National Women’s Day in South Africa is a public holiday on which we remember the strength and determination of the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the pass laws on 9 August 1956. Today, it is a public holiday that pays homage to the women of our nation and provides an opportunity to celebrate them and their achievements.

But instead of writing about why we observe this day like so many will, I thought I’d suggest how you should spend it. If you still don’t have any Women’s Day plans, any one of these options is guaranteed to deliver an excellent customer experience and a well-deserved treat for you or the special woman in your life.

Women’s Day Brunch at Ginger and Lime

Ginger and Lime is a food studio in Cape Town that offers a variety of cooking courses. It hosts corporate team-building events, MasterChef-style parties and special celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and bachelorette parties – among other services. This Women’s Day, Ginger and Lime will host an interactive cooking class followed by brunch and wine. Guest speakers will also deliver inspirational talks. For more details, contact info@gingerandlime.co.za.

Meet the Brewers at Beerhouse in Fourways

Beerhouse is known for a few things. First, it’s the incredible collection of local and international brews – the appropriately folksy “99 bottles of beer on the wall” that each Beerhouse promises. Second is the laid-back atmosphere of Beerhouse which is perfect for office socials, drinks with friends and awkward first dates. Then there are monthly Meet the Brewers evenings when brewers are invited to talk about their beer and beer lovers are invited to, well, love beer. On Women’s Day, Beerhouse in Fourways will dedicate its Meet the Brewers evening to women. Beer-loving women are invited to a fun night where they’ll taste a selection of beers produced by four local women and enjoy delicious food pairings.

Women’s Day Picnic at the Fourways Farmers Market

One of Johannesburg’s favourite Sunday culture events, the Fourways Farmers Market, is being held on Wednesday – just for women. The Women’s Day Picnic will probably be the first one you will attend without a picnic basket. Everything you need to make a picnic great will be available at the idyllic Longmeadow Farm in Fourways. Artisanal burgers and sandwiches, oysters, champagne and sweet treats will be on offer from the market’s award-winning vendors. The picnic is great fun for the whole family so invite your mom, your sister, your grandma and your daughter for an unmissable mid-week Sunday.

High Tea at The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box Hotel in Durban is one of the city’s most popular hotels. It’s famous for its pitch-perfect customer experience and earned the 2017 TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for the best hotel in the country. Every year, the hotel hosts a Women’s Day High Tea and this year is no different. The theme this year is bubble and cheese and ladies are invited for a fancy affair where they’ll be treated to sparkling wine and a mouthwatering assortment of sweet treats. For more information, contact restaurants@oysterbox.co.za.

If you’re a restaurant owner and would like to make your establishment the go-to venue for Women’s Day, it’s never too late to start.