International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global movement to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on progress toward gender equity, and take action to accelerate change.
Here in Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent, organizations across the region are once again coming together to host meaningful, inspiring, and community-driven events throughout late February and the month of March. From leadership conversations and professional summits to celebrations that give back, high-energy showcases, markets, and networking events, there are many ways to participate, learn, and connect. While many events are hosted locally, others are taking place across Ontario or nationally and are accessible virtually or in hybrid formats, making it easy to take part, no matter where you are.
Here are the events you can attend to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026.
StrikeUP 2026: Rise to the Challenge
StrikeUP is Canada’s flagship digital conference convening women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem. Join them on Thursday, February 2026 at 11AM EST for a day of practical playbooks, national connections and growth tools you can use right away
📆 February 26th, 2026
📍Online
⏰ 11:00AM -3:30 PM
International Women’s Day: Afternoon Tea Party
Celebrate International Women’s Day in style at this elegant Afternoon Tea Party featuring a walk-through fashion show by Laura’s & Melanie Lynn (Devonshire Mall). Guests are encouraged to wear their best fascinator or hat for a chance to win a prize. The afternoon will also feature special guest speaker Senator Sandra Pupatello.
📅 Sunday, March 1, 2026
⏰ 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 Fogular Furlan Club, 1800 N Service Rd, Windsor
Tickets: $50 per person (includes exquisite teas and a delectable assortment of sweet and savoury treats)
Ticket deadline: Tuesday, February 24
Proceeds benefit the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women & Children.
Pastries generously donated by Golden Oven Bakery.
The Sisterhood Real Talk & Real Tips
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are diving into this year’s theme: #GiveToGain. It is a powerful testament to the belief that true growth comes from lifting others. This philosophy perfectly mirrors the heart and mission of the Sisterhood of Women in Business.
🎤 Inspiring Speakers: Hear from women sharing tips and lessons learned in our signature 3-minute Tip Swap session.
Practical Takeaways: Gain practical tips and advice that you can apply immediately.
Community Building: Expand your circle and connect with like-minded women.
📆 March 2nd, 2026
📍Reko International Group Inc. 469 Silver Creek Industrial Drive, Windsor, ON N8N 4W2
⏰ 5:30PM -7:00 PM
Elevate HER
It’s a moment to pause, connect, and lift one another up while having real conversations about where we’re headed and how women can lead the way forward
Join us Tuesday March 3rd at the Leamington Portuguese Community Club for our 2026 Elevate HER presented by Scotiabank!
📆 March 3rd, 2026
📍 Leamington Portuguese Community Club
⏰ 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Women Supporting Women Summit
📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
⏰ 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
📍 Caesar’s Windsor, 377 Riverside Dr. E. Augustus 27 Tower
Presented by JACFIT, the Women Supporting Women Summit is an energizing evening focused on connection, empowerment, and celebration. Women from across the community come together for networking, inspiration, and a lively night on the dance floor.
Proceeds support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex, benefiting the Go Girls! Mentoring Program.
She Means Business Brunch
📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
📍 Location: St. Clair Centre of the Arts
⏰Time: 9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Libro Credit Union and WEtech Alliance, the She Means Business Brunch celebrates women in business, leadership, and community impact.
The event features keynote speaker Erika Harris of BASF, with comedians Jen Richardson and Jill Moysiuk serving as MCs, blending insight, humour, and inspiration.
Donations are encouraged in support of the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women & Families.
Paro IWD – Give to Gain (Hybrid)
Celebrate International Women’s Day at the beautiful Deerhurst Resort in the Muskokas for an inspiring day of connection and impact.
📅 Thursday, March 5, 2026
⏰ Doors open at 4:30 p.m. | Program begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville
Women’s Day Market at Walkerville Brewery.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 7th from 12-5PM! More details to come.
📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ 12-5PM
📍 Walkerville Brewery
HipHop & Heels IWD 2026 Event
A high-energy, all female showcase organized by ProjectPolly and MajestB, celebrating women who lead, create, and take up space unapologetically. Hip-Hop & Heels exists to create room for voices that don’t fit into boxes, industries, or expectations.
This immersive night blends live performances & community. — Bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, & change makers. With all proceeds being donated to Hiatus House Windsor, Essex. Expect bold performances, and an atmosphere that moves with intention
📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ Doors open a 7:00 p.m.
📍The Well Windsor, 875 Erie St. E.
Women’s Day Celebration at Smudge Metaphysical Spiritual Boutique
March 7th from 11:00am – 4:00pm
Join Smudge Metaphysical Spiritual Boutique for a fun and fabulous day of celebrating local women owned small business, magic, shopping and being together!
A day full of jewelry, matcha, flowers and good energy flowing everywhere.
They are looking forward to enjoying:
- Cookies by Lo’s Dough
- Matcha by 49 Avenue Matcha
- Charm Bar by Rings & Things
- Tarot Jewelry by Fargol Jewelry
- Skin Care & Flower Bar
Smudge Metaphysical Spirtual Boutique
553 Lincoln Rd, Windsor
Windsor-Essex International Women’s Day Expo 2026
📅 March 7-8, 2026
📍 LaSalle Event Centre, 970 Front Rd.
⏰10:00-6:00 p.m.
The Windsor-Essex International Women’s Day Expo is a community-wide celebration of women-owned businesses, organizations, leaders, and advocates. Attendees can connect with exhibitors, attend presentations, and discover the diverse contributions women make across the region.
Ideal for anyone looking to support women-led initiatives and local talent in Windsor-Essex.
International Women’s Day Celebration: Journey Towards Success Awards
📅 Sunday, March 8, 2026
⏰ Doors open at 4:30 p.m. | Program begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 St. Clair Centre for the Arts, Windsor
Presented by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST), this annual celebration recognizes women through the Journey Towards Success Awards.
The evening includes awards, a silent auction, live entertainment, and a keynote address by Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald. Proceeds support programs that empower women on their path to economic independence.
WindsorEssex Community Foundation’s First Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon
This event highlighted the achievements and contributions of women in the community and featured local organizations.
📅 Sunday, March 8, 2026
⏰ Doors open at 4:30 p.m. | Program begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Windsor Club
The Women in Engineering Club presents: Industry Night
An elegant evening of networking bringing together undergraduate & graduate students, alumni, and industry professionals. Dress to impress, make meaningful connections, and enjoy People Bingo, structured discussions, appetizers, refreshments, and a photo booth 📸
The night ends with a raffle, proceeds support Faculty of Engineering scholarships.
📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ Doors open at 6:00 p.m. | Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Windsor Club
8th Annual International Women’s Month
International Women’s Month brings together leaders, founders, investors, professionals, and allies from across Ontario, Canada, and around the world. What began as a series of events has grown into a powerful, community-driven movement, one focused on creating long-term, sustainable change.
📅 Various event throughout March 2026
📍Ottawa, Ontario + Virtual
