International Women's Day 2023: Real Sydney events guide

International Women’s Day is Wednesday March 8, and the theme of 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, striving to get the world talking about why 'equal opportunities' simply aren’t enough to achieve true equity in many parts of the world.

Across the globe, people start their life from different places - economic, societal, religious and more - meaning the playing field is often already uneven, with women regularly being placed at a significant disadvantage. Promoting true inclusion and belonging requires truly equitable action to ensure young girls and women are afforded the opportunities in life that they deserve.

There are a huge number of IWD events taking place in Sydney from Wednesday onwards, with plenty of panels, performances and get-togethers all across the region. Here are just some of the events that will be held, giving residents an opportunity to come together and work towards true equity.

IWD First Nations Event
City Museum and Gallery, 634 Horseley Dr, Fairfield
March 8, 11am

Fairfield's City Museum and Gallery invites guests to listen, learn and share their stories, led by a number of inspiring local women. The gathering will facilitate an opportunity to discuss ideas of self-determination, truth telling and agency from the perspective of First Nations people, with an informal dinner to follow.

Speakers will include talented Indigenous musician BARKAA, Indigenous Rights advocate Wendy Morga and Charleene Mundine, who established the 'Black Women of Western Sydney' advocacy group.

The Workary IWD Panel Discussion
Whitlam Library, 165 Railway Pde, Cabramatta
March 8, 11am

Come join the Workary's IWD celebration with a panel of inspiring women sharing their stories and celebrating the progress that women have made towards equality - while recognising how far there still is to go.

Speakers will include the Robogals - a UNSW student-run organisation that aims to engage girls in engineering, as well as life and business coach Joshua Badu and entrepreneur Lakshmi Gowda.

IWD Business Networking Event
Fairfield City HQ, 17 Kenyon St, Fairfield
March 8, 6pm

An engaging evening with presentations from renowned business leader Lee de Winton, while you mingle and share ideas over complimentary canapes and drinks. Four local businesses will also showcasing their wares - Ahn's Creperie, Cello Liqueur, Crown and Full Moon Luxury Soaps and SNJ Candles.

Cumberland IWD Awards,
Holroyd Centre, 11 Miller St, Merrylands
March 7, 3pm

Cumberland City Council presents an award ceremony to honour women and organisations who have demonstrated exemplary behaviours in breaking bias and embracing equity in the Cumberland area.

IWD Panel by Community Migrant Resource Centre
Ryde TAFE, 250 Blaxland Rd, Ryde
March 8, 1130am

Hear from a panel of diverse and unique voices discussing what it means to truly embrace equity. Bringing together community members and leaders, this years celebration will explore how bold ideas and transformative leadership can forge a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Guests can enjoy a multicultural lunch, hear from inspirational keynote speakers, partake in a Q&A and also enjoy fashion displays & stage performances.

'Defining Moments' - Film Industry Panel Discussion at ACE
8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta
March 11, 10am

Featuring a panel of successful filmmakers who will discuss their career paths to success, the obstacles they faced in their careers and the tools they used to overcome these obstacles. They'll also discuss their hopes for the future of the industry, and how we can work together to achieve equity within the industry.

Women Out West @ The Joan
597 High St, Penrith
March 9, 630pm

An International Women’s Day panel discussion -‘Women in Creative Leadership’, featuring some of the most dynamic and passionate arts’ leaders in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Speakers will include writer and business coach Chandu Bickford, Penrith Deputy Mayor Tricia Hitchen, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Chairperson Alison McLaren and local NSW MP Trish Doyle. The event will be presented by CEO of Women with Altitude Andrea Turner-Boys and will be facilitated by Lisa Finn Powell, journalist, editor and PR Coordinator of Penrith Performing & Visual arts.

Women in Science
Penrith City Library, 601 High St, Penrith
March 8, 630pm

Join a panel of leading female scientists working in biology, human anatomy, forensic anthropology, ecology and environmental science. Find out how they developed a passion for science, what they're working on now and the challenges they've had to overcome as females in the scientific community, all while celebrating the continual rise of women in the industry. In partnership with Western Sydney University.

IWD Fun Run  
Parramatta Park
March 11, 10am

Join the local members of the Saree Club at Parramatta Park for a 5km trek in a Saree to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. Though the preference is for pink, any colour can be worn, as long as participants are wearing a Saree.

IWD Celebration @ North Richmond Community Centre
33 William St, North Richmond
March 8, 10am

Celebrate International Women's Day with a lovely morning of celebration, chats, cookies cuppas and craft. The event is held in conjunction with the venue's 'Drop-In Cafe'.

IWD Circle of Friends @ Doonside Cottage
2 Astral Dr, Doonside
March 8, 11am

Come and celebrate International Women's Day at Doonside Cottage, with a morning of celebration, chats, cups of tea and a game or two.

Of course, as well as the listed events, there are a multitude of IWD celebrations taking place both on Wednesday and throughout the coming weeks, celebrating the amazing achievements of the women in our community. Make sure you get out and show your support.

If we've missed your event but you'd love to see it promoted, don't hesitate to email us at david@realsyd.com.au

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