Events

5 Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day in Vancouver

By Alyssa Hirose /

Nothing unites and empowers like art, music and (of course) tacos.

Celebrating the achievements of women worldwide and working towards a better future is something we should be doing every day—but today, let’s give it a little something extra. In honour of International Women’s Day and all of the female-identifying superstars in our community, here are five events you can attend tonight.

1. Watch a Woman-Made Movie

What: Vancouver International Women in Film FestivalWhen: Now through March 11Where: VIFF Vancity TheatreWhy you should go: This weeklong festival showcases and celebrates the artistic development of women in screen-based media. Check out tonight’s dark comedy, Where Do Cats Go After 9 Lives?, created by Quebec’s Marion Duhaime. This film follows a young teenager’s struggle with assisted suicide, complete with a combative boyfriend, (strangely) supportive parents and an indifferent feline. Still not sold? In celebration of #IWD, all of the events today are free!

2. Tune in for a Cause

What: Strong Women Strong Music 2018When: March 8 (8:00 p.m.)Where: Frankie’s Jazz ClubWhy you should go: The West Coast’s leading female jazz musicians end their three-day concert series tonight, including Vancouver local Diane Lines on vocals. All proceeds go to Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside through alternative forms of employment.

3. LOL with Funny Females

What: #NoFilter Improv ShowWhen: March 8 (9:15 p.m.)Where:  Improv CentreWhy you should go: This all-female improv show finds the funny in our internet distractions, discussions and disasters. Along with audience suggestions, live-stream social media is used throughout the show to supplement the improvisors’ hilarious vignettes. For anyone who identifies as female, tickets are free!

4. Taco ‘Bout Women and Art

What: International Women’s Day Fundraiser and Art ShowWhen: March 8, all day (Art show continues until April 21)Where: Bandidas TaqueriaWhy you should go: This restaurant-art-show-fundraiser hybrid event features tasty tacos and feminist-themed art (check out the above image by Vancouver-based printmaker Stephanie Gwynne). Tonight is the launch of the six-week-long feminist art show, a great opportunity for local feminist artists to earn money for their work. One hundred percent of food and drink profits will go to multiple local organizations that support women, including the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Native Women’s Association of Canada and Safe Teen. (Photo: Unsplash.)

5. Press for Progress

What: #EmpowerHer2018When: March 8 (6 to 8 p.m.)Where: Executive Suites Hotel MetroWhy you should go: The goal of this event is to accelerate the progress and empowerment of women worldwide. Hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and awards punctuate this evening of meaningful dialogue. The event is also a great networking opportunity—some of Vancouver’s most influential women will be there, including keynote speaker and B.C. Senator Mobina Jaffer.