March is Women's History Month; and on 8 March, International Women's Day aims to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as raising awareness of the ongoing need to accelerate gender parity.
There are plenty of events going on around London taking these important themes as their inspiration: here's a selection to tempt you.
Events for International Women's Day
Walk in her Shoes
Join Dr Helen Pankhurst (great-granddaughter of suffragette Emmeline), Annie Lennox and Bianca Jagger, as well as Sister Sledge and Bridget Christie for a mass rally and walk through London on Mother’s Day, in solidarity with the women and girls worldwide who continue to endure inequality and injustice.
6 March, 10am, The Scoop, More London, SE1 2DB
WOW Women of the World Festival
Now in its 6th year, the Southbank Centre's Women of the World Festival has become the largest women's festival in the world, and it's all taking place on your doorstep. There's too much to talk it all here, but some highlights to whet your appetite include: Annie Lennox, Sandi Toksvig, Baroness Doreen Lawrence; comedians Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe and Sue Perkins; music from Sister Sledge; American playwright Eve Ensler; and Australian-British author Kathy Lette.
8-13 March, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX. Some events ticketed.
Building Bridges: The Female Perspective
An exhibition of the works of 15 female emerging artists in a variety of media, including paint, video and photography.
8 March-31 July. Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP
Oxfam Photography Exhibition: Women Unlimited
Oxfam has teamed up with Magnum Photos to highlight the charity's work with women around the world — fighting poverty, combating violence against women and girls, and supporting women to gain their rights.
8-13 March, 11am-6pm. Shop 8, Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, E1 6QL. Free
Wo! Show & Tell Festival
Wo! Show & Tell brings together an awesome week of theatre, comedy, spoken word and film to explore some of the things it takes to be a woman.
14-19 March, Hackney Showroom, Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT
Talks for International Women's Day
A Most Independent Member: Eleanor Rathbone
This year's International Women’s Day Lecture at the House of Commons is about Eleanor Rathbone, an unsung heroine of the 20th century. This lecture by historian Dr Susan Cohen celebrates Rathbone's life and embraces her diverse humanitarian activism.
8 March, 6pm, Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, SW1A 2LW
Gender on the Agenda: International Women's Day at the RCN
This reception addresses the ongoing economic gender gap, with Professor Krista Cowman talking about the place of women 100 years ago, and considering how can we address gender inequalities in the future, in nursing and beyond.
8 March, 6-9pm Cowdray Hall, Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, W1G 0RN
Women's History Month Events
Alice Hawkins: A Suffragette, by Peter Barratt
An active member of the Women's Social and Political Union, Alice was also a founding member of the Women's Labour League, the Labour Party's original women's section. Alice's fascinating story is told by her great-grandson, Peter Barratt.
1 March, 6pm, Macmillan Room, Portcullis House, SW1A 2LW. Free
Redbridge Libraries' Women's History Month
Head to Redbridge Central Library for a day of celebration featuring talks, discussions and meetings, including Films from the KinoVan: archive clips showing how the lives of women living in Redbridge have changed.
5 March, 11am-4pm, Clements Rd, Ilford, IG1 1EA.Free
The Match Women's Strike 1888: Alison Marchant's 'Wall Paper History' revisited
Alison Marchant's 1988 exhibition about the Match Women's strike is being revived at Tower Hamlets Local History Library. Visit on 5 March to hear Sarah Edge (professor of photography and cultural studies at the University of Ulster) give a presentation to launch the show.
5 March, 2pm-3.15pm. Tower Hamlets Local History Library, 277 Bancroft Road, E1 4DQ. Free
Political Animals: 21st-Century Feminist Cinema
Writer and activist Sophie Mayer curates a global survey of feminist film-makers who link personal and political revolution in this evening of screenings, readings, discussion and special guests.
5 March, 11.30-6pm. Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX
Rebellious Women of the East End
A double bill of talks focusing on important women of London's Victorian East End: 'East London Suffragettes' with Sarah Jackson and 'Minnie Lansbury' with Janine Booth.
19 March, 2pm-4pm, 277 Bancroft Road, E1 4DQ. Free
Women in Aviation, Science and Engineering
The Royal Air Force Museum, in partnership with Techmaids, is holding an event in celebration of women in science and engineering. Various women who work in science and engineering will be giving pop-up lectures beneath the Bristol Beaufighter.
19 March, 11am-4pm, RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL. Free
Making Waves at National Maritime Museum
Investigate women who made their mark in the traditionally male domain of exploration. The weekend will feature talks, workshops, guided tours and children’s activities.
19-20 March, 11am-5pm. National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
