*Editor’s Note: While there are no travel restrictions to New Orleans due to the Covid-19, out of an abundance of caution and consideration for staff, vendors, performers, and guests, some of these events have been postponed or cancelled. Please check the event websites for details and updated information.
March is National Women’s History Month, and in New Orleans we are celebrating. Whether you choose to pay a visit to an exhibit highlighting female artists, or go out of your way to support a woman-owned business, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate National Women’s History Month in New Orleans. We’ve rounded them up for you here.
International Women’s Day – Cocktails for Equality
Celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, Feb. 28 with this happy hour fundraiser from the Rotary Club of Mid-City New Orleans. Head to the Ruby Slipper Cafe on 315 S. Broad St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for drinks and networking. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the New Orleans Family Justice Center, which supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The event is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $15, which covers the cost of a survivor kit.
4th Annual Black Women’s Wellness Conference of New Orleans
Held at the New Orleans Jazz Market, the Black Women’s Wellness Conference features a full day of panel discussions and talks from industry experts on the topics of occupational wellness, entrepreneurship, leadership, and stress and burnout. The conference is Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include conference admission and booklet, catered lunch, vendors, and one raffle ticket for a door prize.
Leap into Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month begins on Sunday, March 1, and this event at The Historic New Orleans Collection kicks it off with a celebration on Saturday, February 29. While you’re there, get a sneak peek at the new “Women in New Orleans History” guided tour that revisits the stories of women who have shaped everyday life in New Orleans, which officially launches on March 1. Author Cheryl Gerber will also sign copies of her book, Cherchez La Femme, during the event. Admission to all activities is free, and no reservations are necessary. The event is from 2-4 p.m.
Special tour: Women in New Orleans History
*Editor’s Note: The Historic New Orleans Collection is currently closed until further notice.
The Historic New Orleans Collection presents: Women in New Orleans History, a special 45-minute tour commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution. It tells the story of the women who shaped everyday life in New Orleans, from Native American women to the Ursuline nuns to the free women of color who owned more property than their male counterparts. Based on original objects spread across two campuses, the tour delves into the female landowners, teachers, journalists, activists, artists, voters, preservationists, and citizens—both free and enslaved—who made their marks on our history. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. The tour runs Tuesday-Sunday at 11 a.m.
Femme Funk Fête
*Editor’s Note: This event has been postponed. Please check the event website for details and updated information.
On Sunday, March 15, the Contemporary Arts Center and pop-up boutique Material Life present Femme Funk Fête, a celebration of all things Black, Feminine, and Funky. This program highlights the dynamics of feminine energy and its significant role in the development of the Funk genre during the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. From 1-4 p.m., jam out at the day party featuring DJ Soul Sister, Girls Rock NOLA, and more. Admission to this event is free and open to the public, and part of SUNDAY VIBES at the CAC.
Chanteuse: Celebrating New Orleans Women in Music
*Editor’s Note: The concerts scheduled for March 12-14 have been postponed.
According to a 2019 USC/Annenberg study, only 21 percent of musical artists are women, and less than 2.5 percent of all producers are women. This concert series from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation sets out to shine a light on New Orleans’ many female musicians and women in music. The lineup is led by musical legend Germaine Bazzle (March 5), and includes Lilli Lewis Project (March 6), Alexis and the Samurai with special guest Alexandra Scott (March 7), Sync Up Session: A Conversation with Germaine Bazzle (March 11), Cyrille Aimée (March 12), Maggie Koerner (March 13), Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns (March 14). You won’t want to miss these concerts, which are free and open to the public at 1225 N Rampart.
