Be Bold for Change: International Women’s Day

Everyone is being called to action for this year’s International Women’s Day, under the theme “Be bold for change” (hashtag #beboldforchange). Building on last year’s pledge for parity, 2017 is about helping forge a better working world – a more gender inclusive world.

If you want to be part of the change, there are events beginning this weekend, lots on March 8 (the actual date of International Women’s Day) and through the next week.

Official recognition

Things begin on March 8 as they always do, with an official proclamation of the date as International Womens’ Day. This will include words from the Alberta Ministry of the Status of Women and from Edmonton’s only female city councillor, Bev Esslinger. There will also be some arts performances and local organizations on hand with information and resources. (Wednesday, March 8, 10-11 a.m. – free event)

Before that event at City Hall, there is a rally and cultural forum happening Sunday. It begins outside with the rally and a march, then heads inside for a cultural forum with artists and activists expressing their perspectives and resistance. (Sunday, March 5, 1-4:30 p.m. – free event)

Women in Leadership

For the second year in a row, there will be a local conference focused on women and the economy. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship” – and there’s plenty to celebrate in our city with so many successful women-owned businesses. (Wednesday, March 8, 4:40-8:30 p.m. – tickets are $75, or $25 to watch a webcast)

The #girlbossyeg event is back this year too! This one is packed with Edmonton women who are successful in business, arts, government, advocacy, just about all walks of life. It’s also a good chance to network with other go-getters. (Wednesday, March 8, 5:30-8 p.m. – tickets are $25-30)

Support your local girl gang.

You know, councillor Bev Esslinger is at a couple of those. Maybe we should consider electing more women so she doesn’t have to run around to all of the International Women’s Day events.

Two women running for office this fall in the municipal election are hosting a fundraiser this weekend. The event, for current school board trustee Bridget Stirling and city council candidate Mimi Williams, includes local arts flair. (Sunday, March 5, 5-9 p.m. – tickets are $50-75)

Speakers and discussions

Have breakfast with a leader who’s been working over two decades to empower women to succeed in non-traditional careers. JudyLynn Archer is the past president and CEO of Women Building Futures. (Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 a.m. – tickets are $65/82)

Everyone is welcome to dinner and to discuss the issues and challenges women face, locally and internationally, and help build a new Edmonton International Women’s Day Organizing Committee. (Wednesday, March 8, 6-9 p.m. – tickets are $0-10, childcare is provided on-site)

Have you ever considered sleep as a feminist issue? Taking a look at both political economy and gendered images of sleep from art, literature, and advertising, this talk suggests that sleep is a (neglected) feminist issue. (Wednesday, March 8, 7-9:30 p.m. – free event)

Arts Events

The Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus presents a celebration of International Women’s Day with inventive music composed by – at the hands of – three strong women. (Sunday, March 5, 3-4 p.m. – tickets are $5-15)

The Junior League of Edmonton is presenting a screening of segments of the documentary “Half The Sky” and a panel discussion of the film and women’s issues. (Wednesday, March 8, 6-9 p.m. – tickets are $15)

And SkirtsAFire is back! As the festival notes, “No other festival in Edmonton currently focuses its efforts solely on supporting the work of women artists.” The “SkirtsAFire herArts Festival” celebrates and features women in arts across multiple disciplines, like song, dance and theatre. (March 9-12, tickets are by donation)