International Women’s Day has been celebrated around the world for over 100 years. It was made official by the UN in 1975. (Gates Foundation Photo)

On March 8, 1908, more than a decade before women earned the right to vote in the United States, thousands of women filled the streets of New York City. They were garment workers who left their posts to march in protest, demanding social and economic rights.

That strike is one of dozens that inspired the widespread movement for women’s rights in the early 20th century, and in 1975, March 8 was officially designated International Women’s Day by the United Nations.

This year, the UN’s focus for the day is women in the workplace, and Seattle’s tech community is stepping up to host a handful of events about women in tech and beyond.

Recent scandals over claims of sexual harassment at tech giant Uber along with heightened awareness of the lack of gender diversity in STEM fields has brought workplace culture to the forefront of the industry’s attention.

And while there is no silver bullet or incentives program that will solve those complex issues, women leaders and tech workers will be speaking up around Seattle on Wednesday to continue the discussion about making the field more diverse and less unfriendly to minorities.

Keep reading for a list of International Women’s’ Day events happening around the city on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also check out the march for reproductive rights planned for Wednesday. See our full community calendar here.

LIST Meetup celebrating International Women’s Day!

What: The Ladies in Seattle Tech meetup is hosting a special get together for IWD, featuring women tech workers giving lightning talks on the theme, “The best decision I’ve ever made for my career was…” This is a great opportunity to meet women in the Seattle tech community and hear their stories first hand. Plus, the event is being hosted by Rover, so dogs are encouraged!

When: March 8, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Rover Offices

Register: RSVP to attend on the LIST meetup page.

Spotlight on International Women’s Day, hosted by the Gates Foundation

What: Hear why women and girls are at the heart of global development efforts from leaders in Seattle’s global health community. The event features a panel discussion with women leaders from PATH, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and others. Plus, get a chance to see the beautiful Gates Foundation Visitor Center.

When: March 8, 4 – 6 p.m.

Where: Gates Foundation Visitor Center

Register: Full details on the event here, and registration here.

Be Bold for Change: International Women’s Day Seattle

What: This event is packed with women’s rights advocates and female leaders from all walks of life, who will discuss how we can empower women and girls to reach their full potential. Hear from Martha Adams, the chief creative officer for girls education program Girl Rising; Adriane Brown, president and COO of invention lab Intellectual Ventures; Marty Hartman, executive director of women and family shelter Mary’s Place; and many more.

When: March 8, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Town Hall Seattle

Register: Tickets run $20, and are available here.

ARA Seattle | Celebrate, Innovate and Save the Date

What: ARA Seattle is hosting their first event of the year on IWD, bringing together hundreds of women leaders and tech workers to make connections and help bridge the talent gap. Hear from speakers from Amazon, Harvey Nash, and more.

When: March 8, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Amazon’s Arizona Building

Register: The event is sold out, but you can contact its organizers to be put on the wait list.

AWAKE Women’s Leadership in Technology panel (Quarterly event)

What: Join Seattle’s nonprofit Alliance of Women Achieving Knowledge and Excellence (AWAKE) for this quarterly panel on women in leadership, conveniently timed the day before IWD! Hear from Asha Sharma, COO of Porch, and Erin Lantz, VP of Mortgages for Zillow Group.

When: March 7, 6 – 8 p.m.

Where: Uber Engineering Office 

Register: More info and registration available here.

Bottoms Up for Babes – A Celebration of International Women’s Day

What: After a tough day of grappling with social equity, join Seattle’s own Rachel’s Ginger Beer for drinks, dancing, and food to celebrate all that women do in our city. Proceeds from the event will go to Jubilee Women’s Center.

When: March 8, 6 p.m. – March 9, 2 a.m.

Where: Rachel’s Ginger Beer on 12th Ave.

Register: No registration necessary, more information available here.

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