March 8 marks International Women's Day, an annual celebration that has existed over 100 years, dedicated to preserving Women's Rights. In Shanghai, organizations and venues host events to commemorate the women of the city. This year's theme is Choose to Challenge, an opportunity for people to call out gender bias and inequality, so raise a hand, wear purple and stand up together.

*** In celebration of International women's Day, The Middle House and J&M x Sweaty Betty will host a two-day Yoga & Brunch treatment. On March 6, guests will be given a Vinyasa yoga class, while on March 7, there will be a Hansa yoga class; both lessons will run from 9-10am. All guests will get the chance to enjoy the hotel's amenities: pool, sauna, gym, shower and even the Mi Xun Spa. At 11.30, there will be a brunch at Café Grey. Every participant of the event will leave with a 50% voucher for selected treatments at the spa, courtesy of the hotel. The cost per person is 199rmb. Paper Crane, a female-founded tech company, is hosting the "I AM" International Women's Day Event. Female entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders of Shanghai will attend the event, sharing their stories within the work industry and the lessons they learned throughout the journey. All ticket sales will be donated to the Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), a charity supporting young women in China escape poverty through education. Scan the QR code to purchase a ticket; costing 200rmb. The price of admission at the door is 250rmb. The event starts at 9.30am, and will run all day until 6pm. Gin & Juice is hosting an International Women's Day brunch, from noon to 3pm. For the cost of 350rmb per person, women will be given a four-course meal, along with one welcome drink and one raffle ticket. For an extra 220rmb, there can be free-flow drinks all afternoon. There will be a raffle, where people will have the chance to earn prizes. Women will be treated with an open bar from 6.30-8.30pm at Sakemate, in celebration of International Women's Day. A guest photographer will be hosting a photo shoot for all female guests, and a lottery will be hosted; guests can win prizes from MUTE, NUDE by Korea, White Box and more. Green Initiatives is hosting its 126 film screening. To commemorate this special occasion, the film "He Named Me Malala" will be played. This documentary about the Pakistani Nobel Peace Price laureate Malala Yousafzai will be followed by a discussion with Corinne Hua, the Executive director of Stepping Stones China. Corinne will share her experience running a non-profit organization within China. The event runs from 7-9pm, with admission costing 50rmb. There is a student discount of 30rmb, and a group deal of 40rmb per person. Boxing Cat's, Cantina Agave's and Sproutwork's chef Kelly M Lee is doing an International Women's Day special at Tacolicious. As the guest chef for Taco Tuesday, Kelly will be serving up her own special tacos, along with a selected cocktail, for only 95rmb. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the charity Heart to Heart. Boss Lady is hosting a discussion panel at Bull & Claw. Following the International Women's Day 2021 theme, "Choose To Challenge", female entrepreneurs will be discussing the work women contribute to sustainability in industries. There will be drinks and hors d'oeuvres shared throughout the evening. Proceeds from the event will be donated to EGRC. There are limited spots, so make sure to scan the QR code to book in advance. The cost of admission is 230rmb per person, and the event runs from 7-9.30pm * There are more events in celebration of women throughout Shanghai. To know more, click here for SmartShanghai's International Women's Day Events Directory.