Set your brunch plans aside and try celebrating International Women’s Day (March 8) by doing something new with your besties. Across the city, studios and cafes are curating women-only workshops that promise equal parts fun and self-expression. From dancing your heart out and mindful movement sessions, to book clubs and pottery, the city has something for every member of your girl gang. Here’s how you can celebrate.Bookworms come togetherA women-only book club curated by Nisha Chamria brings together 20 members from different professions and age groups for thoughtful conversations around books. The group meets in cosy cafés where discussions begin with curated questions but often move into personal reflections and experiences. “Because something shifts beautifully when women don’t have to explain themselves. In a women-only space, the invisible filters fall away,” says Nisha. Get artsy and let your inner child come out to playFor those looking to tap into their creative side, hands-on workshops like pottery and tote bag painting offer the perfect way to unwind. Working with clay can be deeply grounding, allowing participants to focus, create and connect through conversation. A city café is set to host a Women’s Day special tote bag painting workshop with a women-led craft brand. “It’s a creative, interactive way to celebrate the spirit of the day,” says Zainab Fatma, the host.Move, sip and stretchDance workshops offer a joyful way to reconnect with movement — and it’s even better with your BFFs by your side. Dance trainer Preksha Bardia recently hosted a jazz workshop designed as a safe space for women. “Jazz has helped me find confidence and feel connected to my body,” she says, adding that monthly sessions and a special Women’s Day edition has been planned. Hitesh H Teckchandani, founder of a city-based dance studio, says the aim is to create experiences that help women pause and express themselves. Meanwhile, curator Priyam Bose saysSip & Stretch offers a relaxed self-care ritual — “a mindful start to the day.”In a women-only space, the invisible filters fall away. When someone says a chapter from a book felt like a page in their life, no one needs context. That safety allows the conversation to go far deeper than the book itself– Nisha Chamria, book club hostSome women come because they want to move and dance, some are curious to try hands-on creative art work like pottery, and others simply want to spend time in a positive, community-driven environment– Priyam Bose, host of dance & art workshopsWomen should have space to experience freedom. It’s beautiful to see participants slowly loosen up and express themselves at dance workshops– Preksha Bardia, dancer trainerWomen aged 20-58 were spotted at the workshops
