Women-only spaces have always been a thing. And then there are events such as the Ladies Lounge at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, that cause quite a stir. Historically, many cultures have embraced the concept of female seclusion to provide places or activities that are safe, supportive or empowering. When Amy Hart and Crystal Wells decided to start A Place to Pause, a series of Victoria-based women-only reading retreats, in 2024, it was simply something they wanted for themselves: a place to read with no guilt and no pressure. McIver’s Ladies Baths in Coogee were rebuilt in the 1920s and have remained a popular spot for swimmers.