6 ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in Singapore

On 8 March every year, we celebrate women’s achievements across the world, our rights and the joys of womanhood, including the power of supporting each other in the workplace and home. Make this International Women’s Day one to remember with the special ladies in your life. Here are some activities in Singapore that mark the occasion.

Self-defence is a source of freedom for women in an imperfect world. To celebrate this 8 March, Grityard is hosting Only For Her, an inspiring afternoon celebrating women. Learn to protect yourself with a self-defence class by KAPAP Academy, which teaches a form of martial arts that emphasises on hand-to-hand combat, and a HIIT session with Grityard’s trainers. But it’s not all hard work; there’ll also be a self-confidence talk by bodywear brand Sloggi. Every woman will leave with a goodie bag courtesy of Sloggi and Laurier.

Zafferano is giving women several opportunities to celebrate this occasion. Head Chef Andrea De Paola is presenting a four-course menu for lunch and dinner from 2 to 7 March. At $68++ each, you’ll enjoy highlights such as charcoal-grilled white asparagus topped with smoked mascarpone cream and cured egg yolk, and house-made tagliolini served with red prawn crudo and ikura. Also, pay just $10++ for a glass of Spumante with this special menu. Alternatively, there’s a Ladies Night party on the rooftop on 7 March. From 7pm-10pm, enjoy unlimited pours of Spumante, house red and white wines, as well as beer for $50++ each. Men can join in, too, and enjoy the same free-flow package from 8pm-10pm. They pay the same price.

A new show by acclaimed Singaporean comedian Sharul Channa – and heralded as an International Women’s Day special – Am I Old? is a comedic monologue about ageing and caregiving in a woman’s world. Channa plays Savitri, a 68-year-old retired teacher trying stand-up comedy for the first time – and after 10 years of caring for her elderly mum. The result according to the synopsis: “her inhibitions are lowered, the truth is revealed and all hell breaks loose”. PS: Don’t rush off after the performance. There’s a panel discussion afterwards with a family caregiver, an elderly person and an AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) member, and you’re invited to join the conversation about ageing.

Brunch with the ladies is always a good idea but a brunch on International Women’s Day? You Go, Girl! That’s the name of Monti’s bottomless brunch on 8 March, featuring the all-you-can-eat Colapranzo Menu ($150++ with free flow; $68++ for food only). And you shouldn’t feel guilty about indulging yourself as half of the proceeds will be donated to Aware.SG, Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group. Tuck into Italian dishes such as panzanella di tonno, house-made tagliatelle, and vanilla panna cotta. Plus, have your cocktails mixed by two female guest bartenders.

Enjoy nature and a workout while hiking with other women who want to celebrate this special day, too. This is organised by Amazing Trekkers Club, a mountaineering community tailored for women passionate about trekking, and is open to all fitness levels. The 10km walk (7 March, 7am-11am) starts at MacRitchie Reservoir and goes all the way to Bukit Timah Hill. The only requirement is that you wear purple and bring your own drinks and snacks.

Located at Marina Bay Sands, executive chef Kunihiro Moroi showcases his modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine at this restaurant and sushi bar. The food is delicious, the cocktails are impressive, the decor is striking and you can’t miss the giant 2.5m bell with 20 faces that’s positioned as the centrepiece of the space. It’s celebrating International Women’s Day on 7 March, when ladies will enjoy one-for-one cocktails. Bonus: you get free entry to nightclub Marquee Singapore before midnight if you purchase a one-for-one cocktail at KOMA. Cheers!

SEE ALSO: By the numbers: The history of International Women’s Day