International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8th. As a part of Women’s History Month, IWD highlights issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women. Each year, the Creative Industries celebrate this day through events and showcases.
Discover ways to celebrate International Women’s Day with events and content by B.C. creators:
GEMFest: Advocacy Panel Discussion
March 8th | 12:30pm – 2pm PST | VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
As a part of GEMFest, an Advocacy Panel Discussion will take place on March 8th featuring influential funders and key players within the Creative Industries. The speakers will share insights into their efforts to promote gender equity in the Canadian film and television landscape. The panel will include an in-depth conversation with Mehernaz Lentin (Telefilm Canada), Prem Gill (Creative BC), Kadon Douglas (BIPOC TV and Film), Tanvi Bhatia (Women in View), and Sheila Peacock (CBC). This event will take place virtually and will be available to watch online or in person at the VIFF Centre.
Women in Games (WIGJ): Careers, Development, and Networking Expo
March 7th | 12am – 2pm PST | Virtual via Hopin
This free virtual expo will provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from inspiring women working in the vibrant world of games and esports, as well as visit companies and community organizations. Participants will be able to network with like-minded women from across the globe, connect with industry professionals, and explore potential career paths.
Sister Jazz Orchestra and Dee Daniels
March 8th | 7:30pm | Kay Meek Arts Centre – 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver
A Kay Meek & CapU Jazz Series Co-Presentation
Sister Jazz Orchestra brings together Vancouver’s top female jazz musicians in a powerhouse 18-woman ensemble. The band celebrates mainstream big band jazz from the female perspective with a focus on the deep repertoire of women writers. For this concert, they will be joined by North Shore’s celebrated vocalist and pianist Dee Daniels.
Professional Standup Comedy: International Women’s Day Special
March 6th | 7:30pm | The Show Cellar – 1755 Davie Street, Vancouver
Celebrate International Women’s Day at The Show Cellar with a special edition presented by comedian and writer K.C. Novak. The event features a strong cast of female comedians previously seen at Just for Laughs Vancouver, CTV, Crave, CBC, and more: Nancy Ho, Amber Harper-Young, Cass Furman, and Alannah Brittany.
Franc Ouest’s season 2, Nature + Elles
The second season of AFKO’s Franc Ouest podcast will be officially launched on March 8th to celebrate both International Women’s Day and Francophonie month. The season profiles 12 French-speaking outdoor leaders in the practice of their favorite sport in the magnificent West Kootenays region of B.C. Episodes are released on Fridays beginning February 9th on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Youtube, and AFKO.ca.
Poetry Night at Pacific Arts Market
March 9th | 6:00pm | Pacific Arts Market – 1448 W Broadway, Vancouver
Pacific Arts Market is hosting another Night of Poetry, this time celebrating women for International Women’s Day. Attendees will be able to listen to captivating poetry and support local artists. The event will feature live music performed by @that.saxophone.girl.