International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8 to honour the strength and courage of women throughout generations and to inspire ongoing change around the world. The day, which has grown over the years to cover the entire month of March (and why not?), is an official holiday in over 25 countries including China, Vietnam, Uganda, Afghanistan, Cuba, and Russia.
Alongside appreciating the hard work made by previous generations in the fight for gender equality and claiming women’s equal rights in the world, International Women’s Day is a day that marks the achievements of women in a political, social, economic and cultural space.
So today, and for the rest of the month, we’re celebrating women in an international celebration of gender quality. (Note: International Men’s Day is 19 November 2016). We’ll be posting 10 #IWD2016 events across the UK throughout the day. You can see the full list here:
1. International Women’s Day at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
A full day’s line up of inspiring and talented women who will be performing and speaking about Women in history, the arts, business and politics.
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 8 March
2. Sandi Toksvig Live! Politically Incorrect
Comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster & co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party, Sandi Toksvig presents a uniquely witty evening of her stand-up, stories and fascinating facts.
Brighton Dome, 8 March, 7.30pm
3. Bridget Christie: A Book for Her
Following her hugely successful, multi award-winning 5 star shows A Bic For Her and An Ungrateful Woman, and her first book A Book For Her (Century, Random House), Bridget Christie comes to The Lowry with her brand new show.
“Another cracking show from the current queen of crusading UK comedy.’ ★★★★ Guardian
The Lowry, 9 March, 8pm
4. Women of the World (WOW) Festival
WOW is a festival of talks, debates, music, film & comedy celebrating women.
Southbank Centre, until March 13
5. Black Women in Dance: Stepping out of the Barriers
This conference reflects upon the challenges that have faced Black Women in the world of dance, but also celebrate the tenacity, strength and creativity of these women; from the trailblazers such as Josephine Baker, Florence Mills and Katherine Dunham to the contemporary ground breakers of Germaine Acogny, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Brenda Edwards MBE and others.
Leicester City Hall, 10 May 2016
6. Manchester recommendations
Creative Tourist draw attention to the work of female choreographers in their Manchester round up of upcoming dance, including NDT2, Wendy Houston and Jo Fong.
NDT2, touring the UK from April 2016
Pact With Pointlessness, The Lowry, 21 April, 8pm
An Invitation, Royal Exchange Theatre, 10-12 March, 7pm
7. A Girl is a Half-formed Thing
The sold-out hit of the 2014 Dublin Theatre Festival, Annie Ryan’s courageous and startling adaptation of Eimear McBride’s award-winning novel returns to the stage.
Wales Millennium Centre, 29 Mar – 02 Apr 2016
8. Oxfam Photography Exhibition: Women Unlimited
For International Women’s Day 2016 Oxfam has joined forces with Magnum Photos to celebrate inspiring women from across the globe.
8 Dray Walk, London, 8 – 13 March 2016
9. Sarah Lucas: POWER IN WOMAN
British artist Sarah Lucas brings three of her acclaimed sculptures from the Venice Biennale to the UK for the first time.
Sir John Soane’s Museum, 10 March – 21 May 2016
10. Oxford International Women’s Festival
An exciting and informative programme including exhibitions, workshops, topical talks, walks, performances and social events celebrating women’s achievements in sport, science, politics, health, film, literature, theatre and more.
Oxford, 4-15 March 2016
Read more about International Women’s Day and the fight for gender parity here
