Celebrate International Women’s Day in Royal Greenwich

Get inspired this International Women’s Day with events and activities across Royal Greenwich.

With funding from the council, Caribbean Social Forum will honour local women in a free exhibition at the Tramshed, 51 to 53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8 March. From Saturday 8 to Saturday 15 March, residents can explore ‘The Way We Were: Women Pioneers of the Caribbean’, kicking off with an evening of live music and refreshments.

The series of photographs will showcase the cultural, social, economic and political achievements of local women who transformed British society through their resilience and hard work.

Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Happy International Women’s Day! We don’t have to look further than our own communities to find inspiring women – from friends and family to the women featured in the Caribbean Social Forum’s exhibition.

“According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach gender parity globally – that’s five generations from now. This year’s theme focusses on accelerating action to address the systemic barriers women face. Together, let’s Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide – starting right here, in Royal Greenwich.

“Show your support at events across the borough, and organisations can sign our Equality and Equity and Women’s Safety Charters.”

Sonia McIntosh MBE, Caribbean Social Forum, said: “This International Women’s Day, and in celebration of our 10th anniversary, we wanted to honour the resilience, strength and contributions of the pioneering women of the Caribbean Social Forum. Many of our women arrived in the UK as young adults, while others came as children.

“The journey from their Motherland to the Mother Country was filled with dreams, hope and desire, yet when they arrived, they were faced with challenges they had not even anticipated. Our exhibition offers a powerful insight into their lives, and their enduring influence on their families and the wider community.”

“Join us for the exhibition launch on Saturday 8 March at Tramshed from 5pm to 10pm, featuring live entertainment, light refreshments, and storytelling.”

Council partners and local community organisations will also be celebrating with a range of inclusive events, activities and workshops across the borough.

What’s On for International Women’s Day

Her Game Too matchday: Charlton Athletic Women V London Lionesses

Sunday 2 March, 2pm, various prices

The Valley, Floyd Road Charlton SE7 8BL

Champion women in sport this International Women’s Day and cheer on your local women’s football team – kids go for a quid!

Book tickets online

Coffee Afternoon and International Women’s Day Talk: Why did Black Empire and Allied women struggle to participate in World War 1 and World War 2?

Monday 3 March, 2:30pm, free

West Greenwich Library, 146 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8NN

In this presentation from author Barbara Ellis, find out how Empire and Allied women overcame barriers placed in their way by the British War Office and made their undeniable impact in World War 2.

Women and Creativity

Tuesday 4 March, 11am to 2pm, free

Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, SE18 5QL

In collaboration with HER Centre, meet speakers from a variety of organisations dedicated to empowering women to nurture and express their creativity, as well music and poetry performances. To reserve your spot email [email protected].

Evening Reading Group

Thursday 6 March, 5:30pm to 6:30pm, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

To mark International Women’s Day, the group will discuss ‘People Person’ by award-winning author, Candice Carty-Williams. Book your place at the library desk.

Her Voice

Thursday 6 March, 7:30pm to 10:30pm, £13

Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, Blackheath, SE3 7SE

South east London’s finest female voices perform in celebration of International Women’s Day. All proceeds will support the vital work of the HER Centre.

Book tickets online

BUSTOUT 100 Art Exhibition

Friday 7 March to Saturday 5 April, various times, free

Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC, No.2, Upper Riverside, 10 Cutter Lane, SE10 0XX

A powerful photographic tribute to breast cancer awareness produced by Piluc and Anne-Marie Bickerton, featuring 100 striking photographs.

Book tickets online

International Women’s Day with Global Fusion Music and Arts (GFMA)

Friday 7 March, 7:30pm, free

Fossdene School Community Hall, Calydon Road, Charlton, SE7 7NH

Celebrate International Women’s Day with music and dance performances including GFMA Fusion Singers and Sharena Sol Dance Company.

International Women’s Day Colouring Club

Saturday 8 March, 10am to 12noon, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Children of all ages flex their artistic skills while celebrating inspirational women.

International Women’s Day for carers

Saturday 8 March, 11am to 2:30pm, free

Greenwich Carers Centre, 76 Hornfair Road, SE7 7BD

If you are a caring for a loved one, family member or friend come along to a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day, including yoga, mindfulness, a cake stall and more. To book a place, contact Greenwich Carers Centre on 0300 300 2233 or email [email protected]

International Women’s Day Celebration and Networking Lunch with Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich (BFEG)

Saturday 8 March,12noon to 3pm, £25

Lalu Catering Restaurant, 7 Leslie Smith Square, SE18 4DW

Connect with inspiring speakers, engage in meaningful conversations, and discover BFEG’s Africa Project and partnerships.

Book tickets online

Connections Art and Wellbeing Workshop

Saturday 8 March, 1pm to 2:30pm, £12

Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC, No.2, Upper Riverside, 10 Cutter Lane, SE10 0XX

A workshop to celebrate women from all walks and backgrounds. The session will start with a grounding exercise, there will be a flower making session and we’ll share our happiness as we go along. There will be light snacks by Nidhi from Namkeen Bites.

Book your place online

Windrush Front Room: Meet authors K N Chimbiri and Juliet Coley

Saturday 8 March, 3pm, free

Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory 11 No. 1 Street, SE18 6HD

Meet award-nominated children’s authors K.N. Chimbiri (The Story of Britain’s Black Airmen, The Story of Britain’s Black Nurses and The Story of Afro Hair) and Juliet Coley (Crayven The Nyamming Jancro and Liana, Where Is The Key.) The Windrush Front Room curator, Tony Fairweather, will also be available to meet families before and after this event.

Book tickets online

International Women’s Day: Chatterbooks Children’s Book Club

Monday 10 March, 4:30pm to 5:15pm, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

This week’s book club for 6-to-11 year olds will read and discuss books by female authors. Book your child’s place at the library desk.

HERbal Health

Wednesday 12 March, 6pm to 8pm, £7

National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF

Join Herbal Hackney for this bespoke workshop to mark Women’s History Month.

Explore the interwoven threads between women, plants and health through history and across different cultures and make your own remedies by combining your own unique blend of oils.

Book tickets online

Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich: Flower crafts and arrangements

Thursday 13 March, 10:30am to 12noon, free

Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Learn to create flower arrangements and crafts inspired by women’s history. Materials provided.

Reserve your spot online

Author Event: Amelia Kyazze

Wednesday 18 March, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, free

Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Join local author Amelia Kyazze to discuss her latest book, The Café on Manor Lane! This is Amelia’s first book written with a London setting, with characters from around the world who make south east London their home.

Book your free ticket online

Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich: Women’s safety talk

Thursday 20 March, 10:30am to 12noon, free

Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

As part of Women’s History Month activities, join Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich for a talk on women’s safety.

Reserve your spot

Sips of Wisdom

Saturday 22 March, 11:30am to 1:30pm, £7

National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF

Join multidisciplinary artist Love Hannington and learn more about African Caribbean herbs for women’s health.

Book tickets online

Bodily Autonomy: a right not an ideology

Saturday 22 March, 2:45pm to 3:45pm, £5

National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF

A talk exploring the importance of bodily autonomy. From healthcare to reproductive rights, we take a look at the challenges and opportunities for women today

Book tickets online

Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich: T-shirt design and printing

Thursday 27 March, 10:30am to 12noon, free

Woolwich Centre Library, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Design and print your own t shirt inspired by Women’s History Month.

Drop the mic!

Friday 28 March, 6:30pm to 8pm, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Spoken word poetry themed around Women’s History Month.

Messy Mornings

Mondays in March, 10am to 11am, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Under 5s can create arts and crafts inspired by notable women from around the world.

Craft Club

Wednesdays in March, 3:45pm to 4:45pm, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Children over five can create arts and crafts inspired by the achievements of women throughout history.

Story time

Thursdays in March, 11am to 11:30am, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Throughout Women’s History Month, weekly children’s story time is themed around inspirational women.

Lego Club

Saturdays in March, 2pm to 3pm, free

Eltham Centre Library, 2 Archery Road, Eltham, SE9 1HA

Throughout Women’s History Month, weekly Lego Club is themed around inspirational women.