with a goody bag to take away.
International Women’s Day #BalanceforBetter – 6th March 2019
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Influential role models from around New Zealand speak about bringing people together and personal challenges and obstacles at this #BalanceforBetter Auckland event. Speakers include Kendal Collins a Director of Sisters United, Tanya Black a Director of Communications at Unicef, Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet CEO of WORLD, Dr. Angela Lim CEO and founder of Clearhead and Jenni Prisk founder of Prisk Communication and Voices of Women.
Milk And Honey Festival – 8th March 2019
- Two locations: The Powerstation, Auckland, 8 pm onwards and the Whammy Bar, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland, 8 pm – 11.55 pm
Over twenty female artists are getting together across four cities (Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch) to perform a series of music shows to celebrate female talent in the music industry. Please note the Milk and Honey Festival Auckland event is classified as R18.
The Powestation artists include; Tami Neilson, Nadia Reid, Julia Deans, Ria Hall and Sandy Mill. Whammy Bar artists include; Carb on Carb, Cheshire Grimm, Dead Little Penny, CHAII, Hex, LEXXA, Randa and The Sami Sisters.
UC’s Women In Leadership | Ngā Māreikura Auckland – 8th March 2019
- 12 Madden Street, CBD, Auckland,, 7.15 am – 11.15 am
Although a free event, registration is still required for this inspirational event hosted by a University of Canterbury staff member. The UC’s Women In Leadership event is aimed at Year 12 and 13 female students with an interest in finding out more about leadership roles within the university.
Christchurch
International Women’s Day #BalanceforBetter – 7th March 2019
- Christchurch Art Gallery, Montreal Street, Christchurch, 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Influential role models from around New Zealand speak about bringing people together and personal challenges and obstacles in this #BalanceforBetter Christchurch event. Speakers include Ranjna Patel founder and director of the Nirvana Health Group, Rachel Taulelei, Chelsea Herbert champion NZ racing driver, Sue Suckling independent director and future strategist and Jessie Chan-Dorman independent director and former Dairy Woman of the Year.
Milk And Honey Festival – 8th March 2019
- Blue Smoke, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch, 7 pm – 11 pm
Over twenty female artists are getting together across four cities (Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch) to perform a series of music shows to celebrate female talent in the music industry. Please note this Milk and Honey Festival Christchurch is classified as R18. Artists include Bic Runga and French_concession.
Queenstown
Milk And Honey Festival – 8th March 2019
- Sherwood, 554 Frankton Road, Queenstown, 7.30 pm – 10 pm
Over twenty female artists are getting together across four cities (Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch) to perform a series of music shows to celebrate female talent in the music industry. Please note this Milk and Honey Queenstown event is classified as R18. Artists include Mel Parsons and Dana Sipos.
New Plymouth
You Go Girl! – 10th April 2019
- Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, 42 Queen Street, New Plymouth, 7 pm – 8 pm
You Go Girl is a seminar for women wanting to learn how to overcome life’s setbacks, by discovering their full potential and gaining focus in their life and careers – inspiring leadership in women of all ages.
Taupo
International Women’s Day Breakfast – 8th March 2019
- Lake Taupo Yacht Club, 9 Ferry Rd, Taupo, 7.30 – 9.30 am
Celebrate three amazing women and their contribution to International Women’s Day Balance For Better theme at the International Women’s Day Breakfast Taupo, see Liz Dawson, Melody Close and Susannah De Bievre in action. This event is suitable for all ages and tickets cost $30 per person.
Wellington
International Women’s Day #BalanceforBetter – 8th March 2019
- Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Street, Wellington, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Influential role models from around New Zealand speak about bringing people together and personal challenges and obstacles faced during their lives and careers in this #BalanceforBetter Wellington event. Speakers include Rachel Leota acting Chief Executive Department of Corrections, Stacey Shortall Partner at Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, Golriz Ghahraman MP of the Green Party, Amanda Millar television journalist and film director and Tui Te Hau Director of Public Engagement at the National Library of New Zealand.
Milk And Honey Festival – 8th March 2019
- Club 121, 126 Cuba Street, Wellington, 10 pm – 4 am
Over twenty female artists are getting together across four cities (Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington and Christchurch) to perform a series of music shows to celebrate female talent in the music industry. Please note this Milk and Honey Wellington event is classified as R18. Artists include Alexa Casino, Half Queen, Peach Milk and Amy Jean.
Handling Imposter Syndrome – 26th March 2019
- 3 Mulgrave Street, Wellington, 6 pm – 8 pm
The Healing Imposter Syndrome Wellington is an inspirational seminar on navigating self-doubt and fears in your life and how to overcome them. Drinks on arrival and canapes are included in your ticket price, along with a goody bag to take away.
Supporting International Women’s Day is easy with all of these great events, for more information or event pricing please see the International Women’s Day website here.
