Celebrating International Women’s Day 2019

The world of women’s rights continues to go from strength to strength, and in honour of all that’s been achieved – and all that still needs addressing – every year on 8th March we celebrate  International Women’s Day. This year, the theme is all about achieving gender balance and adopts the slogan: “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. Reflecting this for the digital generation, the IWD campaign is using the hashtag #BalanceforBetter. This theme holds up balance and equality as key principles for a better working world. After all, it’s about women gaining confidence from more than their control briefs! And it’s about different parts of society working as collaboratively and seamlessly as a pair of shaping shorts…

To mark the occasion, a fantastic selection of networking gatherings, business support events and lectures are scheduled to take place on and around March 8th. But we like to do things a little bit differently, so we’ve researched some of the unusual events taking place around the world. As you’ll see, there’s definitely something for everyone, no matter where you’re located!

Australia

There’s no shortage of business support and networking events across Australia, specifically in Sydney and Melbourne. However, the ladies at Belfield Bowling Club in Sydney are doing something a bit different. Taking advantage of the fact that this year IWD falls on a Friday, they have organised a ‘fun night of Barefoot Bowls!’ with music, cocktails and a picnic!

Canada

From noon on March 9th, the streets of Ontario will be gradually swamped by the ‘5TH Annual IWD Progressive Street Mob’. It all culminates at Cambridge City Hall for guest speakers and hot drinks!

England

With business and industry events across the city, London is spoilt for choice when celebrating International Women’s Day. Arguably the most diverse range of events can be found at the South Bank Centre, where the WOW Women of the World Festival acts as an umbrella for events from comedy to music to debate.

Germany

There’s only one destination for the uber-fashionable techno crowd this IWD. Berlin of course! Helping to redress the gender balance in the DJ booth, ‘No Tarzan, only DJane’ is a party night showcasing European female talent on the decks.

Hong Kong

Organisers ‘The Women’s Five’ present films in celebration of the female capacity for adventure. This night of short films takes place on 10th March. The films focus on female explorers and adventurers, and this promises to be a truly inspirational event.

India

The Woman Icons India Global Awards took place on 2nd March in Chennai. This ceremony is designed to celebrate the achievements of women across a variety of fields and industries. In addition, organisers hope to inspire the younger generation.

The Netherlands

A destination for budding techies, Amsterdam hosts the ‘Youth Tech Fest where Girls Innovate’ on March 9th. Girls between 12 and 18 years old sign up to visit NEMO Science and learn to code, develop and create. The initiative is a chance for established women in tech to inspire the next generation.

Nigeria

Notoriously, football still seems to struggle to find gender balance and equality. So in this year of #BalanceforBetter what better sport to focus on than football? March 9th in Abuja sees Just Kick It! This 5-a-side women’s football tournament celebrates supportive grassroots football within the context of International Women’s Day.

Uganda

Kampala plays host to a night of comedy called Arise Woman! The night is designed to support the #BalanceforBetter campaign, but also has local issues at heart. A portion of the proceeds will support Home of Hope, a local charity which supports around 30 disabled Ugandan children.

Wales

Over in Cardiff, there’s a classical take on female achievements. On 8th March, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales will perform work by female composers from the 19th and early 20th century. The concert certainly strives towards #BalanceforBetter, with a piano concerto by Clara Schumann (often overlooked in favour of her husband Robert).

Here at Elle Courbee we’re all about balancing your life, empowering women to embrace their body shapes and we provide the plus size shapewear to match! So this selection of events caught our eye as they reflect more than just a balance of equality. They reflect the myriad life balance that many women experience – that of career, family, local issues, technology, sport and culture.