What to do for International Women’s Day 2026

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day in London? We’ve curated a selection of the most exciting and empowering events happening across the city. However you choose to spend the day, you’ll find meaningful moments, inspiring stories, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the power of women together.

We Stand With Our Sisters - International Women's Day Photo Exhibition

‘We Stand With Our Sisters’ is a free, photography exhibition celebrating Sisterhood and International Women’s Day coming to SPACE Ilford on 10th and 11th March. The portraits celebrate strength, courage the bond of sisterhood and the transformative power of community. Each image is accompanied by the women’s own reflections on what sisterhood and community means to them.

On 10th March, in celebration of women, Nyla Sammons is offering complimentary portrait sessions for women, taking place at the exhibition, from 12pm - 4pm. Each woman will get one retouched image emailed to them after the session.

For more information and to book a free ticket click here.

Address: SPACE, 10 Oakfield Road, Ilford, IG1 1ZJ

Five Trailblazing Chefs Join Together for a Truly International Women’s Day Charity Lunch at Cavita

On 8th March, Cavita in Marylebone will host an exceptional one-off collaborative lunch in celebration of International Women’s Day, bringing together five leading female chefs whose food and heritage span Mexico, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and South Asia.

For one day only, Adriana Cavita, Maria Bradford, Ayesha Kalaji, Keshia Sakarah and Sabrina Gidda will collaborate on a five-course menu inspired by their personal histories, migration, memory and contemporary creativity, each chef presenting a dish that represents their culture and culinary voice. The result is a truly international event rooted in culture, creativity and the power of food, showcasing how global culinary traditions continue to shape and enrich modern British dining.

Guests will also enjoy an intimate live Q&A hosted by entrepreneur, author and podcast host Justine Murphy, offering insight into the chefs’ journeys, the importance of representation and what it means to build meaningful careers in hospitality today.

Tickets are £120 per person, including five courses, a welcome drink and the Q&A. Tickets available HERE.

Address: Cavita, 56-60 Wigmore St, London W1U 2RZ

Esmée Gummer Invites Women to Their Furthest Run This International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, endurance runner Esmée Gummer is inviting women of all abilities to push their limits - whether it’s a first 5K, 10K or half marathon at Victoria Park on Sunday 1st March.

As part of her training for The Nation’s 5K, a nationwide initiative encouraging one million people across the UK to complete a 5K, Esmée runs monthly community sessions where participants can join for as little or as much of the route as they like. For IWD, she’ll be running roughly 13 laps, creating a supportive environment where women can challenge themselves while cheering each other on. No sign up needed, just show up!

Sunday 1st March, from 9:30am

Address: Victoria Park, East London (meet/end point: Pavilion Cafe)

Sager + Wilde

To mark International Women’s Day Sager + Wilde will host a one day, by-the-glass wine takeover spotlighting women shaping the wine and hospitality industry on 8th March. The event is curated and hosted by three leading women in the sector, Margaux Aubry (founder of Naughty Piglets), Ana Candida Ferraz (Higher Ground & Flawd), Laís Aoki (General Manager, Sager + Wilde). 

What to expect:

• Rare cellar pours from Margaux Aubry and Ana Candida Ferraz, showcasing character-driven wines from their private collections

• A by-the-glass list presented by Laís Aoki, featuring wines made exclusively by female winemakers, with a focus on accessibility, balance and drinkability

• Food by Margaux Aubry, including her signature jambon-beurre sandwiches served alongside fresh oysters

No tickets are required for the event and walk-ins are welcome from 2pm until late.

Address: 193 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8JL

Female Food Founders Take the Spotlight at KERB’s Francis Road 

On International Women’s Day, KERB is celebrating the women shaping London’s food scene with a special takeover at its brand-new Saturday market, KERB Francis Road in Leyton. The special takeover is focused on female founders, entrepreneurs and creatives whose talent, resilience and innovation are helping redefine the capital’s independent food landscape. 

The incredible line-up includes: Banzai Kitchen, Hanoi Cà Phê, Utopia Food, Mexclub, Deeney’s Liv’s Baked Goodies and much more!

Open from 10am to 4pm. 

Address: Francis Rd, London E10 6NQ