UK events for International Women’s Day and beyond
From Bristol to Bradford, local organisations are highlighting the contributions made and the challenges faced by Muslim women
March marks Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognising the achievements and contributions of women past and present. International Women’s Day (IWD) falls on 8 March in 2026 — a global movement celebrating the efforts made toward gender equality, while reflecting on the work that still lies ahead.
Across the UK, organisations, cultural institutions and community groups are marking the occasion with panel discussions, creative workshops and community iftars. Here are some events taking place this year.
Bristol Women’s Voice IWD Celebration and Iftar
Bristol, 7 March
Organised by Bristol Women’s Voice, this free all-day celebration at Bristol City Hall includes panel discussions on women’s health, entrepreneurship and tackling misogyny. Workshops include a saree-draping session, pilates, and a writing workshop with Muneera Pilgrim — a British-Trinidadian poet and co-founder of the hip-hop duo Poetic Pilgrimage. The day will end with a community iftar with food provided by Somali Kitchen and Sadaga — a group of Arabic speakers in Bristol. Tickets are available here.
The Majestic Iftar
Bradford, 8 March
Hosted by Islamic Relief, this ladies-only evening brings women together for Qur’an recitation, nasheeds by Sounds for the Soul — a Muslim women’s vocal group — and a shared iftar. Proceeds support relief efforts in Palestine. Tickets are available here.
Muslim Women in the Media
Online, 8 March
This free panel hosted by the Muslim Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) spotlights Muslim women working in journalism, film-making, content creation, academia and activism. In line with this year’s IWD theme, Give to Gain, the discussion will explore how Muslim women are portrayed in the media. Hosted by Hyphen’s managing editor Mars El Brogy, the panel features journalists including Deana Soni and Hyphen contributor Mariam Amini.
International Women’s Day event and community iftar
London, 14 March
Organised by London for Sudan — a Sudanese grassroots activist group — this intimate evening brings together Sudanese women and people of marginalised genders for a community iftar, a women’s circle and a public-speaking workshop.
Balance the Scales — Unlocking Transformational Opportunities
Sheffield, 14 March
Organised by BloomElle — a Sheffield-based social enterprise supporting women from Black and diverse cultural backgrounds — this networking event features panel discussions, mentorship opportunities and wellbeing support. Panel topics will cover leadership, finance, health and personal growth, with speakers including Labour councillors Safiya Saeed, lord mayor of Sheffield, and Rukhsana Ismail, lord mayor of Rotherham.
Let’s Talk: International Women’s Day, Sis
London, 14 March
Organised by FORWARD UK, an African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls, and Home Girls Unite, a support group for eldest daughters, this event revolves around sisterhood through spoken-word performances, creative workshops and a communal iftar.
Threads of Liberation — Women’s Liberation in East London
London, 25 March
Hosted by the Centre for Public Engagement at Queen Mary University of London, this free evening event explores the history and ongoing impact of the women’s liberation movement in east London. The session will be followed by a nakshi kantha workshop — a traditional Bengali embroidery practice — led by the Oitij-jo Collective, an organisation platforming Bengali creatives.
