With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. Each year 8th March is a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to women’s equality. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion and seeks to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and to achieve a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment through women who are inspired to be included.
There are lots of ways to get involved in IWD 2024 – visit the website here to find out more and access free resources and a toolkit. In Newcastle there are a whole series of events and activities on 8th March and beyond. Click on the links below to find out more and get involved.
We Are Here & Discover Her Story at Discovery Museum FREE
Two amazing trails open all year round, celebrating local women in all their glory and also marking International Women’s Day. Discover Her Story commemorates trailblazing women from the North East’s past including abolitionist Anna Richardson and suffragette Connie Lewcock, while the We Are Here trail celebrates 16 inspirational women making a difference in contemporary communities, like Northumbria University professor Dr Donna Chambers and local MP Chi Onwurah.
International Women’s Day Business Brunch 8th March at Newcastle City Library FREE
The IWD Business Brunch at the City Library’s Bewick Hall by Business & IP Centre Newcastle. Aimed at start-ups and existing businesses alike, it will feature talks from The Millin Charity, Reviving The Heart Of The West End and Female CEO founder and editor-in-chief Tricia Scott, amongst others. Share tips and information and network with other female business owners in the area.
Voicing Objects, Great North Museum: Hancock until 14th April FREE
Voicing Objects is a new moving image artwork by Olivia Turner created in response to clay artefacts from the Shefton Collection Of Greek Archaelogy that tell stories of what life was like for women in the ancient world. Twinned with an improvised soundtrack created by vocal rehab expert Pippa Anderson, Turner’s artwork explores the role that objects play in history to both uphold and challenge patriarchal constructions.
International Women’s Day Data Science Event 2024, The Catalyst, Newcastle Helix FREE
A day of practical, hands-on skill and knowledge training related to data science from the National Innovation Centre For Data. The event is being held at The Catalyst in Newcastle Helix on the afternoon of IWD itself, and anyone identifying as a women is welcome to join data scientists Dr Antonia Kontaratou and Louise Braithwaite MSc for an introductory workshop, an interactive AI session and a networking opportunity.
COCO’s IWD Virtual Film Night, online FREE
COCO is inviting people to sign up for a screening of ‘Period. End of Sentence’, the Academy Award-winning short documentary from 2018. It follows a group of local women in Uttar Pradesh, India as they lead a quiet sexual revolution. Director Rayka Zehtabchi charts the empowerment of the women and girls as they face up to cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, work and economic independence. Sign up on this webpage
Partnering with Incredible Women for 160 Years 11.30am-3.30pm, 8th March at John Lewis, Eldon Square, Newcastle
John Lewis invite people to celebrateemale creators, past and present in their store. With DJ Elise, fashion tips and tricks, ‘Fashion your Way Style Talk’ at 1:30pm with personal stylists and Gin Tastings on their 2nd floor throughout the day, as well as other activities and offers planned throughout the day.
Live Encounter: Dame Sheila Hancock 7th March at Live Theatre
Dame Sheila Hancock is appearing as one of the Live Theatre’s Live Encounters. A veteran of stage and screen and acclaimed writer. She will be joined by Jack McNamara, Live’s artistic director, for a conversation that will consider her long life and career.
In Conversation with Rose Wilding, 1.30-3pm, 23rd March at Newcastle City Library £3
Join a conversation with author Rose Wilding about her debut crime novel. Part of Newcastle City Libraries. Women’s History Month programme.
ARTIST ROOMS: Vija Celmins & Katie Cuddon: A is for Alma until 4th May at Hatton Gallery FREE
As part of the national touring collection ARTISTS ROOMS, works by Latvian-American artist Vija Celmins – whose exquisitely detailed drawings and prints explore natural phenomena – will be on display, as will local artist Katie Cuddon’s A is for Alma – her first solo show in 15 years which features clay works she’s created since becoming a mother that examine motherhood and the instinctive experiments kids have with things like Play-Doh.
LASSES: Kicking Ass and Gathering En Masse 8th March at Alphabetti £10/£5
Join Alphabetti for a dinner and show for IWD hosted by Rosie Bowden, including a performance by local creative Maya Torres and the Girls, Theys & Slays choir – a mixed women / non-binary choir – plus contributions from Lucy Davis and Caitlin Fairlamb. Expect the unexpected but expect it to be celebratory!
Becca James + Jenny Lascelles + Steff Mundi at The Globe
The Globe is hosting this special IWD event, headed up by Becca James, ‘spirirtual alt-pop’ artist. Support comes from Jenny Lascelles and Steff Mundi, both popular local singer-songwriters.