March 8th marks an auspicious day in the calendar for women around the world. Yes, it’s the 2020 International Women’s Day! On this date, not only will we celebrate the scientific, economic, political, cultural and social achievements of women, but we’ll also acknowledge the gender and racial bias that still exists in today’s society. Indeed, this is highlighted by the campaign slogan #EachforEqual, which represents the fight for equality in every aspect of society – from the boardroom to the ballot box, and the sports fields to the media world.
With events planned across every corner of the globe, it can be tricky deciding how you can make a difference and show your support for the campaign. We’ve done some of the work for you, and have picked out some of our favourite events coming up across the UK:
- Apple stores nationwide– Between March 1st-March 31st, Apple stores around the world will host ‘She Creates’ sessions. Attendees will learn the latest creative and coding techniques for iPhones, iPads and Macs from leading female creators. Recommended for beginners aged 12 and upwards, these are bound to be really popular so find a session in your area by checking out Today at Apple and book yourself in today!
- The All Women Achievers Awards, Wolverhampton – On March 7th, women’s contribution to British society will be celebrated at this event. The awards honour women and girls who have made a real difference to their communities, in particular those who have done so in the face of adversity. But the best thing about this event? You can get involved by nominating someone from your neighbourhood, an unsung hero that selflessly puts others above themselves and has made a real difference to the lives of others. Find out more here and help celebrate these real-life superheroes!
- IWD Artisan Fair, Nottingham – This year, on March 7th, the Nottinghamshire Federation of Women’s Institute is organising an artisan fair celebrating women craft makers and local businesses. Check out their Facebook page for further information.
- Aberystwyth University, Aberration & WEN Wales Present: Our Voices, Our Lives – On March 7th, express yourself and unleash your inner diva at these creative sessions. To join in the fun, follow this link.
- Women & Work: Podcast and Book Launch, Birmingham – Women & Theatre address contemporary issues through performance, giving voices to those not usually heard. This event takes place on March 7th and draws on women’s experience in the workplace and the dramatic changes seen over the past 35 years. Female empowerment at its best, you can find more information here.
- iBikeLondon – On March 8th, meet up with like-minded people on the Southbank, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the bank of the Thames. Suitable for young and old, and riders of all abilities, this is sure to be a fun event for all! Even better, it’s free to join, but don’t forget to bring a drink and provisions. For more information, view the event’s Facebook page.
- Celebrating Women Composers at Six Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland – Another fabulous event planned on March 8th, the Scottish Chamber Choir is celebrating women composers through the ages. Performances begin at 6pm, and entrance is free. For further details, click here.
- Unleashing the Power of Women, Brighton – On Sunday 8 March, you’re invited to a power lunch with the award-winning fashion designer, Elif Kose. This is a fabulous opportunity to be inspired by guest speakers, schmooze with influencers and see the new season’s styles on the catwalk. Tickets to the lunch and show at The Grand Hotel cost £55, this fee includes a glass of bubbly, lunch and a goody bag.
- Still I Rise, London – this call to arms is the debut performance by the all-female dance troop, TRIBE, at Stratford’s Circus Arts Centre. The performance takes place on March 11, and tickets are priced at £13-15. Check out the Stratford Circus website for more details.
- Creative Writing Workshop: Writing your Feminism, Durham – On March 12th, celebrate women’s fiction at this creative writing workshop. Led by the writer and journalist, Florianne Humphrey, this event is open to all genders and suitable for all levels of ability. The workshop takes place at Alington House Community Association; tickets can be purchased here.
- Burlesque Body Confidence Workshop, Crewe – what can be more empowering and confidence-boosting than learning the art of burlesque? If you’re a daring soul then register for this workshop with Dominus Von Vexo, founder of the House of Allure in Birmingham, which takes place on 26 March at Crewe’s Lyceum theatre.
- Gazebo Theatre’s ‘Wanted’, Chelmsford – this powerful play explores the stories of five extraordinary historical figures, including Irena Sadler, who rescued Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto during the holocaust and Olive Morris, the British Black Panther activitist. It takes place on March 26th at the Cramphorn Studio and is part of a series of plays planned for Women’s History Month 2020. For tickets, click here.
- Northern Netball Corporate Event – this tournament is taking place across three cities (Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester) and is aimed at raising awareness of equality in the sporting world. To find out how you can get involved, contact [email protected].
- Daughters of the Windrush – Donation Film Night, Liverpool – Tickets to this event, which takes place on March 31st, are free, but donations and food/drink payments will go to educating women at Blackburne House. The film focuses on real-life testimonies from the Windrush generation, specifically female descendants of the men who arrived in Liverpool on the HMS Empire Windrush.
Even if you can’t attend any of the planned events, you can show your support by posting to #IWD 2020 and #EqualforEqual. So go ahead and start showing your support for this eminently worthy campaign! Here at Elle Courbee, we’ll be having our own party to celebrate IWD; we’ve enjoyed supporting all our customers by providing the best plus size shapewear over the years, helping you become the best you and feel confident to take on the world. So come on, get involved, because collectively we can make a difference!