International Women’s Day at Merri-bek City Council
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Join us for a month-long celebration of the achievements of women with a range of events from performances by artists, and speakers to networking events.
This year, Merri-bek City Council will be proudly promoting the International Women’s Day theme ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a Gender Equal Future’ based on the priority theme for the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women
We celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women. From scientists to artists, entrepreneurs to activists, women have made tremendous strides in all areas of life.
IWD Events in Merri-Bek
Barriers Faced by Culturally Diverse Woman Writers
Saturday, 4 March, 11 am – 2pm
Glenroy Community Hub
So many tales need to be told and so many voices need to be heard in this world. The only restriction should be the sky, not your gender.
Hear from guest speakers:
- Dr Shakira Hussain, author of From Victims to Suspects: Muslim women since 9/11
- Nandita Chakraborty, author of Rosemary’s Retribution and Dirty Little Secrets
- Niru Tripathi, author of Pariscano
- Emily Unity, author of an upcoming book Multicultural Minds, which is a project dedicated to raising awareness of multicultural mental health
Keynote Speakers are in the event:
- Supriya Singh, author of Domestic Economic Abuse: The Violence of Money
- Manorani Guy, founder and director of Asian Student Accommodation, and Asian Student Education
Merri-bek Business Women's Network - Coffee Conversations
Tuesday, 7 March 9:30 am – 11:30 am
East Brunswick Village
Come and join us at the first Merri-bek Business Women's Network - Coffee Conversations for 2023 and to celebrate International Women’s Day!
Hear from guest speakers
- Sway Quach is the creator and owner of restaurants Tom Phat and Bhang in Brunswick, having been in the hospitality industry for over 3 decades.
- Anna Owens is the owner and founder ownsit!
ownsit! is a heart + soul led fun filled Australian accredited brand offering Fun, Fierce and Feminine SIZE INCLUSIVE fashion. - Alejandra Angeles originally from Mexico City, moved to Melbourne in 2018 to pursue a master's degree in Entrepreneurship at La Trobe University.
Co-founder of Gals en Australia, the first and largest network of professional Latin & Hispanic women in Australia.
International Women’s Day Eve Event
Tuesday, 7 March 6:30pm
Brunswick Artist’s Bar
As part of the Brunswick Music Festival, The Boite presents the International Women’s Day Eve Party. Here’s to strong women and non-binary folk in music, come support an incredible line of artists of colour.
What does International Women’s Day Mean to Me?
Wednesday, 8 March 6pm
Brunswick Ballroom
The project will be launched with a fabulous event featuring some of Melbourne’s amazing women, and gender diverse people – artists, musicians, burlesque and queer performers, DJ’s, actors, drag kings and a pro-werstler!
The Babes of Brunswick
Wednesday, 8 March 6pm
The Retreat Hotel
Brunswick Music Festival celebrates International Women’s Day with an all-female (and female-identifying) lineup of Melbourne/Naarm pop artists at The Retreat Hotel. The Babes of Brunswick showcases the incredible artistry of different popular acts across Melbourne. This show features the best all-female pop, indie, synth and pop-rock and dreamy nostalgia vibes Brunswick has on offer.
There Is No Celebration Here: International Women’s Day Performance
Wednesday, 8 March 6pm
Counihan Gallery
For many, International Women’s Day is not the celebration it should be. In Iran, women and girls are currently struggling against legally enshrined gender inequality and discrimination. Following the death of Masha Jina Amini in police custody, the girls and women of the Woman-Life-Freedom movement in Iran have courageously and peacefully demonstrated for their fundamental human rights. Protests have been met by fierce and fatal reprisals by authorities.
On International Women’s Day 2023, experimental duo ZÖJ will perform There is no celebration here, a dark, romantic and poetic improvisation at Counihan Gallery against the backdrop of exhibitions by Iranian born artists Setareh Hosseini and Sofi Basseghi, and Burmese artist Shwe Wutt Hmon, whose practices bring these human rights into focus. ZÖJ, meaning ‘couple’ in Farsi, are the duo of acclaimed Iranian singer and kamancheh player Gelareh Pour and drummer Brian O’Dwyer who began collaborating in 2017 and have since developed a reputation for their deeply moving, experimental and free form music.
Undefeated: 90 Migrant Women, 118 stories
Tuesday, 14 March, 7pm
Coburg Library
A project by Professional Migrant Women, Undefeated is a collection of 118 stories from 90 migrant women, who against all odds, overcame the challenges and barriers of living in a foreign land, speaking a different language, and being singled out for the wrong reason. It is also a celebration of their journey, their power, and their contribution to a multicultural Australia.
Hear three contributors to the collection talking about their migrant stories as professional women.
- Maryam Sarrafezdeh (Iran)
- Celia Torres-Villanueva (Philippines)
- Catalina Gonzalez (Colombia)