We know the future is female, but there’s no time like the present to celebrate women. Here, a roundup of International Women’s Day events happening in Ottawa

#BalanceforBetter Wall Space Gallery
The theme for this year’s IWD is Balance for Better. That’s the idea being that gender balance will make things better not only for women, but also for the environment, business, and — importantly for Ottawa’s political scene — politics. Westboro’s Wall Space Gallery is presenting the work of five female artists — Ariane Beauchamp (Ottawa), Alex Chowaniec (Bushwick, NYC), Sharon Kelly (Ottawa), Lori Richards (Kingston), and Marjolyn Van Der Hart (Toronto) whose work addresses the empowerment of women. The event is also a fundraiser for iSisters Technology Mentoring, a local group that provides free technology programs to equip women with the skills and confidence to participate fully in their community.
Vernissage March 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. RSVP required:responses@wallspacegallery.ca . 358 Richmond Rd. Exhibit runs to March 30.

Women in Industry @ Clover
It’s still a tough go for women in the food and drink industry. Yes, we see female chefs running their own restaurants, but the #MeToo accusations have not gone away. There is work to be done, and you can start by gathering with likeminded people and enjoying the amazing food put forth by a stellar lineup of chefs. This year, Clover chef West de Castro is bringing together Kat Ferries from Stofa, Marysol Foucault of Edgar, Natali Harea of Nat’s Bread Co., Maria Henao and Robin Lavigne of Red Apron, Holly Laham from Corner Peach, and Patricia Larkin of Buchipop for a 7-course beer pairing dinner with Bicycle Craft Brewery. Proceeds from the dinner support the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. And it’s topped off with treats from Liz Mok of MooShu and Pascale Bethiaume of Pascale’s Ice Cream!
$125. March 9, 6:30 p.m. 155 Bank St. Limited seats. For reservations, please call 613-680-8803 

Cinq à Sept at Twiss & Weber
The T &W window displays are always awesome, and they’re getting bad-ass for IWD 2019. Thought-provoking, challenging, and a little provocative, their #sticksandstones installation is inspired by the work of U.S. artist Lindsay Bottos, who is making waves by taking a stand against toxic negativity. By transferring destructive words on to delicate clothing, the local designers meditated on the meanings of those words in order to release the bullying — and they invite you to do the same in their cute, welcoming space. Expect feminist art, a silent auction supporting Dress for Success Ottawa National Capital Region, free bubbles and snacks, and limited edition IWD tees designed by Twiss & Weber.
Free. March 8, 1282 Wellington St. W. 5 – 7 p.m.

Feminist Mixer at Happy Goat
Sometimes what we really need to do — as women, as feminists, as people who support the feminist movement — is simply gather in a comfortable space where we can catch up, meet others, and ‘feel the love’. And what better place than the Happy Goat’s Laurel location, where comfy couches and a come-as-you-are vibe set the stage for whatever you need this International Women’s Day. Hosted by The Feminist Twins, The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, EmpowHer Network and event sponsors, this Feminist Mixer includes free treats on site (thanks Little Jo Berry’s!), a coloring table for kids and people who like to color, a photographer (thanks Hello Lovely!), music, and more! There will be a few short speeches at 7:30 p.m.
Free.  March 8th, 35 Laurel St., 6:30 – 9 p.m.