Alright ladies, our time is finally here. International Women’s Day is coming in hard and fast on March 8 and this year, it’s bigger, badder and braver than ever. Here’s some ways you can celebrate like a boss in London on the day.
8 brilliant ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in London
1. Witness some brilliant poetry at BOXPARK Croydon
Over at BOXPARK Croydon, you’ll be able to bear witness to some of the finest bars to celebrate, courtesy of BYOB Poetry South. Anyone is invited to sign up and show off their skills, and the event will be headlined by the revered Fatima El Eify. Find more information and get tickets to the event here!
2. Check out these International Women’s Day-inspired illuminations that send an important message
Leading up to International Women’s Day (March 8), artist and architect Hanna Benihoud is bringing one of her inspiring art installations to Tottenham’s dark streets. From March 2 – 8, you’ll find beautiful animated illuminations lighting up the night on walls, in alleyways, and bridges across Tottenham. The animations depict empowered women, with a different one running on a loop for an hour each night. Girls of the Light isn’t just about celebrating empowered women, though — the project has quite the eye-opening meaning, in every sense of the word. Read about the project here.
3. Give your day the WOW Factor
The Women of the World festival will be back taking over the Southbank Centre from the March 11 – 13, but if you can’t wait until then you can check out their brilliant online talks, which have already kicked off. Either way, you’ll discover a world packed full of unforgettable events, performances and debates from the world’s leading speakers and activists, and it’s the perfect place to go to get a dose of female solidarity. More info.
4. Head to this pop-up by Phlox Books at Connaught Village
Indie bookshop, Phlox Books, are marking International Women’s Day with a month-long celebration of women authors at a Connaught Village pop-up. That action kicks off on the 8th, authors Abi Daré and Mona Arshi discussing their debut novels, in an evening complimented with wines from Connaught Cellars, along with an open discussion. Read about the event here.
5. Head to the London bakery that’s on a mission to empower women
This award-winning social enterprise bakery is on a mission to create jobs, community and support for women with a social and economic disadvantage. By offering courses, work experience and paid employment opportunities, Luminary Bakery provides a safe and empowering space for women to build their careers. At both their Stoke Newington and Camden locations, you’ll have the chance to support a great cause with your latte to-go, and you can read about them here.
6. Visit the collaborative mural trial by the WOM Collective
WOM, a London grassroots collative of female artists, have created a mural that can be visited through the month of March in Brixton. Their space helps artists to exhibit their work, and receive 100% of the sales and as you can see, the results are pretty damn incredible. Find out more about the project here.
7. Head to a BFI screening celebrating Britain’s women documentary makers
Between March 3- 15, BFI Southbank are hosting special screenings celebrating Britain’s women documentary makers, “from the female pioneers in the 1930s to the rich contemporary scene”. On the 8th, there’s a choice of 11 events to attend, so have a browse and head to the screen. Find out more and book tickets here.
8. Celebrate with the National Gallery
Over at the National Gallery, you can celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8. A host of guest speakers make up the “Women and the Arts Forum 2022” on the day, with an online event surround the theme of ‘Women artists and the National Gallery’. You’ll catch Q&As with artists, as well as the premieres for two new films produced for the event. Tickets cost £10 (£5 for students), and can be purchased here. More info.