This weekend, mark International Women's Day (March 8) with a series of empowering, female-focused events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and a touch of online shopping.
A cultural weekend at D3
As part of International Women’s Day and Dubai Art Week, spend the weekend immersed in music, art and talks that celebrate Dubai’s society and subcultures.
The Cave DXB and Female First Sessions host a series of events featuring an all-female line-up of DJs and live performers including DJ Liutik and DJ Parvane as well as Layla Kardan, Megatronic and Shebani.
See exhibitions from the contemporary art scene and hear panel discussions featuring leading women who are breaking barriers across various industries. There will also be food and drinks available. The event is free and runs from 2pm to late on Friday and Saturday, with talks from 2pm to 4pm.
Building 5, Dubai Design District, www.thecavedxb.com.
A show of female talent
It’s a show of true girl power at #WOWJBR (pictured) this weekend. The outdoor festival hosts a series of themed weekend events designed to engage the community with arts and entertainment.
In honour of International Women’s Day, enjoy an all-female line-up of performers including dancers, LED-lantern puppeteers, a roaming mime, ballerinas and plenty of singalong, crowd-pleasing tunes from DJ Arlene Gomez throughout the evening.
Head to the beachfront destination daily this weekend from 2pm to 8pm. There’s free entry and plenty of food options and activities for children, too.
Shop for a cause
Buy a T-shirt with cool empowerment slogans from Net-a-Porter this International Women’s Day.
The collection includes designs such as “I am her” in Victoria Beckham’s own handwriting; a bold “You Go Girl!” by Isabel Marant; and “Divine Feminine” from Alexa Chung.
Proceeds benefit Women for Women International, a non-profit organisation that helps women living in war-torn countries rebuild their lives by enrolling them in a programme where they learn about their rights and health, as well as gain vocational skills and a community of sisters who have experienced similar circumstances.
Last year, more than 170 women were supported through the charity and their success creates a ripple effect of change in their families and communities.
While you're online, visit www.womenforwomen.org to learn more about the organisation and also share a #MessageToMySister, which will be translated and delivered to a female survivor of war.
The T-shirts cost from Dh341, www.net-a-porter.com.
An inspiring film
Cinema Akil is screening a film this week that is not only in line with International Women’s Day, but also the spirit of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
The Loretta Claiborne Story is the 2000 Lee Grant film about the first athlete of the Games to be elected to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. Born partially blind and unable to walk until aged four, Claiborne has completed 26 marathons and has twice placed in the Top 100 women finishers at the Boston Marathon. She has competed in six Special Olympics World Games, where she has medalled 10 times, and holds a fourth-degree black belt in karate.
Get inspired by her story, which stars Kimberly Elise, Tina Lifford and Camryn Manheim, on Saturday at 3pm at Cinema Akil in Dubai and on Tuesday at 7pm at Central Plaza at NYU Abu Dhabi.
