13 Great Women’s Empowerment Workshop Ideas

In need of modern and exceptional women’s empowerment workshop ideas? Then you’ve come to the right place. But let’s answer another question right off the bat. What is a women’s empowerment workshop? Essentially, it’s an event designed to help women gain confidence, practice self-care, and support each other’s personal or professional success.

Whether you’re hosting a multi-day retreat or a break-out group at a conference or convention, you can adapt these women’s empowerment workshop ideas to suit your group’s needs.

First things first, though — you’ll need a venue with the proper space, amenities, and style to host your workshop. Luckily, Peerspace can help with that, too! We have thousands of event venues available to rent by the hour in cities across the globe. Along with the following ideas, check out the accompanying venue suggestions. These are real Peerspace venues you can rent today.

Now, back to our women’s empowerment workshop ideas! From games and activities to guest speakers and presentations, you’ll find plenty of options here to make your women’s empowerment group a success!

1. Rent a memorable workshop venue on Peerspace

One of the best ways to make an impact with your event is to host it in a space that can live up to the occasion. Renting a Peerspace venue is among the top women’s empowerment workshop ideas. It ensures you’ll find spaces that offer everything from feminine chic to business casual vibes.

Plus, many Peerspace venues come with professional lighting and A/V gear available on-site or to rent from a local vendor. Choose a space with all of the amenities you need. This may be a yoga studio with hardwood floors or a spacious kitchen, depending on your workshop type.

Here are a few of our favorite spaces:

• A full-service modern industrial loft in Seattle, WA, that boasts 2,000 square feet of space with no food or beverage restrictions.
• An intimate penthouse with amazing skyline views in San Francisco, CA, that features a spacious deck overlooking the city.
• A bright art studio in Midtown, NYC, ideal for presentations and admiring the cityscape.
• A sophisticated event space in Houston, TX, with a stage and professional lighting and sound equipment.
• A stunning theater venue in Atlanta, GA, that can accommodate up to 50 guests with A/V equipment and tiered seating.
• A downtown event venue in Denver, CO, with a sound system, drop-down screens, a projector, a stage, and seating for 600.
• A gorgeous open-layout studio in Bethesda, MD, with chandeliers, A/V equipment, customizable lighting, a kitchen, a lounge, and a balcony.

Since all Peerspaces are owned and lent out by locals, you can also consult your venue’s host for extras or recommendations regarding catering, entertainment, and equipment.

Learn more about what goes into planning a successful workshop with our what is a workshop? post!

2. Be selective with your objectives — but not exclusive

Before you start planning activities, decide what objectives you want this group to achieve. Is your goal to help women succeed in the workplace, higher education, or just life in general? Are you working with college students or entrepreneurs?

The focus of your group will depend on the age, goals, and life experience of your participants. So it’s important to have an idea of who will attend as soon as possible.

Because of this, it may be helpful to have an application process or selection criteria for your event. If it’s a closed workshop with a limited number of spaces, ask applicants to submit a short bio or mission statement. That way, you can ensure everyone is on the same page.

At the same time, you can avoid excluding people who want to attend by offering a scholarship or discounted tickets to those who can’t afford it. For your workshop, consider booking an unforgettable venue like this creative space in San Diego, CA (pictured above) for a fantastic turnout. It’s a flexible space with room for about 40 guests, with A/V equipment and a kitchen at your disposal.

3. Organize a coding bootcamp to sharpen IT skills

It’s a bit of a cliche, but learning to code is still a great way to empower women to find jobs in tech and STEM fields. From Women Who Code to the Hackbright Academy’s All Women’s Coding Bootcamp, there are dozens of organizations out there offering coding events in women-only environments.

If you want to host your own, just plan your event at a Peerspace venue. We especially love this 1970s milieu by DPS venue in Chicago, IL that offers free Wi-Fi, parking, A/V equipment, and plenty of flexible seating, with space for 50 guests.

This is one of those women’s empowerment workshop ideas that works better when your venue of choice is comfortable and inviting. You definitely want your workshop attendees to look forward to coding and networking throughout the event!

Explore these 11 creative women’s retreat ideas for more inspiration!

4. Host a public speaking contest

Public speaking can be difficult for anyone. But women in business and politics must be able to address a large audience with confidence. Give your participants the chance to practice their skills by hosting a Toastmasters-style public speaking event.

A contest centered on public speaking is a great way to boost confidence and showcase communication skills. Choose an exciting theme, such as “Innovations for a better tomorrow,” and invite diverse judges. Offer engaging topics and exciting prizes to raise the stakes.

This event would not only help participants express their ideas confidently but also bring the community together, highlighting diverse talents and perspectives. Whether it’s in a school, workplace, or another venue, this event encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones and express their ideas confidently.

Best of all, Peerspace makes it easy to book private event spaces with equipment and furnishings that make public speaking easy. We can do just about anything to support your event. (Except, you know, giving the actual speeches — but nice try!)

We especially love this multipurpose creative space in Buford, GA for this idea since it provides a stage, seating, speakers, and an LED screen for immersive and creative presentations.

5. Plan a photo or video project dedicated to women’s initiatives

There’s no better way to push back against the male gaze than by taking charge of the camera. One such group that does just that is Global Girl Media. They empower female activists and journalists around the world with their women-centric video projects.

In the US, the Female Farmer Project documents women working in agriculture to overturn the typical stereotype of the male farmer. A photo project is an especially great women’s empowerment workshop idea for young people. They may be super social media savvy, yet unfamiliar with media criticism or gender theory. And you can use your workshop to change that!

Consider renting this renovated two-story farmhouse in Charlotte (pictured above) for an elegant and modern environment for your workshop. It’s a comfortable and beautiful setting ideal for working on your video projects while fostering a supportive and welcoming environment.

Get started by checking out these 11 creative women photoshoot ideas to help inspire your video project!

6. Put together a mini-maker faire

Laser cutters, 3D printers, and other tools can be a lot of fun to use — but they can also be hard to get access to if you aren’t part of a makerspace. Add some hands-on activities to your event by hosting a mini-maker faire at this creative workspace in downtown Oakland, CA (pictured above).

Not on the West Coast? No worries — you can find similarly inviting and handy venues no matter where you’re located. Simply search your city on Peerspace, set parameters like the size of the space and necessary features, and impress yourself as a list of stunning venues appears!

At its core, a mini-maker faire is an event where inventors, DIY enthusiasts, and crafters gather to showcase their creations, share ideas, and inspire others. Hosting one encourages hands-on learning and collaboration. It offers a platform for local talents to shine and for participants to engage in educational workshops and activities.

Dive into the world of making, where you can discover everything from robotics to recycled art. It’s not just an event; it’s a celebration of curiosity and ingenuity that can ignite passions and build a community of learners and creators.

7. Plan a multicultural cooking class

With so many female chefs in the media, it may not seem like an industry that women need to be empowered to enter. But for those who don’t fit the image of a celebrity chef, it can still be a challenging industry to break into. This is particularly true for immigrants and women of color.

That’s why Across Our Kitchen Tables focuses on empowering women to share their traditional practices and recipes — even if they don’t have a formal background in the culinary industry. You can host your own cooking class at one of the many Peerspace venues that include an industrial kitchen or even a studio kitchen for video and Instagram shoots.

Turn your workshop’s lunch hour into an event by following our 12 fun luncheon ideas!

8. Encourage expression with a memoir-writing activity

Whether your workshop is geared toward experienced bloggers or first-time writers, hosting a memoir-writing exercise encourages creativity. Invite a well-known writer like Cheryl Strayed (author of Wild) to lead your workshop and help get the words flowing. You can also come up with your own exercises and share the results of your work in a group feedback session.

No matter what style you choose, be sure to book a Peerspace venue that seems to inspire the flow of creative energy, like an outdoor event space surrounded by lush greenery. This 1.5-acre nature retreat artist’s house in Larchmont is minutes away from New York City, yet feels like it’s in a different universe. Book it for your retreat and enjoy the perfect mix of collaboration and solitude.

9. Head outdoors — or rent a yurt for artistic inspiration in the heart of nature

You don’t have to hike the Pacific Crest Trail to find inspiration outdoors. Instead, include a short hike during your workshop, or choose a scenic outdoor venue (such as a yurt) to host your entire event.

Through Peerspace, you can book yurt spaces like:

• This rainbow yurt at the peak of Topanga, CA (pictured above)
• This modern yurt sanctuary in Sisters, OR
• This beautiful mountain home with a yurt in Nederland, CO
• This yurt tent with glamping amenities in Alfred, ME
• This desert yurt retreat in Lancaster, CA

Plan for guided meditations, embodiment exercises, and other wellness activities. These are perfect for combining reflection and relaxation in a natural setting. No matter if it’s for a workshop, retreat, or small gathering, a yurt offers a unique and memorable experience that encourages connection and creativity.

Our 9 inspiring women’s conference ideas provide more thoughtful suggestions for your workshop

10. Attend an equine leadership workshop

Leadership is an important skill to include in any women’s empowerment workshop. But how can you offer new insights that haven’t been explored already? One idea is to include equine-assisted coaching (EAC) in your agenda.

Although this involves traveling to a farm or ranch, working with horses is a great way to put leadership skills into practice in a hands-on way. Not sure where to start? Book a ranch venue near you through Peerspace and reach out to the host for coaching ideas.

11. Screen a movie that inspires your audience

Conclude your women’s empowerment workshop with an inspiring documentary or movie screening at a private screening room. Take your pick from hundreds of venues like this intimate private theater space in Westlake Village, CA. You can opt for a mainstream movie, such as Wonder Woman, a relevant documentary, or something a little more subtle.

Barbara Kopple’s 1976 documentary film Harlan County USA empowers women in front of, and behind, the camera, as does ¡LAS SANDINISTAS! Regardless of which route you take, choose a film that will inspire your guests to keep moving toward their goals even after they walk out the door of your workshop.

Keep the planning simple by booking a private theater on Peerspace that’s perfect for a film screening and a post-movie discussion.

Wondering what’s a seminar class? We tackle that question here!

12. Start a book club to empower through literature

Plan a book club for your empowerment workshop that celebrates some of the many amazing contemporary female writers from around the globe. Start by asking your attendees to list their favorite contemporary women writers, their books, and what topics interest them most.

This should give you plenty of ideas on how to frame the book club and make it interesting for all the attendees. And for an inspiring workshop space, consider this library-esque Chicago studio (pictured above).

If you’re taking on the role of host and unsure where to start, research teaching resource ideas for Women’s History Month (March!). If a book club seems a little cliche, think of it this way: Now more than ever, it’s vital to amplify female voices and open discussion on ways to promote female-led initiatives.

13. Lead a Q&A on reproductive rights in America

While 55% of men and 45% of women voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, that leaves a majority of 55% of women voters who did not vote for another Trump presidency. For women who feel uncertain about how the new administration will treat reproductive rights, it can feel like a scary time.

If you’re dedicating your women’s empowerment workshop to politics and modern female rights, then consider planning a reproductive rights seminar with a Q&A session with an informed speaker. Check out the Center for Reproductive Rights for news, legislation, and ideas on how to empower your workshop attendees. Knowing their not alone and up-to-date on what’s happening in their state and across the country is empowering and can inspire some to become more politically engaged.

Bottom line on women’s empowerment workshop ideas

Choosing the right women’s empowerment ideas can be tricky, as each of your guests will have their own expectations of what the workshop should be. That’s why we’ve tried to find as broad a range of women’s empowerment workshop ideas as possible.

No matter if you stick to a specific industry or career path or decide to make your event more open-ended, use these ideas as a guideline to put together the perfect workshop agenda for your group.

And once you book the perfect workshop venue with Peerspace, half the battle is over! You’ll have a private, pristine, and aesthetically pleasing space as well as the full support of your venue’s local host. Combine all of that with these women’s empowerment workshop ideas, and you’re well on your way to hosting a truly powerful event!

Check out 11 more creative workshop ideas for more inspiration

Find unique women’s empowerment workshop venues on Peerspace