International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on Friday 8 March and is a day to reflect on the advancements made towards gender equality and the progress still to be made.
The theme for 2019 is More Powerful Together which recognises the important role women, men and gender diverse peoples play to advance gender equality. It takes all of us, working in collaboration and across that, which sometimes divides us, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities.
There are several events happening in Moonee Valley to mark International Women’s Day. See below for details of how we are celebrating.
To find out more about International Women’s Day and its history, visit the official website.
Tuesday, 5 March event
Girls Got This - 2019 Launch
4.30pm at the Valley Youth Space, 3 Matthews Avenue, Niddrie
Young women aged 13-16 who are passionate about young women’s rights are invited to join the Girls Got This group and develop their life skills such as public speaking, self-care and confidence in a supportive space. Meet like-minded people, get involved in your community and be part of conversations and topics that are important to you.
Thursday, 7 March events
Annual International Women's Day breakfast
7am at Moonee Valley Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds
Guest speakers: Ana Darras and Tim Conelan OAM from TLC for kids and Betty Nallanikat from Council’s Women’s Leadership Program.
Tickets: $40 per person - Book online.
International Women's Day morning tea
10.30am at Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mount Alexander Road, Flemington
Take part in a traditional African Coffee Ceremony and join guest speaker Sarah Agboola, managing director of mtime, a social enterprise “Moncierge” business which supports the domestic duties of busy families. Free, register your interest at fcc@mvcc.vic.gov.au or 8325 1800.
Friday, 8 March events
International Women’s Day Film Screening: Battle of the sexes
1pm-3pm at Avondale Heights Library, 69 Military Road, Avondale Heights
In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between woman’s world champion Billie Jean King and ex-men’s-champ Bobby Riggs became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time.
Free - Book online.
International Women’s Day Film Screening: Suffragette
12.30pm–4pm at Flemington Library, 313 Racecourse Road, Flemington
Celebrate International Women’s Day by making a suffragette rosette in honour of the brave women who fought for women’s rights in early 20th century and then attend the movie screening of suffragettes which depicts the struggles and hardships of the early feminist movement who risked everything in their fight for voting rights for women. Light refreshments will be served.
Free - Book online.
Fantastic Feminist Folktales with Kate Lawrence
6.15pm–7.15pm at Niddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie
Fantastic Feminist Folktales is a storytelling performance of myths and legends, with an underlining theme of women’s power. This compelling show by Kate Lawrence brings a feminist sensibility to the classics Red Riding Hood, Joan of Arc, and other stories. This event is for women only so get a group of girlfriends together and make a night of it, with Happy Hour drinks from Biagio’s restaurant. Supported by Niddrie Traders.
Free - Book online.
Active You – International Women’s Day Body Balance and Breakfast
7am in Queens Park, corner of Kellaway Avenue and Pascoe Vale Road
Join Active You and enjoy a free Body Balance class followed by a light breakfast in picturesque Queens Park. A great way to start your day, Body Balance is a motivating blend of yoga, tai chi and Pilates. It’s ideal for anyone and everyone, but this special class is just for women.
Free - Book online.
Friday, 22 March event
Women in Business Luncheon
11.30am–2.30pm at the The Australian Events Centre, 1 Larkin St, Essendon Fields
Network with like-minded businesses, celebrate women in business and hear from iconic singer-songwriter, record producer, performing artist and businesswoman, Tina Arena AM.
Tickets: $95 per person - Book online.