10 ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in Toronto

Equality. Progress. Change.

Mar. 8 is International Women’s Day. This is a time for not only Canadians but people around the globe to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality for women.

This year, for Canada, the theme of the day is Equality Matters.

According to their campaign site, the Government of Canada believes Equality Matters because “the world needs the talents of everyone – women, men, girls, and boys – to truly reach its full potential.”

This week in Toronto there are tons of events to celebrate the most important women in your life. Here are ten events you may want to check out.

FEMPOCALYPSE: A Cabaret for International Women’s Day

When: March 8 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Where: Ernest Balmer Studio / 9 Trinity St., Studio 316, Toronto, ON, M5A3C4

Cost: All tickets will be available at the door: pay-what-you-can (PWYC) with a suggested donation of $5. All proceeds benefiting the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

Sage in Tech: Empowering Women in Technology

Details: A panel of successful women in the tech industry in Toronto.

When: Mar. 8 starting a 7 pm

Where: Ecentricarts Inc / 317 Adelaide St W (Suite 300 – 3rd floor), Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1P9

Cost: Free! RSVP here!

International Women’s Day: Goddess Worship

Details: An artist showcase celebrating and honouring womanhood, feminism and the power of women.

When: Mar. 8 from 7:30 pm to 11 pm

Where: The Pilot, 22 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON, M4W1J5

Cost: $20 in advance, purchase those here. Otherwise, $25 at the door. There is also the option to gift a ticket to someone with financial limitations. A portion of the ticket sales will be benefitting Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project.

Women Who Write

Details: A round table interview with three Canadian women composers discussing joys and triumphs in the industry. There will also be live music and live music.

When: Mar. 8 from 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where: The Royal Conservatory of Music, 273 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1W2 (Mazzoleni Hall)

 Cost: $15 in advance, purchase those here. Otherwise, tickets will be available at the door for cash only.

Penthelia Singers International Women’s Day Concert

Details: A showcase of women’s choirs in Toronto.

When: Mar.8 at 7:30 pm

Where: Crescent School Auditorium, 2365 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M2L 1A2

Cost: PWYC. Proceeds will go to the Street Haven Women’s Centre.

On March 8th, Let’s Talk About It

Details: The documentary Let’s Talk About It by Deepa Mehta will be screened by The Redwood. According to the event page,
“the film focuses on children, the innocent and often forgotten victims of domestic violence.” There will be a cocktail reception and the screening followed by a panel discussion.

When: Mar. 8 from 6:15pm to 8:45pm

Where: The Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 3M9

Cost: $25, purchase tickets here.

North York Women’s Centre – IWD 2017

Details: An afternoon of inspiring presentations, great food, a market of women-led businesses and our #BeBoldforChange Challenge.

When: Mar.8 from 11am – 2pm

Where: North York Women’s Centre (NYWC), 116 Industry Street, Toronto, Ontario M6M 4L8

Cost: Free admission and kid friendly.

The Women Refugee Art Exhibit & Cocktail Reception – In celebration of International Women’s Day

Details: An art exhibition highlighting the experience of women refugees. Wine and cheese will be served. Kashrut observed.

When: Mar. 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Offsite Coffee Bar, 867 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V6

Cost: $36, purchase tickets here. Funds raised by B’nai Brith Canada will support their human rights advocacy and community care programs.

SHEfights: #BeBoldForChange

Details: An all female muaythai event in support of International Women’s Day.

When: Mar. 11 staring at 3:00 pm with weigh-ins. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with First Bell at 6 pm.

Where: Estonian House, 958 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2R

Cost: General Admission Seating is $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Youth 12 and under are $20. Children ages 5 and under are free! VIP Table Seating is $60 a seat (tables of 6). Tables can be purchased in a bundle. All tickets can be purchased here. 

2017 International Women’s Day Toronto

Details: “Stop the hate, unite the fight, build the resistance. Unity is power.”

When and Where: Mar. 11 with a new starting point at U of T Medical Sciences Building, Auditorium. Rally: 11:00 am (1 King’s College Circle). March: 1:00pm. Fair: 2:00 pm (Ryerson Student Learning Centre – Yonge/Gould)

Cost: Free!