What to expect at the International Women’s Festival 2025

In light of International Women’s Day (IWD), the first ever Asia Pacific International Women’s Festival (IWFest) will kick off in Singapore on 6 March. 

Happening over four days till 9 March, the festival, organised by PlayPan as part of an SG60 initiative, will take place at the Glass Dome from 9AM till late each day.

The inaugural festival will run a slew of events including fireside chats, thought-provoking panel discussions, inclusive workshops, and more built around this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action”.

For the full list of events and speakers, visit their website. To get tickets, click here. 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up some highlights and key events you should definitely check out at the International Women’s Festival 2025.

Events on 6 March

1. Mind, Body, Soul

Start your day off right with high-energy Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sessions, hosted by the folks at Evolve MMA.

Learn a couple moves from pros of the full-contact fighting sport before heading into a transformative emotional experience with Farina Ghanie, founder and CEO of wellness retreat, Arise.

If you’re a stressed-out executive, look forward to moments of self-care and self-love through simple practices like breath work, which can help you cope with anxiety and stress.

When: 9:45AM to 11:15AM

Open to: VIP and press

2. Power Hour with Dawn Tay

Look forward to a one-on-one flash mentoring session with Dawn Tay, Director, Content and Partnerships at Media Clubroom.

In her work, Dawn spearheads collaborations and innovative content initiatives and champions human stories. 

During the fast and focused one-hour session, be prepared to get personalised guidance from Dawn and the Media Clubroom team, gain real-world insights, and expand your network and opportunities. 

When: 4PM to 5:30PM

Open to: VIP and press

3. Groove and Glam

At the end of the first day, enjoy a stunning performance by the Cha-Cha Chicas! from RSVP Singapore.

But don’t stop there. Bring your dancing shoes and step into the rhythm as the crew teaches you how to get moving like them through their workshop.

Close off the night with a sizzling salsa performance by IxDE, Inizio.

When: 7PM to 8:30PM

Open to: VIP and press

Events on 7 March

4. The Accelerator Table moderated by Rezwana Manju

At The Accelerator Table sessions, learn from leaders who will share their authentic stories and lessons learnt while navigating climbing the corporate ladder.

This specific session, moderated by Rezwana Manju, Chief Editor, Marketing Interactive, will discuss “Accelerate Action towards Corporate Success”.

The panelists in this fireside chat include:

• Chloe Neo, CEO, Omnicom Group
• Penelope Siraj, Senior Partner, Planning, Brainlabs
• Subhashini Chandran, Senior VP, Social Impact, Mastercard
• Rowena Bhagchandani, CEO, Co-Founder, BLKJ HAVAS

When: 10:30AM to 11AM

Open to: VIP and Press

5. The Impact Stage with Tan Bin Ru

Discover how to accelerate action through technology and innovation with Tan Bin Ru, President, Enterprise Digital, ST Engineering. 

A prominent leader in fintech with blockchain technologies, gain insider insights and leadership wisdom as well as real-world strategies from one of Singapore’s most influential voices. 

This segment is perfect for those seeking career breakthroughs, personal growth, and insights on industry trends. 

When: 2:30PM to 3PM

Open to: VIP and Press

6. Spin and Spill moderated by Cheryl Chan

Moderated by Her World’s Senior Digital Editor, Cheryl Chan, this candid “Ask Me Anything (AMA)” session will explore how to accelerate action with wellness and balance. 

She will be joined by Eugenia Ye, Founder of Nodspark and Bipasha Minocha, Group CMO for EtonHouse and CEO for REACH, who are part of the Her World Tribe.

At the AMA session, expect raw conversation and valuable insights about time management and work-life balance from these industry leaders.

When: 3PM to 3:30PM

Open to: VIP and Press

7. Unscripted Voices with Julian Wong

Discover a fresh perspective from RICE Media’s co-founder and head of community and partnerships, Julian Wong.

Presented by RICE Media and AWARE, the RICE Dialogues - Intergenerational Perspectives on Being A Man will explore what it means to be a man today, how gender roles in Singapore have evolved and the impact of these roles on all genders.

At the end of the panel, be prepared to reflect on and challenge the societal expectations of gender in pursuit of true equality.

When: 7PM to 8:30PM

Open to: VIP and press

Events on 8 March

8. Choir Presentation

Get ready for an unforgettable music journey at IWFest.

The Canary Choir, River Valley Primary School Choir, Crest Voices from Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School, and UniqVoices from Unity Secondary School will join forces for a one-night-only show. 

Their heartfelt performances and powerful harmonies will leave you inspired and uplifted.

When: 5:30PM to 6:30PM

Open to: Public (Ticketed)

Events on 9 March

9. IWFest Walkathon

The Singapore Business & Professional Women’s Association will be organising a 4km walk with Papazao from 7:30AM to 9:30AM starting from Havelock MRT and ending at the Glass Dome.

The walk will conclude with a health talk by Dr Mark Leong at the Glass Dome. This will take place from 9:30AM to 11AM.

Click here to register.

When: 7:30AM to 11AM

Open to: Public (Ticketed)

10. Community Upcycling

Join the The Circular Classroom team as they teach you how to repurpose pre-loved school uniforms into adorable plushies and decorative flower bags.

Choose from either the first or second session, happening from 2PM to 3PM and 3PM to 4PM respectively, and try your hand at stitching and upcycling to reduce waste in Singapore’s education system.

Come as an individual crafter, or feel free to bring along your loved ones. 

If you have pre-loved school uniforms, The Circular Classroom encourages you to bring them along and contribute to their public donation drive.

When: 2PM to 4PM

Open to: Public (Ticketed)

 11. The Soundstage by LAYYI

To close off this year’s International Women’s Festival, local singer-songwriter, LAYYI, will be taking the stage and serenading the audience with her soulful voice and relatable lyrics.

When: 8PM to 9PM

Open to: Public (Ticketed)