On March 8th, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)! This year's theme of #inspireinclusion has inspired a wide array of wonderful events, from informative webinars to creative theatre. Here is our pick of events taking place across the country in March that particularly highlight the challenges and the achievements of women within Black and Minoritised Ethnic communities.
WOW – Women of the World: One Night Live in London
The WOW network organises festivals all over the world that champion feminist values. This eclectic event will celebrate the achievements of women, girls, and non-binary people, taking a look at the obstacles they face as well as discussing solutions for change.
Speakers include WOW’s founder Jude Kelly, author Elif Shafak, writer Liv Little and writer and performer Jordan Stephens.
The event will also launch WOW’s audiobook, A History of Women in 100 Objects, with readings from Anita Rani, Martha Wainwright and Salena Godden. Proceeds will support Refuge, the UK charity fighting domestic abuse, as well as the vital work of WOW’s Global network. It is promised to be “an evening filled with optimism, determination and laughter”.
Friday 8th March
Doors @ 6.30pm
£22, Concessions £16.50
Shoreditch Town Hall, London
“Stand Up!”: an Exhibition for International Women’s Day
ArtCore is a centre for contemporary art and creativity based in Derby. They focus on giving diverse audiences opportunities to engage with creative practices at their studios and gallery.
Their International Women’s Day Exhibition is based around the United Nations’ mandate DigitALL, or “Digital for All”. DigitALL aims to open up discussions on equality in the digital era and narrow the gender gap in technology use. The exhibition will explore these issues from many perspectives, with discussions from individuals who practice in the digital world covering topics from education in tech, to the role of AI in manipulating imagery of women.
While you are there, visit the gallery and café, or take part in their Craft Creations class from 1-3pm.
Friday 8th March
11am-5pm
Free
ArtCore Gallery, Derby
Online Forum for Women+ Charity Leaders
Animo Leadership are hosting a Courageous Leaders Forum to connect with charity leaders and changemakers. This online meet-up will be a confidential space for women+ leaders within the charity sector to share their insights and experiences. and as such it will not be recorded. The themes for the day are:
Getting our voices heard as women+ leaders in the charity sector
Supporting and uplifting women+ leaders in our organisations
Ways to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive sector
This promises to be a wonderful opportunity for women of the industry to come together in a safe space to advocate for improvements within the charity sector.
Friday 8th March
11am-12pm
Free
Online
International Women’s Day Festival at The Bridge
The Bridge is a charity that has been supporting women since 1932 by working to reduce health and wellbeing inequalities. They invite one and all to move, create and unite at their Festival for International Women’s Day! Their café and studio will host a range of free activities throughout the day. Here is what they have in store:
🧶 10:00-11:30 - Crochet with Poppy (Open to all)
🥊 10:30-11:30 - Boxing with Dede (Women only)
🎨 11:45-13:15 - Mindful watercolour painting with Cecile (Open to all)
🧘 12:00-13:00 - Yoga with Eva (Women only)
💪 13:20-14:00 - Power Up with Celeste (Member class - Day pass required)
🎨 13:30-14:45 - Campaign Badge Making (Open to all)
🏋️♀️ 14:15-15:00 - Bodyweight Fitness with Lauren (Women only)
🎉 15:00-16:00 - Social
As well as this wonderful schedule, they will have a DJ on hand all day showcasing women+ artists, veggie and vegan specials in the café, and a curated range of films and resources surrounding women’s health and wellbeing rights in their Herstory corner.
Saturday 9th March
10am-6pm
Free Entry
The Bridge, Southwark, London
Get Informed Against Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
STOP THE TRAFFIK is a worldwide coalition that aims campaigns to end human trafficking through key research, and the documentation of survivors’ stories. For IWD they will be presenting a free webinar: 'Imagine a World Where Women and Girls are not Bought or Sold'.
This session will look at the gendered crimes which disproportionality affect women and girls worldwide, namely modern slavery, exploitation, and human trafficking. Women and girls represent approximately 65% of global trafficking victims. By presenting case studies and opening discussions, the session will explore how women and girls can make a difference as individuals and organisations.
Friday 8th March
10-11am
Free
Online via Teams
Banner Making Workshop with Tina Ramos Ekongo
Tina Ramos Ekongo is a Manchester based painter and illustrator from Equitorial Guinea. Her artistic practice explores her heritage, focussed on how African woman in the diaspora reflect on their identities.
The Millennium Gallery in Sheffield will host the artist for this workshop, where she will guide you through the process of making an inspirational banner, inspired by women’s and girls’ rights campaigners.
Wednesday 13th March
6-8pm
£18
Millennium Gallery, Sheffield
WANTED!: An IWD Theatre Production
Gazebo Theatre present WANTED!, a production that explores the stories of five extraordinary women from throughout history. The powerful figures include Olive Morris, a Jamaican-born British-based community leader and activist, and Phoolan Devi, known as the Bandit Queen. Directed by Tonia Daley-Campbell, this new play promises to be “powerful, full of humour, honest and heart”.
Thursday 14th – Friday 15th March
7.30pm
From £13.50
Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
If you haven't found enough inspiration from this list, then visit the International Women's Day website; they have a directory of events from around the world for you to choose from!