International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women, reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, and take action to create a more inclusive world. In Ottawa, there are many ways to mark this important day; whether you want to have a self care day, participate in a workshop or activity, or simply spend time with the women in your life.
From yoga classes to networking events, there are plenty of opportunities to honour the achievements of women and contribute to the ongoing fight for gender justice.
We’ve rounded up just some of the things to do in and around Ottawa this year for International Women’s Day this March.
International Women’s Day at Staple’s Ottawa Studio
To mark International Women’s Day, Staples will be hosting a variety of hybrid events coast-to-coast discussing this year’s theme – #EmbraceEquity. This day-long summit provides you with opportunities to connect in-person and/or virtually.
Staples will be hosting a casual networking luncheon at their Ottawa Studio from 12-1 p.m. on March 8th. This is the perfect event connect with other women, share ideas, and build relationships. As a bonus, the first 40 people to register and attend for this session will receive a free day pass to enjoy the Ottawa Studio!
Location: 403 Bank St, Ottawa
Cost: FREE
Building Bridges: Indigenous Women & Art
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Intercultural Dialogue Institute invites you to learn more about Indigenous women and art at their first in-person event since the start of the pandemic!
Their keynote speaker will be Colleen Gray from the Art for Aid Project and there will be an indigenous market, dinner, and special guests that will share stories and experiences of women and art.
Location: 335 Michael Cowpland Dr, Ottawa
Date: Sunday, March 12 from 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $20 for General Admission or $130 for a Table of 8
International Women’s Day with Elevate International
Hosted on Parliament Hill, Elevate International’s flagship event for International Women’s Day aims to advance the leadership and economic empowerment of women.
This year’s keynote and guest speakers include:
- Dr. Jacline Nyman, Vice-president, External Relations at the University of Ottawa;
- The Honourable Jean Augustine,
- Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President at RBC;
- Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change;
- Nadine Spencer, CEO and President at BrandEq Group;
- Jenny Chen, Senior Advisor, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BMO Wealth Management Canada;
- Cassandra Dorrington, President and CEO at CAMSC;
- Helen Tang, Founder & Lead, HT Real Estate Team,
- and many more.
This free, full-day, in-person event will explore today’s significant impact on women’s leadership in the workplace, business, and philanthropy. This will be an event you won’t want to miss!
Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Building on Parliament Hill, 144 Wellington Street, Ottawa
Date: March 8th from 8:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Digi60 x The Lotus Movement: IWD 2023 – Embracing Our Creative Selves
Embracing Our Creative Selves is a collaboration by Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival and The Lotus Movement.
Grab your best gal pals for an evening of embracing your creative selves through community, movement, and mental health. The event will begin with a yoga flow (be sure to bring your yoga mat!) followed by light networking and finally a screening of documentaries made by Ottawa-based women-identifying filmmakers and a Q&A session.
This event is co-presented with the support of Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC)* and ACTRA Ottawa Womens Movement.
*Please note that All DARC spaces require Proof of Vaccination and the use of a mask
Location: 2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
Date: Wednesday March 8, 2023 from 6-9 p.m.
Cost: By donation
Yoga on International Women’s Day: Flow, Grow and Glow!
There is no better mid-week pick-me-up than a self care date! Yoga Unity is hosting a 45-minute guided yoga flow and a 45-minute journaling session and discussion over tea and snacks.
Although tickets are sold out for their in-person event, you can still snag a ticket for their live stream class on Zoom.
All ages and bodies are welcome. This class is open to all BIPOC cis-/trans-women and non-binary folks.
Location: Crystal Tierney Psychotherapy & Care Cultivation at 154 MacLaren St, Ottawa
Date: Wednesday March 8, 2023 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Tickets: $5 for Live Stream Zoom Access
For more fun date ideas Ottawa, click here.
