Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day events are all around the capital this month
March marks Women’s History Month as well as International Women’s Day 2026, which falls on March 8. The purpose is to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about ongoing discrimination, and promote gender parity. Thee theme this year is dedicated to celebrating women and influential figures, past and present.
Plenty of incredible women called London home throughout the years. From suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale to the more recent legends that are singer Raye and actress Cynthia Erivo, the list goes on.
In honour of them and many more, there are several events celebrating Women’s History Month in London. Here at MyLondon, we’ve rounded up the best events taking place this month.
Women’s Spring Open Exhibition at Brady Arts Centre
The Brady Arts and Community Centre in Whitechapel is hosting the third edition of this vibrant group show. Running from March 6 to March 28, the exhibition showcases a massive range of mediums—from traditional painting to contemporary digital art—produced by both amateur and professional female artists from the Tower Hamlets borough. This year, the show specifically highlights “first-time exhibitors,” giving a public platform to women who have never shown their work before.
Hunterian Museum: Insight: Portraits of Women in Surgery
Located at the Royal College of Surgeons, this free exhibition (running February 6 – April 18) offers a rare look into the lives of the UK’s female surgeons. Through intimate portraits taken by NHS staff, the gallery explores the reality of a field where women still only make up 17% of consultant surgeons. Key highlights include first-person reflections from consultants like Manuela Cresswell, who shares her journey from witnessing a road accident as a teen to becoming a leader in her field.
Threads of Liberation at Mile End Library
On March 25, Queen Mary and Tower Hamlets Archives are joining forces for a deep dive into the history of female activism in the East End. Attendees can explore original historical documents and posters from the Fawcett Society. The evening concludes with a hands-on Nakshi kantha (traditional Bengali embroidery) workshop led by the Oitij-jo Collective, focusing on the intersection of heritage and gender justice.
International Women’s Day at the Royal Albert Hall
On March 8 at 6:00 PM, the Hall’s official organist, Anna Lapwood MBE, headlines a powerhouse concert. The evening is a masterclass in female composition, featuring world premieres from Olivia Belli and Rachel Portman. Lapwood will be joined by the Pembroke College Girls’ Choir, saxophonist Jess Gillam, and Katie Melua, who will perform a moving collaboration of songs from her In Winter album.
Women in Jazz at Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre continues its “Women in Jazz” residency from March 13–15.
- March 13: 23-year-old rising star Lucy-Anne Daniels performs at the Purcell Room, blending jazz and gospel with live looping.
- March 14: A high-profile industry talk features singer-songwriter Celeste in conversation with journalist Emma Warren, discussing the “business of being a woman” in the modern music industry.
Women’s History Month at Poplar Union
This community hub is a focal point for the month’s celebrations.
- EmpowerHer Market (March 15): A curated market featuring over 30 women-led organizations and makers, from sustainable fashion to artisanal skincare.
- Wellness & Entrepreneurship (March 21): A day-long retreat featuring “The Business of Being You”—a panel talk for female founders followed by a holistic wellness workshop designed to prevent burnout.
Iranian Women’s Voices at the British Library
On March 16, the British Library hosts a poignant evening centered on the new publication Iranian Women’s Voices. Writers like Marjorie Lotfi and Sana Nassari will discuss the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. The event is set against a backdrop of photography by Hengameh Golestan, who famously documented the 1979 protests in Tehran.
TfL and Santander “Hero” Cycles
Look out for the red Santander Cycles today! Ten bikes have been specially renamed to honor London’s most inspirational female cyclists. Names to spot include Samra Said, chair of the Cycle Sisters, and Carol Summers, a veteran London Ambulance Service paramedic who leads their Cycle Response Unit.
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