March 8 is International Women’s Day. Given the state of the country and the world at the moment, it’s incredibly important to acknowledge that women still deal with inequality in virtually every avenue of society. This annual event—which takes place during Women’s History Month—aims to confront gender inequality, celebrate women, and bring the world closer to parity among all people through activism, advocacy, and awareness.
The worldwide undertaking will show itself in Milwaukee today, as countless participants will put their time, money, talents, and energy into a variety of events. From female-focused art exhibitions and rallies to conversations and performances, here are some ways people in and around Milwaukee can take part in International Women’s Day. If there’s anything we missed, please feel free to add it in the comments.
Lady Business 2018 @ various Milwaukee businesses
Last year’s inaugural Lady Business raised close to $10,000 for Milwaukee Women’s Center and found more than 40 women-owned local operations spreading the love and good will through consumer action. Lady Business is back and poised for even bigger things in year two, as an impressive lineup of area establishments including Goodkind, Alive & Fine, Plume, Balzac, and Burnhearts will donate a portion of Thursday’s profits to the Women’s Center once again. We’ll eat, drink, and shop to that!
Women Against Hate United By Love @ Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda
If you’re reading this, you’re invited to an exhibition and rally outside Milwaukee’s City Hall today. Women Against Hate United By Love promises “art, words, stories, and engagement” from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to come out an be part of this empowering event
International Women’s Day with Ruth B8r Ginsburg & Friends @ Company Brewing
Before Riverwest FemFest takes over most of the neighborhood with almost a week of entertainment in late May and early June, the festival is sponsoring an eclectic and all-around outstanding International Women’s Day event headed up by Ruth B8r Ginsburg. They’ll be joined by Sugar Ransom, Caley Conway, Cree Myles, Ms. Lotus Fankh, poet Lilo Allen, and a multi-medium performance by Earthstrong Women’s Collective.
Women In Green: Empowerment Through A More Sustainable Workforce @ Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital
This Oconomowoc conversation aims to examine ways women can present their strength to lead when their values and ideals are being underscored, how to support each other, and ways to create healthy and sustainable workplaces. The event will have presentations, a Q&A session, and collaborative group activities.
Milwaukee Women Inc.’s #PressForProgress Facebook Live Discussion
Women have an extremely limited role as directors and board members of corporations in Milwaukee, and everywhere really. In effort to bring awareness and action to the lack of gender diversity in the business world on International Women’s Day, Milwaukee Women Inc. is referring people to a Facebook Live talk on EY from 11 a.m. to noon CST today.
Heard Space Presents: Unpacking The Name @ Michai’s Quiet Storm Smooth Jazz Lounge
Per Heard Space’s event page: “Join Heard Space, A Woman’s Theatre Arts Collective. We are a multimedia & performance collective that is WOC (women of color) identified & led. Our intention is to share our stories, in our ways and to activate interactive and representative spaces. We launch on International Women’s Day! We will be ‘Unpacking The Name’ on March 8th. What does that mean? You’ll have to come out and see for yourself!”
Doors open at 6:30 for a “mix and mingle” before a 7:30 show that’s said to be interactive and those in attendance are encouraged to tell a story of their own.
A Celebration Of International Women’s Day @ Redeemer Lutheran Church
Though it’s not on the day itself, the United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee is hosting an International Women’s Day Celebration at Redeemer Lutheran Church on March 10. The Saturday event will feature presentations on “The Impact of Racial Injustice on Black Milwaukee Women & Children” and “The Effects of Privatizing Social Service Programs on Black Children & Families” from 10 a.m. to noon.
Women’s History Month Celebration @ Latino Arts
To acknowledge both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month (March, for those of you scoring at home), Latino Arts wanted to highlight the outstanding work of some female artists as part of its spring exhibitions. According to a Latino Arts press release:
“To kick off the month, Latino Arts will exhibit a new installation titled, Expansive Threads. Curated by Edra Soto, this exhibition features an all-female group of Latin American artists who incorporate the language of fiber arts into their practice.”