Southampton celebrates International Women's Day

On 8 March 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates women’s achievements and promotes gender equality.

Marking 115 years of collective action, this year's theme is Give to Gain. Emphasising the power of reciprocity and support - whether that's through advocacy, training, mentoring or education - when we lift each other up, opportunities expand and stronger support networks emerge, helping to create a more connected and supportive world for women and our communities. What will you Give to Gain gender equality?

Around Southampton, several events, exhibitions and activities are being held in support of International Women’s Day. Take a look below to see how you can get involved.

Get ready for International Women's Day

Events, exhibitions and activities in Southampton

Strong Female Lead 2026

Thursday 5 March 2026 | 9:30am–4pm | The Bugle House

Returning for its fifth year in Southampton, Strong Female Lead brings together over 100 professionals for a full day of inspiring talks, panel discussions and practical workshops focused on leadership, inclusion and personal development. Hosted by Omega RE, the event creates a supportive space for people across all industries to share experiences, build connections and champion equity in the workplace.

The programme includes guest speakers, career insight panels and interactive sessions such as somatic practice, professional portrait photography, CPR awareness training delivered by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and confidence-building workshops. Designed for both women and allies, Strong Female Lead encourages open conversation and practical action to help shape more inclusive working environments. Book your ticket here.

Panel of speakers chatting in front of a group of women at Strong Female Lead event

International Women’s Day Events at God's House Tower

5 – 8 March | Various times | Free (booking required for some events)

To mark International Women’s Day in Southampton, God's House Tower will host a series of free exhibitions and events celebrating women’s creativity, storytelling and artistic practice.

Highlights include the pop-up exhibition Memories of Fear: the Artwork of Gerda Cohen (5–8 March), exploring the deeply personal work of the artist, a child refugee who later settled in Southampton. Drawn from the Special Collections at the University of Southampton, the exhibition reflects themes of identity, memory and resilience.

Running alongside this is Embodied Knowledge: Traces of Our Making (now until 8 March), a showcase of collaborative artworks created through the Create + Connect initiative, a Hampshire-based programme supporting women through creativity and community. Featuring work developed through artist-led workshops in weaving, ceramics and painting, the exhibition highlights shared experiences and creative connections formed through the project, led by multidisciplinary artist Ren Wooldridge.

Also taking place on 6 March is the Pitch Your Project event, where audiences are invited to hear community-focused, women-led initiatives competing for a £2,000 bursary and a future exhibition opportunity.

Some events require advance booking due to limited capacity. For more information click here.

Group of women weaving on small looms at God's House Tower as part of a women led workshop

Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime

From 7 March | Southampton City Art Gallery | Free

After a major refurbishment, Southampton City Art Gallery is ready to welcome visitors back with an exciting programme of new displays. The gallery reopens with a brand new solo exhibition, Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime, presents striking oil paintings by acclaimed British female artist Emma Richardson, exploring themes of desire, euphoria and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from baroque art, surrealist women artists, and her life as a touring musician, Richardson’s works feel both intimate and otherworldly. Selected pieces from the Gallery’s collection will sit alongside her paintings, sparking a conversation between contemporary and historic art. 

Join Emma in conversation with Ceri Hand of the Extraordinary Creatives podcast as they discuss the themes of Emma’s exhibition Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime and the journey to its fruition. You can find more information about this talk online.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a free family activity day on Saturday 7 March from 11am–4pm, featuring creative workshops, storytelling, and drop-in activities inspired by the Gallery’s collections. Learn more here.

For those wishing to learn more about the inspiration and processes behind her work, Emma will be leading two tours on Saturday 21 March starting at 2pm and 3pm.

Are you looking to do something creative in honour of IWD? Join in on the Drawing Herstory activity at Tudor House on Sunday 8 March.

Photo by James Burns

Southampton City Art Gallery: Artist Emma Richardson sat on green stool in front of large oil painting of works

Reclaim the Night 2026 – Community Event and Park Walk

9 March | From 5pm | Southampton Solent University (The Spark)

Solent Students' Union will host its annual Reclaim the Night event, bringing the community together to promote awareness, inclusivity and positive conversations around women’s experiences, raising awareness of gender-based violence and nighttime safety. The evening will begin at The Spark with guest speakers, opportunities to connect with local organisations and creative activities where participants can design placards ahead of the walk.

Participants will then take part in a guided community walk through several of the city centre’s green spaces, including East Park, Watts Park, Palmerston Park, Houndwell Park and Hoglands Park. The event is open to students, residents and visitors who would like to show their support and take part in the conversation. Learn more here.

Solent University students walking in the Spark building

#GiveToGain – Keynote Speaker Event

Monday 9 March 2026 | 6pm -7:30pm | (Online Stream)

The Chief Executive of Southampton City Council, Jillian Kay and The Sheriff of Southampton Councillor Pat Evemy, are hosting a keynote speaker event on Monday 9 March to celebrate International Women’s Day, which brings together inspirational women working and living across the city. 

Residents are invited to join online to hear stories from women contributing positively to Southampton.
Keynote speakers include Zoe Hanson host of the SOSO Show, Maurie’s Sandwich Shop founders sisters Phoebe and Maisie White, Jenni Douglas-Todd, the Chair of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the Isle of Wight Trust, Clare Mar-Molinero, an advocate for unpaid carers, activist Dr Jacqueline Landman and Arlene Beaumont-Rhodes, Chair of Women in the Workplace Network at Southampton City Council. 

This event will take place in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour but will be livestreamed. Join via Microsoft Teams.

International Women's Day 2026 wording with floral banner


 

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