March is Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions women continue to make in society, culture and everyday life.
From making strides in politics and on the big screen, to pushing for social justice causes in their communities — women are present, and local organizations and individuals celebrate their diversity and strength.
International Women’s Day on March 8 recognizes the global women’s rights movement. The event calls to light ongoing issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, domestic abuse and violence against women.
From classic car shows to self-defense workshops, here are some ways to celebrate Women’s History Month — and honor women — in the Los Angeles area.
Long Beach/San Pedro area
Thursday, March 9: Join the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce for a Women’s History Month Celebration and reception at the Elk’s Lodge at 5:30 p.m., 1748 Cumbre Dr. Seven community leaders will be honored at the dinner.
Info and tickets: www.sanpedrochamber.com
All month: Long Beach City College presents Zoom discussions, panels and in-person events throughout March.
Info: www.lbcc.edu/post/womens-history-month-events
Tuesday, March 14: The American Heart Association brings women together for a “Go Red for Women” luncheon to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in women. There will be networking, health speakers, and a live auction at the 10:30 a.m. event at Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Info: heart.org/losangeles, 213-291-7051
El Segundo
Saturday, March 11: “Women N’ Wheels” is a car show for women who own, collect, drive or are classic, vintage, muslce and custom car super-fans. Show cars roll in at 8 a.m. for first come, first serve parking spots. There will be a pin-up contest, vintage fashion vendors and live music. Event is at the at the Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum, 610 Lairport Street, at 10 a.m.
Info/tickets: 310-909-0950, www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org
Santa Monica
Wednesday, March 22: LA Tech4Good and Women in Big Data SoCal presents “Women’s Journeys in Data,” a free panel and networking event with women who work in the tech industry. Learn about responsible data practices and what women bring to the world of data work. The event will be held at Blankspaces, 1450 2nd St., at 7 p.m.
Event info and registration: latech4good.org/events/mar22panel
Los Angeles
All month long: The Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library system hosts Women’s History exhibitions and events throughout March. Check your local branch for different events from literary readings to arts and crafts, film screenings and bookmaking workshops, for all ages.
Info and events: www.lapl.org/womens-history, lacountylibrary.org/womens-history-month-2023/
Friday, March 10: The free 32nd annual Latina History Day conference brings together hundreds of women in downtown LA for workshops and networking, celebrating Latina Americans. The 2023 theme is “Bloom: Come Into Your Own.” The event is all day at the L.A. Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa St.
Info and schedule: www.events-latinas.org/lhd2023
Wednesday, March 15: The National Association of Women Business Owners in LA presents “The Future is Female: A Conversation with Women in Business” on March 15 at 4 p.m. at 555 Flower St., 51st floor. Elected officials including LA Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Councilmember Heather Hutt will be speaking. The event will be a dialog with elected officials on issues concerning women in business.
Info: nawbola.org
Thursday, March 16 and March 23: Join the Los Angeles Conservancy for a walking tour to explore the history of Union Station and L.A.’s Chinatown through the stories of women who had a lasting impact on these sites. The two-hour tour includes Metro Gold Line fare to travel between the tour sites. A student walking tour is also available.
Info and cost: www.laconservancy.org/events/womans-place-union-station-and-chinatown, info@laconservancy.org
Saturday, March 18: Participants can create zines and art collages celebrating Black female artists at a free Women’s History Month Zine Workshop, presented by Able ARTS Work, at the California African American Museum, 600 State Drive. Bring your own images and materials
Info: caamuseum.org
Sunday, March 19: One Dog Down in Echo Park teaches a donation-based yoga class on Sunday, March 19 at 6 p.m. All proceeds to go to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
Info: onedowndog.com
Monday, March 20: Join LA-Tech.org for a free Women’s History Month networking mixer, discussing gender equity in the tech industry, and increasing accessibility for women and non-binary folks in tech. The event starts at 5 p.m. at 360 E. 2nd Street, 2nd Floor lounge.
Info: LA-tech.org
Saturday, March 25: Led by instructor Nicole Snell, the CEO of Girls Fight Back and founder of Outdoor Defense, join in this women’s-only self-defense class on March 25, 10:30 a.m. in West Hollywood, in celebration of Women’s History Month. The class is designed to be a space for women to learn practical safety skills and increase confidence. A virtual self-defense class will also be held March 26.
Info: Facebook.com/girlsfightback
Related links
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Pasadena
Wednesday, March 22: Marshall Fundamental Secondary School hosts a Women’s History Month celebration, “Honoring the Women’s Movement and the Fight for Bodily Autonomy,” at 6 p.m. at 990 N. Allen Ave. The 6th annual event is themed “My Body, My Choice, Our Rights,” and will feature a panel of guests, an essay-reading and art exhibit with work from Pasadena Unified students.
Info: www.pusd.us/
Glendale
Sunday, March 19: Join the music community for a “Ladies of Sound” Women’s History Month DJ panel at 2 p.m. at the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound, 5130 San Fernando Rd.