For 2020, the focus of International Women’s Day is to forge a gender-equal world. Show your support and get involved at one of these events taking place in London and beyond.
Join the #March4Women on Sunday 8 March
This year #March4Women will be celebrating the power and passion of women and girls who are on the frontline of responding to climate change. First a rally will be held in the Southbank Centre at 12pm, followed by a march in central London at 2pm. Read more here or sign up on Facebook.
If marching isn’t really your thing, maybe you’d prefer to join the IBikeLondon International Women’s Day Ride. Starting at 1pm in Southbank on 8 March, the route passes places in respect of feminist figures – a relaxing way to enjoy IWD and celebrate women in history.
WOW (Women of the World) Festival, various locations, 6–8 March
Marking its 10th anniversary, this year’s WOW Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The line-up features world-class speakers, activists and performers exploring the state of gender equality across the world. There are dozens of events to choose from, so find out more or register here.
If all that’s not enough, you might also be interested in attending a panel of women to discuss why they set up sustainable businesses. The event is completely free and takes place at 11am–1pm on 8 March in the Offshoot Gallery in East Finchley.
International events
Not going to be in London for IWD? No problem! There are heaps of exciting events taking place across the globe so there’s no need for you to miss out. Find out how you can get involved here.
Equality at SOAS
IWD reminds us that the fight for gender equality is still being waged, and that there is still work to be done within our organisation to achieve it. Want to get involved? Here are some of the activities happening at SOAS.
Account4This (A4T) SOAS
Next meeting: 6 March, 4–6:30pm, RG01
A4T have been campaigning against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the lack of any SGBV policy at SOAS for the last two years. They are now in a steering group with management to negotiate the best possible SGBV policy for the SOAS community.
Join the workshop today to feed into SGBV policy reforms at SOAS. Be a part of change!
Menopause support group
Next meeting: 31 March, 1–2pm, S120
The menopause affects all women but there remains a significant lack of information and support for those experiencing it. This group works to raise awareness of the menopause and it’s symptoms and to develop a policy at SOAS to protect women experiencing the menopause.
Women’s strike and feminist picket
9 March, SOAS steps
As UCU continues with 14 days of industrial action over pay, pensions, casualisation and the gender/BAME pay gap, let’s join them by painting the picket red. All genders welcome. And of course, wear red!
For more information or to get involved in UNISON campaign’s for gender equality at SOAS and for improvements to women’s rights in the workplace and wider community contact the SOAS UNISON Women’s Officers, Emma Frampton and Jennifer Yong.