In this article, you'll learn the following:
International Women’s Day is a time to honour the women who’ve changed our world and recognise those who’ve changed yours. It’s celebrated globally, but some of the biggest events are in London.
From tours and talks to concerts and walks, there’s plenty to do on International Women’s Day in London. Our guide has everything you need to plan your celebrations in the capital.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is an annual event celebrated in over 80 countries worldwide. It was introduced in 1911 to recognise women’s achievements, champion women’s rights and tackle gender inequalities. Many businesses raise awareness by hosting guest speakers and fundraisers, while schools inspire future generations.
What is the International Women’s Day 2024 theme?
The International Women’s Day 2024 theme is Inspire Inclusion. It aims to create a more inclusive world for women regardless of age, race, faith, ability, identity or body image.
When is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8th March. IWD 2024 is on Friday 8 March.
Things to do for International Women’s Day in London
It means different things to different people, and there are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day celebrations often involve:
- Attending events
- Educating and reflecting
- Fundraising for charities
In the UK, it’s a three-day celebration with performances, events and parties. With so much happening, we’ve listed the best places to celebrate International Women’s Day in London.
Empower: A concert for International Women’s Day
internationalwomensday.com/Activity/19615/Empower-A-Concert-for-International-Women-s-Day
5 Sloane Terrace, London SW1X 9DQ
Empower unites the best female singers from either side of the Atlantic for a night of female-composed choral music. The performances symbolise unity, courage, empowerment and hope, best illustrated in the opening act from the Amies Freedom Choir, modern slavery survivors who drive change through music. They’re followed by The Queen’s Six and The Vox Anima London Singers in a two-hour celebration of women in music.
When? Wednesday 6th March 2024.
Prices: £10-£25.
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Westminster. Then, hop on the District line to Sloane Square, walking 4 minutes from there.
New Dawn: A concert for International Women’s Day
bbc.co.uk/events/e46wxj
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
What better way to celebrate women from all walks of life than with a unique blend of classical Indian ragas and Western choral music? Conductor Ellie Slorach joins the BBC Singers at St Martin-in-the-Fields for a daybreak-themed concert, journeying from darkness to light, despair to hope.
When? Friday 8th March
Prices: £10-£30
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross, walking 2 minutes from there.
International Women’s Day guided walk
eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-walk-for-international-womens-day-history-and-her-story-tickets-472061196747
Walking through history, from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Borough Market, you’ll learn of women’s achievements despite adversity, from Jacobean England to the Blitz.
Perfect for history buffs and beginners, locals and tourists, the two-hour tour starts at St. Paul’s Cathedral, ending 1.5km later at Borough Market. Why not reflect afterwards over a bite from one of the best street food markets in London?
When? Friday 8th March
Price: £40
How to get there: Take the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank, walking 10 minutes from there.
Women’s History Month at National Maritime Museum
rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/womens-history-month-2024
Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
Celebrate stories of female rebellion and resilience at the National Maritime Museum, from forgotten female astronomers to freedom fighters who stood against the transportation of enslaved people. Every March, the museum hosts a series of talks celebrating women’s contributions to maritime history. 2023 highlights include a series of discussions around the film launch of Daughter[s] of diaspora.
When? Throughout March
Prices: TBC
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to North Greenwich. Then, hop on the 188 bus from North Greenwich Station Stop C to National Maritime Museum Stop G.
Women on the Move at London Transport Museum
https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/friday-late/museum-late-women-on-the-move
London, WC2E 7BB
London Transport Museum celebrates how transportation innovations led London into the modern era, and many of those innovations were created and executed by women. Women on the Move champions women transport workers and explores women’s experiences commuting in London.
When? Friday 8th March.
Prices: £15-£18.
How to get there: Take the 188 bus from London Waterloo Station Tenison Way Stop K to Lancaster Place, walking 6 minutes from there.
Are you celebrating in London this International Women’s Day? Get cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts, GroupSave and Family and Friends Railcard for further savings. Take any return train with semi-flex tickets or choose any train with a Sunday Out ticket.
