As SXSW 2025 kicks off in Austin, the festival is set to showcase an array of incredible events that celebrate bold, inspiring, and empowering women set to the backdrop of Women’s History Month. SXSW, known for its innovative panels, performances, and events, will be home to some of the most important discussions and showcases highlighting women from all walks of life. This year, the festival is embracing women’s voices, stories, and talents like never before. In addition to March being Women’s History Month, March 8 also happens to be International Women’s Day and here are countless ways to celebrate at SXSW 2025!
Here are events celebrating women, women’s history month, and International Women’s Day at SXSW this year
Voices of Resilience: Women Leaders in the Rare Disease Community
March 7 | 304 E 3rd St
SHE Co-lab is back at SXSW with another year of incredible programming and female voices. This panel will discuss the awareness, advocacy, research and challenges of the world of rare diseases. Award-winning journalist, Katie Couric will be moderating this panel of trailblazing women. Find details here.
The Next Frontier of the Menopause Movement
March 7 | 304 E 3rd Street
Menopause isn’t a bad word and women are ready to talk about it out loud. It’s time to bridge the gap in awareness, treatment, and support. Join this group of female Doctors, CEO’s, nutritionists, moms, and authors as they discuss the menopause movement. Find details here.
Women are Changing the Game of Giving
March 7 | Austin Convention Center
The next generation of women are to inherit a significant portion of the greatest generational wealth transfer in history. Women have changed the game by making commitments to causes directly benefiting women and girls, to offering no strings attached donations and just fundraising for the greater good. Join Angelique Albert, Sarah Haacke Byrd and Margaret Richardson (GoFundMe) to learn more about what the future of wealth looks like for women. Find details here.
Every Woman’s Marathon International Women’s Day Lounge
March 8 | Brush Square Park
Join Every Woman’s Marathon at the Team Milk Lounge to celebrate International Women’s Day. This is only the second year for this marathon but something tells us it’s not going anywhere! Join them in an event designed for women, by women on a day for celebrating women. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, take photos and enjoy yourself with music and games. You don’t have to be an athlete to join, everyone is welcome. Find details here.
The Me Too Movement: At the Intersection of Healing and Tech
March 8 | Austin Convention Center
Join Tarana Burke, Adam Dodge, Kyle Linton and Kenyora Parham for a discussion about the Me Too movement. It’s been almost a decade since the #MeToo hashtag went viral and changed the trajectory of the world for women. The session will dive into the innovative ways technology is being used to progress and support the movement. Find details here.
The Future of Online Safety: Creating Safe Spaces For Women
March 8 | Austin Convention Center
Internet safety is having a hard time catching up even though social media has been around for decades. It’s no secret that women face higher amounts of harassment online. While there has been some improvement, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Join Kristen Murdock from Twitch as she discusses the way companies can improve safety policies for a stronger online community where women will feel safer and more empowered. Find details here.
Fashion’s Female Future: Women Innovating in Climate Tech
March 8 | Austin Convention Center
We live in a divided world of fast, resale and luxury fashion. The four panelists will discuss how the fashion world is changing and brands are recognizing the potential of resale. Essentially, the evolution of reslave paving a way for a greener fashion future. Get all the details here.
Women Empowering Women For a Brighter Film Future
March 8 | Austin Convention Center
Join in a discussion about the critical role women play in not only empowering other women but also non-binary people in the film industry. How collaboration and support enrich the industry in addition to creating a safer and more inclusive work environment for everyone. The panel consists of two locals like Rakeda Ervin from Austin Film Society and ATX TV Festival’s Emily Gipson. Also Juliet Blake of Hank Dog Inc and Yvonne Bourdreaux of Lucky Magnolia. Get all the details here.
International Women’s Day Social Hour
March 8 | Rivian Park
Every Woman’s Marathon and Team Milk are hosting an International Women’s Day social reception. They’ll have complimentary refreshments you can enjoy while networking with like-minded people. Every Woman’s Marathon is more than just a race- it’s a movement. Meet them at Rivian Park and be part of the movement. Get details here.
Hook’em House’s International Women’s Day Breakfast
March 8 | Antone’s
Celebrate with a Hook’em House style breakfast. Heart from a group of women leaders and influencers who are changing the world! Breakfast starts at 9:30 so get there early! Find details here.
Octavia Knew: How Black Women are Predicting the Future
March 9 | Austin Marriott Downtown
One might think that science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler predicted the future, but it wasn’t sci-fi. It was backed by research and a perspective shared by Black women who care about the future. This panel explores how Black women’s perspective unveils the future by looking at the past. Join in a discussion about Butler’s method and take a deep look at the world she envisioned. More details here.
Featured Session: Reproductive Freedom: Good for Workers, Good for Business
March 9 | Austin Convention Center
With reproductive rights being such a hot topic right now, we can’t imagine a better panel led by Dr. Chelsea Clinton, Joining her on stage is Bumble’s Elizabeth Montelone, ABC News’ Rachel Scott, Center for Reproductive Rights’s Nancy Northup and Jamila K. Taylor from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. These amazing women are going to discuss the evolving legal landscape, tools for companies and how leaders are fighting to protect their constituents. Find all the details here.
Drew Barrymore to Beyoncé: How GenX & Millennials Embrace Aging
March 10 | JW Marriott
Drew Barrymore is 50 and Beyoncé is on her way and millions of GenXers and Millennials are revolutionizing aging. They’re breaking the cycle with everything from career reinvention to fashion, self-care, charitable work, entertainment choices. This session is all about helping you learn how to tap into this growing spending power and attract important consumers who are changing the narratives around aging. Find more here.
Women Leading the Regenerative Revolution
March 10 | Hilton Austin Downtown
Globally, 43% of agricultural workers are women. Meaning, they play a key role in how and what the world eats, yet all of the world’s top food companies are run by men. This has led to a flawed food system where profit is a priority. Fortunately, women are changing that. Women are working on bettering our food systems for the people, planet and producers. Meet with a few key players at this panel and hear what they have to say. Find details here.
Ensuring the Future of Women-Led Innovation
March 10 | Hilton Austin Downtown
The gender gap might seem smaller but we still have a lot of work to do. Women in the tech industry have made significant strides and the two panelists on that stage know that better than anyone. Join Bonnie Rosen from The Walt Disney Company and Jessica Powell of AudioShake for an in-depth look at the complex world of entrepreneurship. Find details here.
Playing, Learning, Earning: Empowering Girls Through Games
March 11 | Fairmont
Did you know half the world’s gamers are girls? The gaming industry has noticed and is changing the game to be more inclusive. Playing is essential to our well-being, it’s also an important role in learning. This panel will discuss the power of online games and whether it will close gender gaps in a digital landscape. Find details here.
Regardless of what industry you’re in, having access to these events, communities, experts is such a privilege. While the topics aren’t always ideal and in a perfect world women wouldn’t have to create events around equality, it is the world we live in. Take advantage of these events. Remember where women started, where we are and where we’re going to go with the help of events like these.
Friends. Sisters. Mothers. Professors. When women affirm women, it unlocks our power. It gives us permission to shine brighter. – Elaine Welteroth
