International Women’s Day is this Wednesday, March 8th, and there’s no better place to celebrate than New York City.
The first-ever women’s day was held February 28th, 1909, right here in NYC, and was dedicated to show that women are definitely not the weaker sex.
In light of the current administration and the wave of recent protests, this year’s IWD is set to be a bigger statement than ever, thanks to Women’s March.
The group, who organized the January Women’s March on Washington, has called for a women’s strike on Wednesday. Modeling the plan after February’s ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ strike, ‘A Day Without A Woman’ is about showing just how integral women are to society.
While it is an important message against oppression, not everyone can afford to take off work. Luckily, there are tons of other ways to celebrate women’s greatness for #IWD2017.
On March 7th
1. Morning meditation
Start your day off right with a free hour of meditation at The Three Jewels. Learn how to find peace, a skill that is invaluable for persisting in the pursuit of justice for women. 8-9 a.m., 61 4th Ave.
2. Venture to Staten Island in the name of women’s history
Considering the fact that much of the forgotten borough voted for Trump, you wouldn’t expect it to be a feminist hub. Yet is the home of the Alice Austen House Museum, and tomorrow there’s free admission!
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Pair that with the free ferry and you’re in business. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 2 Hylan Boulevard
3. Lunch at Trump’s
You know what goes great with a midday salad? A protest. Join RefuseFascism.org and march from Columbus Circle to Trump Towers on your lunch break to remind the current administration that women will not be silenced.
More protests and rallies are listed here. 12-2 p.m., 10 Columbus Circle
4. Kick some ass
In this post-“grab her by the pussy” world, it can’t hurt to know how to protect yourself. In honor of IWD, NYC Parks is hosting a free self defense class, along with other fun exercise classes and a panel. Register here. 5-8:30 p.m., 348 East 54th Street
5. Cook for yourself
Your family can figure out their own meals for one night. Join La Nacional for an IWD celebration cooking demonstrations, recipe tastings, sangria, live jazz, and a panel on life for New York City women. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 239 West 14th Street ($15)
6. Or don’t!
Alcohol comes from potatoes, and potatoes are a vegetable, so it is completely okay to have vodka for dinner. Head to The Beauty Bar to sip drinks and catch the Bowl Cut comedy show, hosted by comediennes Julia Johns and Carmen Lagala. 8:45-10 p.m., 231 E 14th St
7. Drink with a purpose
Pre-game the comedy show with a great networking opportunity at SOLAS bar. Join AF3IRM, a transnational feminist organization, for Happy Hour and enjoy $4 drinks while discussing tactics to end oppression. 5:30-8 p.m., 232 E. 9th St. ($5)
8. Have some fun
Overthrowing the patriarchy is hard work, and sometimes, girls just want to have fun. This is the theme of Fun with Friends’ annual Women’s Day celebration. Come dance to tunes spun by DJ ErnzWorld, enjoy complimentary massages, and sip sangria with your girls. 6-11 p.m., 38 West 39th Street ($24)
On-Going
9. #BeBoldForChange
#BeBoldForChange is the theme of this year’s IWD. Pledge to combat violence and equality, not just for the day or the month, but until equality is achieved.
10. Walk through women’s history
NYC is undoubtedly a city of history. For IWD, walk back through the years and visit famous sites named for fearless ladies, using this handy map created by Time Out New York.
11. Get woke with film
Get a deeper understanding of intersectional feminism through the New York Feminist Film Week. Hosted by Anthology Film Archives. Through March 12. 32 Second Ave. ($11)
12. Stand up for your trans sisters
Being a woman has its hardships, but being a trans woman can be even harder. Support trans rights by getting involved with the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which is working to allow everyone to self-identify without fear of discrimination.
13. Get Ready To Climb To The Glass Ceiling - And Break It
Who needs to clean the house when you can go rock climbing? Check out Brooklyn Boulders, and train for your climb to the top. 7-12 a.m. 575 Degraw St. ($28)
14. Love Yourself
Self-love is great love: destroy the stigma against female masturbation. Babeland always has great deals going for all of your sexual needs.
15. Take In Some Art
Feminism has gotten a bad rap, but that does not take away from the star-power of Georgia O’Keeffe, artist, public persona, individual, and feminist icon.
Get a closer look at the life of the woman known for some interesting flowers through Brooklyn Museum’s latest exhibit, “Living Modern.” Through July 23. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., 200 Eastern Parkway ($16)
16. Laugh
Who said women aren’t funny? Enjoy some satire with your coffee with Reductress, sometimes called the feminist version of The Onion.
17. Drive
Another stereotype? Women can’t drive. Prove all the idiots wrong, and have fun while doing it, by driving Go Karts! Show your skills at Coney Island's Speedway. 12-7 p.m., 3049 Stillwell Avenue ($6)
18. Support your sisters
Periods suck. They suck even more for homeless women, who often have to choose between a meal and Maxi pad. While NYC recently introduced a bill to provide free tampons and pads to schools, homeless shelters, and women’s prisons, other areas have not followed suit.
Donate feminine hygiene products to a U by Kotex, who are holding a national drive called “The Period Projects.”
19. Shop at women-owned businesses
The best way to celebrate women is to empower them.
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Head to your favorite local lady-owned business, or check out this exhaustive directory of NYC’s businesses, which allows you to filter specifically for women-owned establishments (WBE).
20. Be a mentor
You don’t have to be great to do something great. Regardless of profession or position in the world, you can make a positive impact on the lives of young girls and women with Girls Inc.
21. And of course, do whatever the f**k you want
Being a woman isn’t about heels and dresses or makeup and baking. It is about being female, whatever that means to you, and doing whatever makes you happy. It’s that simple.
[Feature Image Courtesy Vice]