Brighton & Hove Celebrates International Women's Day 'Inspiring Inclusion'

This year’s theme, Inspiring Inclusion, builds on the belief that when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world for everyone.

Council leader Bella Sankey said: 

“This IWD we celebrate the resilience, kindness, creativity, strength, knowledge, courage and wit of us women and the sisterhood and mutual support that is felt especially strongly in our city. 

“The date of March 8 has belonged to women for over 100 years now, and it’s still as relevant and necessary as when brave female workers marched to demand better conditions and the right to vote.  

“Today we must all remember that sexism, misogyny and inequality are still rife and there is an epidemic of male violence against women in our country.

“As well as celebrating women's many achievements, we need to dedicate this day and every day afterwards to fighting misogyny wherever we find it.” 

Celebrating with Brighton Women’s Centre 

10am to 4pm, Saturday March 9 at Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE

Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) hosts the city’s largest annual International Women’s Day Celebration in partnership with Brighton Dome and Brighton & Hove Museums.

The free inclusive event aims to celebrate and inspire women as well as raise awareness of BWC and their work supporting vulnerable women across Sussex.

Join them for a day of uplifting and inclusive discussions, workshops, talks, arts and crafts, music, dance, causes and campaigns.

Find more information at Brighton Women’s Centre International Women's Day 2024 event website.

Events in the city

Friday March 8

Fabrica: A Spotlight on the Women of Holy Trinity Heritage Tour 

2pm to 4.20pm, Fabrica, 40 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1AG 

Explore Fabrica’s 200-year-old church-turned-gallery on International Women's Day and hear about the inspiring women who shaped local history.

You can find out more information about the event and book a free time slot at Fabrica’s website.

Girlhood: Film screening

2pm to 4.20pm, Fabrica, 40 Duke St, Brighton, BN1 1AG 

Watch French coming-of-age drama film Girlhood. Affordable refreshments and popcorn stand on site. 

Find out more information about the event and book a ticket at Fabrica’s website.

Saturday March 9

International Women’s Day in Booth Museum

9.30am to 4.30pm, Booth Museum of Natural History, 194 Dyke Rd, Brighton, BN1 5AA

Find out more about women scientists past and present who have helped shape our understanding of the world. Enjoy talks and tours, characters to meet, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

You can find out more information about the event and book a free time slot on Brighton & Hove Museums website. 

Women’s History Month in our libraries 

Join our libraries in celebrating women throughout the entire month with exciting events full of inspirational women.

You can also pick up a book from themed book displays and find out about local women’s organisations in Brighton & Hove. 

Saturday March 9

Ela Lee and Phoebe McIntosh in conversation with Carolynn Bain at Jubilee Library

3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space

Join us for this talk with authors Ela Lee and Phoebe McIntosh, organised in partnership with Afrori Books and hosted by founder Carolynn Bain.

Ela Lee is a British-Korean-Turkish writer. She studied Law at the University of Oxford and during the global pandemic she began work on her debut novel, JADED, which explores themes of consent, race, and identity. 

Phoebe McIntosh is an actress and playwright. She wrote and performed in a sell-out run of her first play, The Tea Diaries, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013 followed by her solo show, Dominoes. 

You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite. 

Saturday March 16

Elle Machray in conversation with Pauline Rutter at Jubilee Library

3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space

Join us for this Women’s History month event with author Elle Machray and local historian Pauline Rutter, organised in partnership with Afrori Books.

Elle Machray grew up in Birmingham to Welsh–Caribbean and Scottish parents and is now based in Edinburgh. Their debut novel Remember, Remember was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize, judged by Hilary Mantel. 

Pauline Rutter is an Archival Artist, community and organisational poet and researcher based in West Sussex with a background in fine art, education, sustainability, and activism with a passion for ensuring that black women in history are remembered. 

You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite. 

Saturday March 23

Powerful Postcards workshop with East Side Print at Jubilee Library

11am to 12.30pm, Jubilee Library main hall

Drop-in and make a postcard with East Side Print to celebrate Women’s History month. Find out more about inspirational women of the past and present who have stood up and continue to stand up for an inclusive future. Choose to print from our collection of quotes, decorate your card and send it on to inspire a friend. Everyone welcome.

Saturday April 13

Monica Macias in conversation with Carolynn Bain

3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space

Monica Macias is the daughter of Francisco Macias, the first President of Equatorial Guinea. Through a strange twist of fate, she grew up in Pyongyang under the protection of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. Black Girl from Pyongyang is her first book to be published in English, and she will be the subject of a forthcoming documentary film.

You can find out more information about the event and book your tickets on Eventbrite. 

Exhibition

Art from the Heart exhibition presented by the Network of International Women at Jubilee Library

Monday March 11 to Sunday March 17, Jubilee Library community space

Art from the Heart - a diverse collection of art from a diverse collection of women. The Network of International Women present an exhibition of their work. The Network is made up of approximately 400 women from around 56 countries, speaking 44 different languages. It is run by volunteers and aims to provide a 'safe space' and social and personal support to all.