Things to do this International Women's Day

How's this for a powerhouse International Women's Day event: on March 7, Studio Amaro in Windsor will host Woman Crush – a three-course lunch featuring a panel discussion of female-founded business owners. MCing the event is award-winning journalist Jacqui Felgate, and she'll be joined by Adele Vine (Just Adele), Chloe De Winter (Nala and Go Chlo Pilates), Natalie Guest (Green Cup) and Priya McPherson (Sage Avenue). There's going to be thought-provoking conversations, insights on career, building connections and personal growth, and plenty of delicious food. Best of all, $15 from each ticket will go to Support The Girls, a local charity dedicated to empowering women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and financial hardships. Find out more and purchase your ticket here.

The fourth recipient of the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission (an annual series that invites globally renowned female designers and architects to create new works for the NGV Collection) has just been announced, and it's none other than Mumbai-born, London-based designer Nipa Doshi. To celebrate, there will be a free event on March 8 with Doshi in attendance. Highlights include a scarf design workshop; DJ sets; an in-conversation talk to discuss the importance of furthering gender equality within design and architecture; and a Q&A with Doshi and the NGVs curator of contemporary design and architecture, Simone LeAmon. You can find out more here.

From 1-8pm on March 8, make a beeline for the Co-Conspirators Brewpub in Brunswick to sample its newest froff. The Game Changer is an American red ale specially crafted in collaboration with Jayne Lewis – the legend behind Melbourne's first female-owned brewing company, Two Birds Brewing. There will be live music courtesy of Sinead BC and a DJ set by Trishy, plenty of beer and plant-based burgers from cult faves Mr Charlie’s – which is owned by another exceptional woman, Lisa Chikarovski. Cheers indeed! Find out more here.

Gather the women in your life for a very special high tea event at Mary Eats Cake. From Wednesday, March 5 to Sunday, March 9 you can book in for the International Women's Day package, which includes a bespoke cocktail (or mocktail!) on arrival, unlimited specialty teas, bottomless scones with jam and cream, and an assortment of other delicious sweet and savoury goodies. Mary Eats Cake is also offering catering for events and functions, so you can avoid being left with a sad plate of cookies from the supermarket. For more info and to book your high tea session, head to the website. 

The Beautiful Bunch is not just a florist – it's also a nurturing space for young refugee women to flourish. The florals facilitate the business’ true mission: supporting and uplifting women from refugee backgrounds, and guiding them in fostering their independence. The not-for-profit came to be in 2020, when founder Jane Marx closed her previous social enterprise. But its forced closure opened the door to a new floral format, offering paid traineeships to refugee women in an inclusive, supportive environment. The eight-month courses cover floristry, as well as digital and financial literacy and business administration skills. For more information and to support the Beautiful Bunch, visit the website.

Many of us can probably relate to the shame and discomfort associated with mainstream sex toys. If you own any, they're probably relegated to the back of your bedside table drawer or hidden underneath your bed. That's why Rachel Baker founded Lbdo, a female-run and inclusive sexual wellness brand that offers toys and accessories that are beautiful enough to be displayed on your dresser. You can browse the goodies here. 

Located in the heart of the CBD, Queen Victoria Women's Centre is a heritage-listed building and home to a not-for-profit organisation for the benefit of disadvantaged women. It stocks wares made entirely by women and non-binary makers, and you can peruse the goods through the online marketplace here. You'll find everything from handmade earrings and original pieces of artwork to DIY art kits and beauty products. 

To honour the achievements of all women and drive change for a better and more equal world, Aussie female-founded flower delivery company Daily Blooms has created a special bespoke bouquet. Featuring roses, pineapple lilies and lisianthu, the beautiful arrangement symbolises courage and determinaton, while also embodying the energy and resilience of women everywhere. It's available to order online.