International Women’s Day: Empowering women through education

City Lit is committed to fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals from all walks of life. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the college is honoring the achievements, resilience, and inspiring journeys of women who have shaped their own futures while uplifting and supporting one another.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Since opening its doors in 1919, City Lit has played a pivotal role in empowering and educating women. The college offers a wide range of flexible courses, allowing women to balance their educational pursuits with their personal and professional lives. This accessibility makes lifelong learning available to all, no matter their circumstances.

A Home for Inspiring Women

City Lit has been home to thousands of inspiring women, including bestselling author Malorie Blackman, acclaimed visual artist Charmaine Watkiss, and comedian Kerry Godliman. Through its mission of accessible education, City Lit has helped women overcome barriers and achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.

As International Women’s Day approaches, City Lit invites everyone to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in education, the arts, and beyond.

Stories of Empowerment

This International Women’s Day, City Lit shines a spotlight on its extraordinary students, tutors, and alumni, who share their journeys of growth and empowerment.

Mei Lock, a former corporate scientist turned artist, discovered a new passion at City Lit. “My grandmothers never had the opportunity to attend school; in their community, education was a privilege reserved for boys. My mum never finished secondary because of family obligations and the demands of the family business. As the first in my family to attend university, International Women's Day is a powerful reminder of how far we've come.”

Chaachi Deane, a teacher and mother, reignited her passion for performance at City Lit. Studying at City Lit has allowed me to reconnect with my passion for performance while fitting into my busy schedule as a teacher and mum. Women often juggle many responsibilities, and it is usually their own interests that are the first to fall by the wayside. The flexibility of the courses at City Lit helps me carve out a little slice of time for myself each week.”

Sandra Bee, a mother with a passion for performance explored various courses that rekindled her love for the stage and music. “Women of all races, statuses, and genders should be who they want to be and bring forth new strategies to thrive in life in 2025. Here's one: mothers, take 10 minutes a day for yourselves. Pamper in the mirror, talk to the you before you were known as 'mum.' I always dance to an R&B track and slow jam, pretending I'm at a rave with my girls, and then back to being mummy.”

On the 8th of March, City Lit will host a dynamic lineup of courses, and talks in celebration of International Women’s Day. The day will honour the incredible achievements of women across the arts, culture, and social history, providing a platform for continued growth, empowerment, and support.

City Lit warmly invites everyone to join this celebration of women’s contributions, both within the City Lit community and beyond. The courses and events are designed to empower women to learn, grow, and achieve their goals in a welcoming, inspiring environment. To learn more or book a course, visit the website here: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/international-womens-day-at-city-lit.