International Women's Day Events In London 2026

Southwark - now a vibrant hub of markets, theatres, and historic landmarks - has long been a place of wild debauchery, sin, and scandal. For over two millennia, this area south of the Thames has been a playground for the powerful and the poor alike. We know the kings, bishops, and playwrights who left their mark on its history, but what about the women?

Enter Lydia Clamydia, your guide, who has emerged from the spirit world to set the record straight. On this two-hour, immersive walking tour, her-story takes centre stage as you journey through Southwark's dark and fascinating past. Meet the pagan goddess who inspired orgies, the brothel owner who ruled the streets, an unlucky nun, and even a ghostly figure who curses men. With a mix of theatre, spoken word, and audience participation, expect more than just a history lesson - this is storytelling with bite.

This March, Humble Grape launches Women in Wine: Smashing Grapes and the Patriarchy, a bold campaign running through summer that celebrates female winemakers and women-owned vineyards while confronting the industry's persistent gender imbalance. Though women make up around half of wine consumers, they account for as little as three to 12% of winery leadership in major regions. With a tongue-in-cheek promise of wines that are 'organic, biodynamic, with low intervention from men', the initiative shines a light on the women driving innovation and sustainability across the global wine scene.

Alongside curated Women in Wine flights, retail collections and tasting events, the campaign backs words with action: complimentary glasses of wine for women at the start of March, a 20% subsidy on upcoming WSET courses, and enhanced in-venue safety measures, including 'Ask for Angela' and complimentary period products. 

In the lead-up to International Women's Day on Wednesday the 4th of March, The Barbary Notting Hill will host a special lunch and conversation, An Open Letter To My Younger Self, featuring OBE recipient Mary Portas in discussion with comedian and cultural critic Viv Groskop. Curated by restaurateur and co-founder Zoe Paskin, the event will bring together women from across industries for an afternoon of reflection, insight and connection, with donations supporting The King's Trust's Change a Girl's Life campaign.

Known as the 'Queen of Shops,' Portas will share lessons from her pioneering career in retail, media and activism, while you enjoy a welcome drink followed by a menu inspired by the Barbary Coast, featuring signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with brown butter and pistachio, burnt tomato salad with ricotta salata, whole sea bass with chermoula and coffee rub chicken with delica pumpkin, alongside seasonal wines. With a minimum £20 donation encouraged, the gathering aims to champion collaboration, generosity and opportunity, echoing Paskin's involvement with peer networks including WPO and her belief in the power of solidarity to help women support one another and rise together.

Located in Marylebone, Cavita is a chic, rustic Mexican restaurant with a gorgeous interior, and this International Women's Day they're inviting five award-winning female chefs from around the world. Adriana Cavita, Maria Bradford, Ayesha Kalaji, Keshia Sakarah and Sabrina Gidda are crating a five-course lunch together, each creating a dish inspired by their heritage.

This one-off experience costs £120, including all your food, a welcome drink, a Q and A and a donation to Refuge. On the menu? Everything from spiced chickpea and potato chaat to venison meatballs and labneh mousse with blood orange.