Who run the world? Women—who’ve moved on from being just girls with a vision, to powerful players effecting real change in the world today. There’s no public holiday to be gotten out of International Women’s Day tomorrow (Mar 8), but if you’re all for celebrating ladies, here’s a fun list of what you can do.
Be inspired at a talk, panel, or pow-wow
WeWork
There’s an infuriating misconception going around that women are only successful when they can juggle both work and a family. What’s with the double standards? Surround yourself with successful businesswomen who are inspiring solely for their career, at WeWork’s “Tough as Nails” panel. Leading the panel are speakers such as Val Yap (CEO and founder of PolicyPal), Olivia Allaway (Director at Highbury Consulting) and Aditi Kohli (General Manager at Near.co). Mar 8, 7pm
Apple
As part of its Women’s Week series, the flagship Apple store at Orchard Road has engaged eight prominent women from various fields to run empowering sessions and share their stories. You can still catch Singaporean Paralympic medalists Theresa Goh and Yip Pin Xiu at 7pm. Mar 8, 7pm
1880
The exclusive members’ club is opening its doors for a one-day-only salon this Women’s Day. Titled “Undressing Feminism”, the salon welcomes all to join in the conversation about the relationship between feminism and the female body. Guest speakers for the night include burlesque artist Sukki Singapora and Executive Director of AWARE Singapore Corinna Lim; with special performances from Melissa Chan and DJ Aldrin. Mar 8, 7pm
Sit back—and watch a film about female empowerment
Smash the Glass Film Festival
A revolutionary film festival, Smash the Glass seeks to highlight female empowerment in all settings, and give recognition to activists everywhere working to claim women’s rights. Every Thursday for the month of March, catch powerful stories of gender equality, empowerment, diversity, feminism and inclusion through Finnish-Danish family drama Little Wing, biographical documentary spotlighting female DJs Amplify Her, and more. Through Mar 29
The Screening Room
For a full month, catch award-winning Hollywood movies that celebrate great women and talented actresses at the Screening Room. Black Swan, The Iron Lady, The Blind Side, Sister Act, and Elizabeth – The Golden Age will be on rotation through March. Through Mar 31
The Projector
The Florida Project
Not to be outdone is hipster favorite The Projector—who are steering clear of straightforward stories on subversion and empowerment, to spotlight everyday bravery of female characters. Look forward to lesser-known films like Beauty & The Dogs and Beatriz at Dinner, plus awards season hot picks The Florida Project, Lady Bird, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Through Mar 31
Take your appreciation of women to the arts
Watch a play at The Esplanade
As part of their 15th anniversary celebrations, the Esplanade is celebrating female with five specially commissioned theater works. Under Esplanade’s developmental theater program The Studios, the works include four brand new productions from both established and upcoming female voices—such as theater maker Edith Podesta’s one-woman show on trauma—plus a reworking of playwright Zizi Azah Bte Abdul Majid’s political play How Did the Cat Get So Fat? Mar 29-Apr 29
Catch a spoken word production by local poet Pooja Nansi
Examining the intersections of gender, race, ethnicity and hip hop, co-playwrights Pooja Nansi and Jessica Bellamy are taking spoken word to the next level in their newest production. Hilariously titled ‘Thick Beats for Good Girls’ will explore what it means to be a good girl and many other meaningful conversations, through the pair’s original poems, rhymes and musings on life. For all the women who’ve ever been accused of ranting, consider this a classy upgrade. Apr 5-22
Invest in yourself; because you deserve it
Zafferano
Have a special Mimosa treat at Zafferano, which is celebrating the day the way the Italians do. Gifting women mimosa flowers on International Women’s Day (or la Festa della Donna) has been a custom in Italy to show appreciation, and celebrate the importance of women. As such, available exclusively on Mar 8 are a Mimosa Cocktail ($8) and Mimosa Saffron Cake ($8) for your dining pleasure. Come in a group of three or more female diners, and you’ll even receive a cake on the house—the restaurant’s lovely way of celebrating women in strength. Mar 8
Swissotel Merchant Court
The week-long discounts at Swissotel Merchant Court have already commenced, entitling ladies to 38% off their total bill at the hotel’s Ellenborough Market Cafe, which serves a buffet of Straits Chinese or Peranakan cuisines. At Crossroads Bar a little off the lobby, afternoon tea is $38 per woman—and just $3.80 for the accompanying person (regardless of gender). Through Mar 11
HOME Our Homes, Our Stories
If you’re in the mood for some meaningful reading, pick up local charity HOME’s newest publication—a non-fiction anthology of stories written by migrant domestic workers in Singapore. The book of 28 stories chronicles tales of leaving their home village, as well as untold accounts of arriving in Singapore and dealing with difficult employers. Available from Mar 11 at select bookstores
WeWork Creators Market
In conjunction with their “Tough as Nails” panel, the co-working space is also celebrating female creators and their works. Stop by two weekends later to pick up everything from jewelry to candles and accessories; and know that you’re supporting deserving local artists here. Mar 22
