Women's Day 2025

To celebrate Women’s Day this year, we wanted to create a space where people could reflect on their journeys, and have a real conversation. We invited a group of talented artisans who we have had the pleasure of working with, to be part of the panel discussion. As a women led business ourselves, we want to uplift as many women as we can at every given opportunity. International Women’s Day is very important to us, and we try to celebrate it every year in a way that can empower the women around us.

We have previously held the same event in 2020, as well as taken part in a Women’s Day yoga event that took place in 2023, which was facilitated by Fadhu, the face behind Devi. We are very proud that our local artisanal collection is made up almost entirely of women owned and women led businesses, and were very happy that many of these artisans wanted to take part in our panel.

This years event took place in Seagull Cafe’ and our panel consisted of many talented artists & artisans:

Fadhu - Devi (@devi.earth)
Aish - Vilunu (@vilunu.co)
Naza - Craft Studio (@craftstudiomaldives)
Hidha - Kasabu (@kasabu_byhidha)
Naru - Fuloaku (@fuloaku.mv)
Shimanie - Creative Jous (@creativejous)
Julie - Beadmv (@beadmv)

Our panel of talented artisans, as well as the audience who were keen to learn about their journeys, came together and created a beautiful atmosphere in which people could share their stories and experiences. We wanted to have an open conversation about the different aspects of being a woman, and what they have overcome while navigating their professional careers in the hopes of inspiring another generation of women to follow their own dreams. 

Some of our artisans spoke about how they prioritise being a mother over everything else, whilst others talked about how they create out of passion, and not to pursue a career through it. Some spoke about the difficulties they face when they need help, and how hard it is to ask for help. Others say they are never hesitant to ask for help, and will ask as soon as they feel they may need it. Sharing these experiences with one another, and hearing the different ways in which each woman approaches and navigates the situations they face in their lives, shows just how multifaceted being a woman is. No two women are the same, and no matter what path they choose, we wanted to use this discussion to show that we support their decisions.

We’re so thankful for everyone who joined our conversation and celebration of women. A big thank you to Seagull Cafe’ for collaborating with us to host the event. A very happy International Women’s Day to all from the Island Bazaar team!