Celebrated annually on the 8th of March, International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on progress made and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have played an extraordinary role in their communities. This year’s theme is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, aiming to recognise all of the women and girls working around the world to build a more sustainable future for all.
Here are ways you can celebrate and spend time with the amazing women in Singapore and in your lives.
1. Buy a beautifully illustrated book
Local publisher Epigram Books honoured the female trailblazers of Singapore last year with the book Awesome Women of Singapore, a partnership between Epigram and the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO). Featuring 160 women from the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame, including President Halimah Yacob, botanist Agnes Joaquim, Paralympians Yip Pin Xiu and Laurentia Tan, athlete Glory Barnabas and more, the book is a great snapshot of all the female lawyers, activists, soldiers, athletes and scientists who fought to break the mould and achieved progress for the Little Red Dot. The book is targeted towards children but features gorgeous illustrations by 10 female Singapore artists that will thrill even the young-at-heart.
2. Get bubbly at Smoke & Mirrors
After exploring the world’s largest public collection of Southeast modern art, head to the terrace bar atop the National Gallery Singapore. At Smoke & Mirrors, you and your closest chums will be greeted with a Forget-me-not cocktail. The purple welcome drink, shaken up by Kathleen Galicia, features gin, elderflower, lavender bitters, wolfberry and Ancho Eyes. Enjoy free-flow Besserat de Bellefon Champagne ($88++) from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
3. Celebrate Japanese female trailblazers at Ichigo Ichie
As the only female Japanese chef leading a restaurant in Singapore, Akane Eno is celebrating Women’s Day by highlighting the accomplishments of some stand-out Japanese women she admires. From a female master brewer and vegetable supplier to a woodturner and ceramic artist, there is plenty to sample and admire. From 8 to 12 March, enjoy the exquisite kappo dishes (from $138++ per person) and check out fine Japanese pottery and lacquerware in Ichigo Ichie’s gallery space. Pieces on display can be purchased as well (from $79+).
4. Make a toast to the ladies at LeVeL33
Head to the world’s highest urban microbrewery for a two-hour free-flow package. Ladies at LeVeL33 can select from a menu that includes beer, Prosecco, wines and a list of cocktails like an Aperol Spritz or classic mojito. The $88+ package only available for women and only being offered on 8 March. Grab your besties and enjoy panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline, cocktail in hand.
5. Plan an afternoon tea at Fullerton
Head to The Fullerton Hotel or The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore to help commemorate Women’s Day with the Purple Afternoon Tea. This annual fundraising initiative aims to raise money for United Women Singapore. Purple, the official colour of Women’s Day, symbolises achievements gained and achievements yet to come on our path towards gender equality. The set will be served from 1 to 31 March at both The Fullerton’s Courtyard (from $51 per adult) and at Fullerton Bay’s Landing Point (from $60).
6. Spend time storytelling and strength building at Wonder Stories
WonderWomen@SSS was created in March 2021 as an initiative to encourage women to come together in conversation. On 13 March they will host “Wonder Stories 2022”, a day filled with yoga, floral jamming, creative workshops and gelato. The tickets are being sold for $100, with 50% of the proceeds going to support the Breast Cancer Foundation.
7. Shake things up at KOMYUNITI
Gather up the girls and head to a Private Cocktail Workshop ($80 per guest) at YOTEL’s KOMYUNITI on Orchard Road, available throughout the month of March. During the ladies-only tasting and cocktail making session you will be lead by award-winning mixologist As’ad Isnin to create three different cocktails. Light bites will also be served throughout.
8. Listen to an all-female orchestra at Gallery Theatre
The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) will be putting on a 30-minute show ($5 per ticket) at the National Museum of Singapore’s Gallery Theatre on 6 and 7 March. The all-women ensemble’s show will include folk and classical, as well as a few popular tunes. Head over to the museum’s Modern Colony gallery as well to check out works that feature the transformation of women in Singapore over the years.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours as well as booking requirements before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For the latest travel advisory updates, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com. To join us in protecting the environment by offsetting your carbon emissions on your future flights, visit the following websites to learn more: carbonoffset.singaporeair.com.sg and carbonoffset.flyscoot.com
Additional reporting provided by Joy Fang
