Durham Region is once again celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8, with a community event aimed at recognizing the achievements of women globally and advocating for gender equality. This annual celebration, hosted by the Region of Durham in partnership with local municipalities and community organizations, is a free event open to the public, inviting all residents of Durham to take part.
This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” focuses on the importance of women’s health and well-being. The event will feature a variety of activities designed to inspire, inform, and empower participants. The festivities will kick off with a networking session and light refreshments at 5:30 p.m., allowing attendees to meet like-minded individuals before the formal program begins.
At the event, there will be a vendor market running from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., where local businesses—especially those owned by women—will showcase their products and services. This provides a fantastic opportunity to support female entrepreneurs and discover unique offerings from within the community.
The formal program will begin at 6 p.m. and include a guided grounding exercise to help promote mental well-being, followed by performances and a panel discussion. The panel will cover topics related to mental health, holistic wellness, and the overall well-being of women and girls. It’s an opportunity to hear from experts in the field and gain insights on how to improve one’s own health and mental balance.
This event is set to take place at the Audley Recreation Centre, located at 1955 Audley Road North, Ajax. The venue offers a welcoming atmosphere for participants to engage in conversations, learn from various speakers, and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register via Eventbrite by Friday, February 27, to ensure their spot. Admission is free, but registration is required for planning purposes.
Vendor Opportunities for Women-Owned Businesses
In addition to attending, there is an exciting opportunity for women-owned businesses to become part of the celebration by participating in the vendor market. There is no vendor fee to register, and all women entrepreneurs are invited to apply to book a table. This is a great way for women-led businesses to connect with the local community and share their work.
To reserve a vendor table, interested individuals should complete the online form available through the Region of Durham’s website. The deadline for vendor registration is also Friday, February 27.
Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
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Time:
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Networking & Refreshments: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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Vendor Market: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Formal Program: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Location: Audley Recreation Centre, Community Halls A, B, and C, 1955 Audley Road North, Ajax
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Register by: February 27, 2026 (via Eventbrite)
