International Women’s Day 2024: Five events happening in London

International Women’s Day celebrates and commemorates the countless achievements of women around the world.

First celebrated over a century ago in 1911, the event is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights.

International Women’s Day takes place every year on March 8 and this year’s campaign theme is #InspireInclusion.

Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

Here are five events happening in London to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Women by Women photography exhibition

Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House St, London SE1 9PH March 7 to 10 Free

Women by Women is a female led photography exhibition which celebrates inspiring women refugees from around the world.  

Held in London’s iconic gallery at Oxo Tower Wharf, the exhibition showcases the work of photographers from five countries who tell the stories of 21 women refugees.  

From the Rohingya women living in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar who have trained as lifeguards to protect children in the community, to the activists in Uganda’s refugee settlements who are teaching girls how to make their own reusable period products.

Arab Women Artists Now Festival 2024

Various venues across London February 29 to March 30

Arab Women Artists Now (AWAN) festival celebrates art, music, films, comedy, performances and more, created by female artists from the Arab world.

This year's programme has a specific emphasis on Gazan and Sudanese voices. 

Trumpeter and composer Yazz Ahmed launches this year's festival with a Late Night Jazz session on February 29, and there's a special, all-female edition of regular comedy night Arabs Are Not Funny on March 1.

Find the full programme here.

Mothers in Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD March 5 Tickets: £20/ £38

The Royal Opera House is screening a newly-commissioned film, Mothers in Ballet, which covers the experiences of dancers who are also mothers. Director Eliza Schroeder looks at the conflicts and challenges involved in combining a career in dance with motherhood.

The Pem presents IWD

22-28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH March 1, 7, 15, 22 Tickets: £85

Sally Abé, chef at restaurant The Pem has curated a line-up of leading female hospitality figures for a four week series of special International Women's Day dinners. Tuck into exclusive dinners created by acclaimed chefs Romy Gill MBE, Candice Brown, Poppy O’Toole, and Chantelle Nicholson, in collaboration with Sally. Each event features a four-course menu featuring brand-new dishes.

Women: Identity, Integration and Inclusion-IWD 2024

Chiswick Town Hall, Turnham Green, London, W4 4JN March 4 Free

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association has organised an event celebrating migrant women’s strengths and achievements, while at the same time highlighting their challenges and calling for their greater inclusivity into British society.

The event will include speeches, traditional music and dance performances, a display of work by Afghan women, followed by traditional Afghan food and refreshments.