Get inspired this International Women’s Day with events and activities across Royal Greenwich.
Funded by the council’s Create grants programme, Global Fusion Music and Arts are bringing The Billie Holiday Story to the Tramshed, 51 to 53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES. The free live performance will celebrate the life and music of one of the most iconic and celebrated women in jazz history. Libraries across the borough will also celebrate with a host of free themed activities and events.
Charlton Athletic are teaming up with Her Game Too to champion women and tackle sexism in football in their upcoming matches. The men’s team game against Birmingham City on Saturday 7 March will welcome special guests, goalkeeper Pauline Cope and manager Keith Bonas from 2005 Charlton women’s FA Cup winning team. Local girls’ football teams will act as mascots and guards of honour as the women’s team take on Sunderland AFC on Sunday 15 March.
Plus, Charlton Community Trust are hosting a football tournament for local schools. Participants will also get the chance to meet and learn from Charlton women’s first team players and staff members from the club. Discounted tickets to the International Women’s Day matches will also be on offer to those taking part.
In the lead up to the day, Greenwich Young People’s Council have been interviewing inspiring women they admire, including Mayor Linda Bird, foster carers, teachers and a library manager. On International Women’s Day they will showcase the film in their school assemblies and share the importance of this awareness day with fellow students, while wearing purple, the official colour of the campaign.
The council will also be spotlighting some of the talented women in business, including the judges of the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards, across our social media channels.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said: “Happy International Women’s Day! This year’s theme is Give to Gain. We can all give in some way to support the women around us, and when we do, everyone in our community benefits.
“This International Women’s Day there are so many ways you can give to gain in Royal Greenwich. You could celebrate the contribution of an historic woman at GFMA’s live performance, The Billie Holiday Story, learn about women’s History at Royal Museums Greenwich or cheer on your local Women’s football team, Charlton Athletic, and support the club’s work to break down barriers for women and girls in sport.
“Show your support at events across the borough, and organisations can sign our Equality and Equity and Women’s Safety Charters. Because when we give, we ALL gain."
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8 March.
Is your organisation holding a public event this International Women’s Day? Let local people know about it by adding the details to our online events calendar.
If you represent a local organisation, you can also show your support by signing our Equality and Equity and Women’s Safety charters.
Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on WhatsApp and @royal_greenwich for more on International Women’s Day.
What’s on for International Women’s Day
Recognise, Resist, Reclaim: Understanding Coercive Control
Friday 6 March, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, free
Woolwich Library, Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
International Women’s Day awareness event including workshops and film screening.
Charlton Athletic v Birmingham City
Saturday 7 March, 3pm, various prices
The Valley, Floyd Road, SE7 8BL
International Women’s Day themed matchday in partnership with Her Game Too.
Global Fusion Music and Arts BH365 Power and Pride: The Billie Holiday Story
Saturday 7 March, 7pm to 10:30pm, free
Tramshed, 51-53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES
A live concert and performance about the life and music of Billie Holiday, funded by the council through Create.
DanceFest: International Women’s Day
National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF
Sunday 8 March, 1:30pm to 3pm, free
Join us at the National Maritime Museum for an afternoon of dance to celebrate International Women's Day, honouring the strength and spirit of women.
Empire and Allied Women in WW1 and WW2: Talk with Barbara Ellis
Monday 9 March, 12 noon to 2pm, free
Woolwich Library, Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Warrior Women: a story of the Sivaganga Kingdom
Saturday 14 March, 11am and 2pm, free
National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF
A talk exploring warrior women in the 18th-century Sivaganga Kingdom in Southern India.
Charlton Athletic Women v Sunderland
Sunday 15 March, 3pm, various prices
The Valley, Floyd Road, SE7 8BL
International Women’s Day themed matchday in partnership with Her Game Too.
Select dates throughout March, 3 pm to 4pm, £5 adults, £3.50 students, £2.50 child
Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, SE10 8XJ
Learn about the first woman to be paid for astronomical work, the 'Greenwich Time Lady', solar photography pioneer Annie Maunder.