Embracing women’s history through crafts, conversations and community-building
Your guide to celebrating Women’s History Month in San Diego
Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
As San Diego starts to shed the winter weather and the Southern California sun brings warmer temperatures to the county, Women’s History Month comes with an array of events that provide mindful and exciting ways to celebrate women’s history in San Diego.
Women’s History Month began in Santa Rosa, CA with a week-long celebration in 1978 revolving around International Women’s Day on March 8. Due to widespread national support, Congress expanded the holiday into a full month-long recognition in 1986, becoming an annual historical homage to influential and powerful women.
In San Diego, many women were at the forefront of major institutions and movements.
In the mid 1800s and early 1900s, Ellen Browning Scripps invested in local journalism, medicine and environmental research, according to Scripps Health. The California Department of Parks and Recreation reports that around the same time, Juana Machado, a nurse and translator, shared firsthand accounts of early San Diego.
In 1952, Madge Bradley became the first woman to serve as a judge in San Diego County, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The San Diego History Center reports that educator and horticulturist Kate Sessions — dubbed the “Mother of Balboa Park” — cultivated the San Diego plant landscape we see today, providing communities across San Diego with plant education and planting hundreds of trees in what is now Balboa Park. In 1949, Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill co-founded the University of San Diego and Belle Benchley was the first zoo director in the world at the San Diego Zoo, according to the college and zoo, respectively.
March is a time to commemorate and remember women who work to better San Diego, which continues to this day.
We’ve rounded up some local events to connect with San Diego women, learn about the historical significance of women’s labor and embrace womanhood in safe spaces.
Know an event we missed? Send it to sam@daylightsandiego.org.
March 1-31
International Women’s Day Virtual Races: Participants can complete 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half or or full marathon races throughout the month in support of Dress for Success. The marathons can be walked or run, and tickets start at $30. March 1 - 31, virtual/remote
March 6
‘Un/Grounded’ Art Exhibition Opening Reception: Bivouac Ciderworks is hosting a photograph and painting dual exhibition throughout March in honor of Women’s History Month. The opening ceremony will feature live music, as well as food and drink for sale. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Bivouac Ciderworks, 3986 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
‘A League of Their Own’ Screening: La Jolla/Riford Library is screening the 1992 feminist comedy “A League of Their Own.” The movie is rated PG, and light refreshments will be provided. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
March 7
Hot Girl Walk & Talk: Women are invited to grab a morning coffee at Little Lion Cafe, take a walk, discuss wellness and make new friends. This walk's theme is “consistency over intensity.” 9 - 11 a.m., 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Bloom Together Celebration: Women’s Empowerment International is hosting an event at FruitCraft where guests can fill out postcards, make keychains, enter raffles and put together floral arrangements while listening to speakers. Tickets are available online ranging from $55 to $65, and proceeds will help fund grants and programs for women facing poverty in 11 places globally, including San Diego. 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., FruitCraft, 1477 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
‘Barbie’ Screening: Skyline Hills Cinema Club is showing PG-13 feminist comedy 'Barbie,' the 2023 film based on the popular doll. Light refreshments will be provided. Noon - 2 p.m., Skyline Hills Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92139
March 8
Pass the Torch Celebration: Generations can mingle while exchanging art and resources in honor of International Women's Day. There will be dance performances, East African food, a visual art gallery, poetry and awards for female innovators. Noon - 4 p.m., Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, 5577 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Women’s Empowerment March & Community Celebration: The 1619 National Celebration of Black Women is organizing a movement to uplift the voices and strength of women of all nationalities. The walk will be just over half a mile, starting at Encanto/62nd Street Trolley Station and ending at Marie Widman Neighborhood Park. 10:30 a.m. - Noon, Encanto/62nd Street Trolley Station, 6249 Akins Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Women’s History Walking Tour: Forever Balboa Park and the San Diego History Center are leading a guided tour in Balboa Park to celebrate the women who were and are at the center of the park's history. 10 - 11 a.m., San Diego History Center, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Sustainable Menopause Wellness Workshop: Shim Hazut is leading a free wellness coaching group for midlife women to offer a safe and supportive space to explore age-related holistic wellness. Register online. 3 - 4:30 p.m., Online, Link provided upon registration
Self Defense Workshop: Double Kick is teaching life-saving skills at a women-only, beginner-friendly course featuring Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a floral wrap as a parting gift. Tickets are $60, and all proceeds benefit a local women's shelter. Students must be 16 or older, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. 10 a.m. - Noon, Double Kick, 7580 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111
Ella Extravaganza Salsa & Bachata Social: Women in San Diego's dance community will be celebrated, and dancers can sharpen their skills at a three-part movement and social event featuring DJ music and a Q&A. Tickets are $15 for social dancing, $45 for the workshops or $55 for both. 1:30 - 11:59 p.m., La Vie Dance Studios, 1255 W Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
March 9
Leadership Unfiltered Conversation: Two female business executives are outlining how giving to others can be a powerful leadership tool in honor of International Women's Day's. 12:45 - 1:30 p.m., Online, Link provided upon registration
March 11
East Meets West – Asian Women’s Health Summit: Generation Next Fertility is hosting a virtual summit that aims to celebrate women's health and Asian American empowerment. There will be expert speakers, open discussions and mind-body wellness sessions. 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Online, Link provided upon registration
DIY @ the IDEA Lab – Girl Power!: San Diegans can learn how to make adhesive vinyl stickers in honor of Women’s History Month at the IDEA Lab at the Skyline Hills Library. Materials are provided. Register online. Attendees under 13 must have an adult companion. 4 - 5 p.m., Skyline Hills Library, 7900 Paradise Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92139
Philosopher’s Roundtable: University of California San Diego is hosting Dr. Carol Gilligan, an award-winning psychologist, with statewide university philosophers. The discussions will cover moral voice, care and ethical responsibility, while highlighting Gilligan’s work with women’s thoughts and behaviors. 1 - 2:30 p.m., UC San Diego Geisel Library, 9701 Hopkins Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
March 12
San Diego Women in Business Networking Event: Local entrepreneurial women can mingle, chat strategy and share resources at this event featuring intimate networking and presentations. 5:30 - 7 p.m., HHJ Trial Attorneys, 1917 India St., #200, San Diego, CA 92101
Love Yourself Women’s Workshop: Catheliya Healing Center is hosting a workshop focused on “finding balance without guilt,” led by holistic practitioner Catheliya Suwanakrit. Women should bring comfortable clothing, a yoga mat and blanket or pillow. Tea and hot and cold water will be provided. Tickets are $23 online. 6 - 7 p.m., Catheliya Healing Center, 3655 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123
March 13
Women’s Symposium – Amplifying Voices: San Diego's oldest and only all-girls high school, The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, is hosting a symposium with about 50 speakers covering an array of topics. Kids under 14 need an adult with them. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, 4860 Oregon St., San Diego, CA 92116
Women Who Wander: La Raza Travels is honoring five women entrepreneurs around the world while also providing business advice from a travel industry leader. The evening includes storytelling, global cuisine and traditional crafts. 5 - 7 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Lesbian Cafe: The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages. 10:30 a.m. - Noon., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
‘Reservoir Dolls’ Screening: Riot Productions is reimagining a classic Quentin Tarantino film as a show directed by Marti Gobel, that pushes back on the concept that violent pulp classics are predominantly for men. Tickets can be bought online for $20. March 13-14: 7 - 8:30 p.m., March 15: 2 - 3:30 p.m., MOXIE Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N, San Diego, CA 92115
March 14
Where Her Strength Flows: Body By You is hosting a yoga sculpt and flow class to celebrate International Women's Day. Students should bring their own yoga mats. 10 a.m. - Noon, Kairoa Brewing Company, 4601 Park Blvd., Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92116
Birth and Beyond Meet Up: This meetup welcomes pregnant people to connect with a doula and other expecting parents to learn labor tips. The group will meet at the top of the hill near bathrooms in Kate Sessions Memorial Park. Organizers will provide tables, either blanket or pillow seating, drinks and snacks. Noon - 2 p.m., Kate Sessions Memorial Park, 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Women Supporting Women – Train for a Cause: San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts is leading cross-training lessons from female black belts with a raffle supporting The Groundwork Foundation. All girls and women age 15 and older are welcome to the free event. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., San Diego Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts, 684 Rancheros Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
March 15
Women’s History Fair: The San Diego History Center invites people to learn more about influential women in the region through displays and activities hosted by local history and community organizations. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., The San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
She’s So Lucky – Charm Bracelet Party: Whimsy Creative Events is hosting a charm bracelet crafting session to celebrate Women's History Month and St. Patrick's Day. Women can sip wine, listen to pop music and craft. Tickets are $40, which includes all materials and a drink ticket. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Cork & Stem, 1035 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
March 17
Women’s Expression Session: Tish Sjoberg is hosting a late morning event where women can bond over art and as a break from daily responsibilities. Tickets are $30. All materials are provided, and all levels are welcome. 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Expressive Arts @32nd & Thorn, 3201 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104
‘Battle of the Sexes’ Screening: Pacific Beach/Taylor Library is showing “Battle of the Sexes” as part of its series highlighting women in sports. The PG-13 film centers on a historic tennis rivalry that became a central part of the gender equity movement. 4 - 6 p.m., Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109
March 20
‘A League of Their Own’ Screening: Pacific Beach/Taylor Library is screening the 1992 feminist comedy film in the Community Room. The movie is rated PG. 1 - 3:15 p.m., Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, 74275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109
March 21
Women in the Wild Hike: Women are invited to join the hardest hike in a series through oak woodlands, native grasses and wildflower fields in Santa Ysabel. It will likely be a 5-mile hike, depending on the group size. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Santa Ysabel Nature Center, 22135 CA-79, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Mujeres Que Leen Trivia Night: Mujeres Brew House is hosting a trivia night about Latina authors, their stories and their impact. Winners will receive a book-themed prize. Vendors selling trinkets and gifts will be available. Tickets are available online for $15. 6:30 - 9 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
March 22
Sappho Coffee Meet-Up: Lesbians and other queer women are invited to Lestat’s in Hillcrest to make new connections over conversation and caffeine. 1 - 3 p.m., Lestat’s Hillcrest, 1045 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
March 24
‘On the Basis of Sex’ Screening: La Jolla/Riford Library is hosting its monthly Cinema Club with a screening of “On the Basis of Sex,” a film about the life of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The movie is PG-13, and light refreshments will be provided. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
March 26
Women’s Networking Mixer: Pure Pawsh is hosting a networking event for women to talk work and business while supporting one another. It is open to people of any line of work. 6 - 8 p.m., Pure Pawsh, 4045 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
March 27
Lesbian Cafe: The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
March 28
Feel Like You Again – Perimenopause Talk: Body University is hosting a workshop for middle-aged women to learn more about hormonal changes, led by Helen Stearns. 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Body University Inc., 6062 Lake Murray Blvd., Unit 205, La Mesa, CA 91942
