International Women’s Day has, in some capacity, been going for more than 100 years.
The celebration is believed to have originated in New York, when the Socialist Party of America organised National Women’s Day on February 28 1909. Thing have changed over the years and the event today is held on March 8.
In modern times, IWD is a global observation, and London plays a big role in honouring the women of the past, present and future who have fought, are fighting and will continue to fight for gender equality and parity.
Here are five ways to enjoy International Women’s Day in London
Bingham Riverside events
One of the UK’s only black female-owned members’ clubs will host two culinary events. On March 7, Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond will first welcome female hospitality founders for an hour-long afternoon panel discussion, with names such as Queena Wong and Amelia Aragon joining the club’s founder Samantha Trinder for a talk exploring their roles in the industry.
Later, in the evening, a supper club hosted by Sabor’s Nieves Barragán Mohacho, Jodi Strang from Fallow, and Bingham’s Vanessa Marx and Rachel Able will take place, celebrating their cooking.
Women of the World (WOW)
The Women of the World festival has been billed as “the world’s biggest, most comprehensive festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people.” It brings together activists, comedians, writers, musicians and speakers for three days of workshops, talks, and live performances.
Now in its 13th year, WOW has been described as a movement, reaching more than three million people across six continents. In London, the festival will be held at the Southbank Centre, and this year’s lineup includes the writer and critic Roxane Gay, Oloni — the “UK’s favourite sexpert” — and podcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover.
Working Women of the East End
Walking tours are quietly popular in London, and this one includes the stories and locations important to many of Britain’s pivotal feminists and suffragettes, including Mary Wollstonecraft, Sylvia Pankhurst, and Eleanor Marx.
The Working Women of the East End tour, which begins at Tower Hill Station, takes in important aspects of London’s rich history in an area that has so long been a place for refuge, change, activism, and idealism.
“For decades people have visited the East End on walking tours that focus on crime, poverty and Jack the Ripper,” the event says. “This one aims to change the way the East End is seen, both by highlighting the women involved in the area’s vibrant history but also giving women, like those killed by Jack the Ripper, a voice.”
Firebird & Friends
Soho’s female-owned, open-fire restaurant and wine bar Firebird will host the inaugural Firebird & Friends on March 8, bringing together an exceptional line-up of women in the hospitality industry for a one-off dinner.
Founders Madina Kazhimova and Anna Dolgushina have invited Caia head chef Jessica Donovan, Where The Pancakes Are Founder Patricia Trijbits, Updown Farmhouse’s sommelier Ruth Leigh, and the chef Pippa MacDonald, previously of Angela Harnett’s Merchant’s Tavern, for an intimate evening of small plates and natural wines.
Doughty Street Chambers
The internationally renowned Doughty Street Chambers was formed in 1990 and “has been and will always be to improve access to justice and promote human rights and civil liberties through the law.” Its barristers are well-known for their progressive and accessible approach.
On International Women’s Day, the firm is bringing together a diverse group of lawyers, judges, politicians, campaigners and academics to explore what more the law can do for women and girls. Held at the Wellcome Collection, panel discussions will include topics such as the protests in Iran and pregnancy in prison, and speakers will include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Elika Ashoori, and Stella Creasy MP.
