Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. The theme for 2023 is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. International Women’s Day is March 8. KNKX pays tribute by playing all women artists and women-led groups in Midday Jazz and Evening Jazz.

Here are some events to enjoy around the Puget Sound region:

Northwest African American Museum presents these events for Women’s History Month & Wellness Month.
March 12 from 1 to 1:30 p.m.: March Interactive Storytime—Fannie Lou Hamer (virtual)
March 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.: Intro to Vinyasa Yoga Class 1. Join NAAM for an Intro to Vinyasa Yoga class. This will be an upbeat, beginner level Vinyasa Yoga class with yoga instructor Jess, followed by a Q&A. The yoga mats available at the class will be limited so we encourage you to bring your yoga mat from home. Donations are encouraged - learn more here.
March 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. Descendants Series: Jacqueline Hamer Flakes. She’s the daughter of Fannie Lou Hamer. The event will be moderated by Erica Williams of the Poor People’s Campaign. (in-person)
March 21 from 6-7:20 p.m.: Vinyasa Yoga Class 2.

March 8 from 5-8 p.m.: Join The Moth and the Gates Foundation Discovery Center for International Women’s Day: Stories of Refining Motherhood. It’s an unforgettable evening of powerful personal stories highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives on motherhood and the power of speaking up and speaking out. Hosted by Kenyan media personality and equality activist Adelle Onyango, the evening will include stories told by Hannah Brennan, Ryann Morales, and Roseline Orwa, graduates of The Moth – a global arts organization dedicated to building empathy and compassion through personal narrative. Their stories will be followed by a panel discussion including the storytellers and Hema Magge, MD, MS, Senior Program Officer, Newborn Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Team. Stop by or log in to hear moving tales focused on redefining motherhood. In-person and virtual.

March 8, 6-9 p.m. at the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle: Explore new ways to stay healthy, be on top of the latest beauty and fashion trends, manage your business and finances, learn about fitness and nutrition, and build year round relationships!

March 8, 4-6 p.m. at Highline Heritage Museum. International Women’s Day: Celebrating Our Strength is hosted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Merna Hecht from Stories of Our Arrival. It’s an event to build community and celebrate refugee and immigrant women. Powerful activists and artists will be sharing their stories, poetry, and works of art--cultivating a space that's centered around the joy, strength, and resiliency of local refugee and immigrant women.

March 10, 7:30 p.m. at Capilano University in North Vancouver, B.C.: Sister Jazz Orchestra Celebrates International Women’s Day. Unique in Canada, Sister Jazz Orchestra is a powerhouse 18-woman jazz ensemble showcasing Vancouver’s top female jazz artists. Their mission: Empowering today’s jazzwomen to inspire tomorrow’s. Directed by Christian Morrison, this straight-ahead jazz celebration shines a light on female writers who have influenced the past nine decades of jazz, as well as up-and-comers who are redefining big band jazz for the next generation. In addition to our inspiring guest artist, Canadian treasure and trombonist Audrey Ochoa, this performance will present 5 newly-commissioned works for the band by emerging female composers.

March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Royal Room in Seattle: “Inspired by Women Composers” is a concert based on the 2021 recording of the same name that received the Earshot Golden Ear Award for Best NW Jazz Recording of 2021. The Ann Reynolds Trio (Ann Reynolds-piano; Kelsey Mines-bass; Christopher Icasiano-drums) presents Ann’s compositions honoring 4 women composers (Mary Lou Williams, Carla Bley, Geri Allen, Christine Jensen) and compositions by each composer. The award-winning trio works interactively to interpret this music. Included in the presentation is a brief historical and musical introduction about each woman composer. In-person.

March 12, 3-4:30 p.m. at Sequim High School Auditorium: Sequim City Band presents “Music, She Wrote,” a concert of contemporary classical music written by women composers. These female composers have attained many ‘firsts’ along the way. The featured composer – Julie Giroux – composes for various musical ensembles. Included in the program is “Integrity Fanfare and March,” which was commissioned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force in 2007 and was used for the 2021 presidential/vice-presidential inauguration – making it the first time music composed by a woman was used for that ceremony.

March 14: Tacoma Public Library invites you to stop by Fern Hill branch weekly in March to cast a vote for your favorite woman author as their titles go head-to-head in a March Madness style Tournament of Books in celebration of Women's History Month. Authors receiving the most votes each week will move onto the next round; tournament winner will be announced in branch the final week of March!

March 15, 6 p.m. at Town Hall Seattle (The Forum): Landesa presents Seed the Change: International Women’s Day Celebration. The object is to raise awareness about the powerful impact of land rights at Landesa’s signature event, Seed the Change! Enjoy a selection of globally inspired drinks and small bites while chatting directly with program staff and engaging in activities that shed light on the most important global development issues of our time. Best-selling author and humanitarian, Zainab Salbi will be joining in the conversation. Zainab is the co-founder of Daughters for Earth, and founder/former CEO of Women for Women International. With her inspiring stories and insightful perspective, Zainab will share a profound level of understanding and passion for the importance of empowering women and securing their land rights around the world. In-person.

March 15, 1-2 p.m.: Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County presents Women in Leadership 2023: Journey to the Top. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month, where our panel of female leaders speaks about their journeys as leaders in the business world. The panel includes SCORE CEO Bridget Weston, SCORE Foundation President Liz Sara, and Board Chairs Patricia Loftus and Tracy Shaw. Online.

March 18, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 969 in Tacoma: This event provides an opportunity to network with women in the community, including local vendors. Featured guest speakers include a financial planner talking about building generational wealth; Mahogany Circle Tacoma with real information about women's health; open discussions on toxics in cosmetics and current legislation around it; and Women in the Military.

March 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Northeastern University Seattle Campus: Women Who Empower is an event bringing students, alumni and the community together to honor women. It is an evening panel featuring women who lead in innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The panel of three will discuss "How Community Builds Lifelong Success for Women". The panelists will share the importance of building networks, fostering bonds within the community, and investing in new friendships. Appetizers and refreshments will be served at the networking session.