Community organisations, women’s groups contemporary women artists, activists, writers and performers will host a diverse programme of events this March, to mark Women’s History Month 2022.

Activities including exhibitions, discussions and celebrations reflecting this year’s theme of ‘providing healing, promoting hope’, will take place in galleries, schools, libraries and institutions across Tower Hamlets.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “This month of celebrations gives us an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the role of women throughout history, and to celebrate those who have contributed so much to our social, political, economic and cultural history in Tower Hamlets.”

To mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March, the council’s sports development team will host a day of free wellbeing sessions led by fully qualified instructors featuring Tai Chi, boxercise, pilates, mindfulness, basketball fitness, and more.

Women in the local police are inviting people to an open discussion on 14 March, where police officers of various ranks will chat with attendees and answer questions.

Art exhibitions to note include the Women’s History Month Photo Show by women photographers at the Brady Arts Centre; Photographing Protest: Resilience through a feminist lens at Four Corners showcases the work of photographers who have used their cameras to support political struggles; and at the Whitechapel Gallery a new exhibition A Century of the Artist’s Studio includes Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Hepworth and Tracey Emin.

Performances are contributed by Holm Theatre at the Half Moon Theatre with a production of ‘Josephine’ about the inspirational Josephine Baker; ‘Arab Women Artists Now Festival’ at Rich Mix; ‘666 Comments’ with Alike Chapple and Little Mighty at Poplar Union; and Unfinished Histories present ‘Her Inside: Stepping Out’ an online reading of plays, poetry and prose of reflections of historical and recent confinement.

Events also include the Lady Lane Market and Kitchen at Canvas Café, the Women in Focus Festival at Poplar Union, The People Speak Talkaoke, and the Women’s Voices Now Film Festival.

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Sports, said: “We are pleased to partner with Alternative Arts and other organisations to host and support a wide range of events to ignite discussions, inspire us to work towards gender equality, as well as highlight the important contributions women make to our society.”