Inspiring inclusion this International Women’s Day
Friday 8 March marks International Women’s Day (IWD).
Celebrated for more than a century all over the world, IWD brings people together to recognise women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, reflect on progress made and take action to drive gender parity.
This year’s theme, Inspiring Inclusion, builds on the belief that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world for everyone.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, discrimination, a world that's diverse, equitable and inclusive, where difference is valued and celebrated.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.
IWD is also about women's equality in all its forms. For some, it is about fighting for women's rights, while for others it's about reinforcing key commitments, celebrating success or organising festive gatherings.
Whatever choices are made, all matter and contribute to the thriving global movement focused on women's advancement.
Standing up to misogyny wherever we find it
Council leader Bella Sankey said: “This IWD we celebrate the resilience, kindness, creativity, strength, knowledge, courage and wit of us women and the sisterhood and mutual support that is felt especially strongly in our city.
“The date of 8 March has belonged to women for more than 100 years now, and it’s still as relevant and necessary as when brave female workers marched to demand better conditions and the right to vote.
“Today we must all remember that sexism, misogyny and inequality are still rife and there is an epidemic of male violence against women in our country.
“As well as celebrating women's many achievements, we need to dedicate this day and every day afterwards to fighting misogyny wherever we find it.”
Celebrating with Brighton Women’s Centre
10am to 4pm, Saturday 9 March at Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) hosts the city’s largest annual International Women’s Day Celebration in partnership with Brighton Dome and Brighton & Hove Museums.
The free inclusive event aims to celebrate and inspire women as well as raise awareness of BWC and their work supporting vulnerable women across Sussex.
Join them for a day of uplifting and inclusive discussions, workshops, talks, arts and crafts, music, dance, causes and campaigns.
Find more information at Brighton Women’s Centre International Women's Day 2024 event website.
Events in the city
Friday 8 March
Fabrica: A Spotlight on the Women of Holy Trinity Heritage Tour
2pm to 4.20pm, Fabrica, 40 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1AG
Explore Fabrica’s 200-year-old church-turned-gallery on International Women's Day and hear about the inspiring women who shaped local history.
You can find out more information about the event and book a free time slot at Fabrica’s website.
Girlhood: Film screening
6pm, Fabrica, 40 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1AG
Watch French coming-of-age drama film Girlhood. Affordable refreshments and popcorn stand on site.
Find out more information about the event and book a ticket at Fabrica’s website.
Saturday 9 March
International Women’s Day in Booth Museum
9.30am to 4.30pm, Booth Museum of Natural History, 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton, BN1 5AA
Find out more about women scientists past and present who have helped shape our understanding of the world. Enjoy talks and tours, characters to meet, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
You can find out more information about the event and book a free time slot at Brighton & Hove Museums website.
Women’s History Month in our libraries
Join our libraries in celebrating women throughout the entire month with exciting events full of inspirational women.
You can also pick up a book from a curated collection and find out about local women’s organisations in Brighton & Hove.
Saturday 9 March
Ela Lee and Phoebe McIntosh in conversation with Carolynn Bain at Jubilee Library
3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space
Join us for this talk with authors Ela Lee and Phoebe McIntosh, organised in partnership with Afrori Books and hosted by founder Carolynn Bain.
Ela Lee is a British-Korean-Turkish writer. She studied Law at the University of Oxford and during the global pandemic she began work on her debut novel, JADED, which explores themes of consent, race, and identity.
Phoebe McIntosh is an actress and playwright. She wrote and performed in a sell-out run of her first play, The Tea Diaries, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013 followed by her solo show, Dominoes.
You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Saturday 16 March
Elle Machray in conversation with Pauline Rutter at Jubilee Library
3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space
Join us for this Women’s History month event with author Elle Machray and local historian Pauline Rutter, organised in partnership with Afrori Books.
Elle Machray grew up in Birmingham to Welsh–Caribbean and Scottish parents and is now based in Edinburgh. Their debut novel Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by Hilary Mantel.
Pauline Rutter is an Archival Artist, community and organisational poet and researcher based in West Sussex with a background in fine art, education, sustainability, and activism with a passion for ensuring that black women in history are remembered.
You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Saturday 23 March
Powerful Postcards workshop with East Side Print at Jubilee Library
11am to 12.30pm, Jubilee Library main hall
Drop-in and make a postcard with East Side Print to celebrate Women’s History month. Find out more about inspirational women of the past and present who have stood up and continue to stand up for an inclusive future. Choose to print from our collection of quotes, decorate your card and send it on to inspire a friend. Everyone welcome.
Saturday 13 April
Monica Macias in conversation with Carolynn Bain
3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space
Monica Macias is the daughter of Francisco Macias, the first President of Equatorial Guinea. Through a strange twist of fate, she grew up in Pyongyang under the protection of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. Black Girl from Pyongyang is her first book to be published in English, and she will be the subject of a forthcoming documentary film.
You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Exhibition
Art from the Heart exhibition presented by the Network of International Women at Jubilee Library
Monday 11 March to Sunday 17 March, Jubilee Library community space
Art from the Heart - a diverse collection of art from a diverse collection of women. The Network of International Women present an exhibition of their work. The Network is made up of approximately 400 women from around 56 countries, speaking 44 different languages. It is run by volunteers and aims to provide a 'safe space' and social and personal support to all.