Saturday 8 March is International Women’s Day (IWD).
Marked for more than a century all over the world, IWD provides space for everyone to recognise and celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination women still face every day and reflect on action that needs to be taken to achieve gender equality.
This year’s theme drives from data from the World Economic Forum, which suggest that it will take until 2158, roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity.
The theme emphasizes the need to accelerate action and speed up the rate of progress worldwide in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face in their personal and professional lives.
It is a call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support the individuals and groups delivering critical work assisting women and girls.
IWD is about women's equality in all its forms. For some, it is about fighting for women's rights, while for others it is about reinforcing key commitments, celebrating success or organising festive gatherings.
Whatever choices are made, all choices matter and contribute to the thriving global movement focused on women's advancement.
Council leader Bella Sankey said: “I want to wish every woman in Brighton & Hove a really happy International Women's Day.
“From Martha Gunn to Mary Clarke to Amber Anning, this city has produced and borne witness to some absolutely remarkable women, and I want to thank every woman in our city for all you do, in the many roles that I know you all fulfil.
“I'm proud to say that later on this year we will be hosting the women's Rugby World Cup at our football stadium where we’ll see some more world class women make history.
“For International Women's Day there are events going on in our libraries and across the city, so I encourage everyone to come and take time to celebrate women this sunny weekend.”
The Power of Women in global peace building panel discussion
2pm to 3pm, Jubilee Library community space
Join our libraries for a lively debate and discussion with Mebrak Ghebreweldi, a member of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front from 1978 to 1994 and founder of Diversy Resources International, Jenny Engledow from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and member of Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, Rawaa Ibrahim, a Sudanese leader in the women movement in Sudan and lead on the international ‘1000 Women Can Make International Peace’ project and Dr Aijuan Wang, entrepreneur, expert in master planning, energy economics, electricity markets, artificial intelligence and business modelling.
Book your free space by emailing libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Brighton & Hove women’s groups International Women’s Day celebration
10am to 4pm, Jubilee Library foyer
The Network of International Women, Hangleton & Knoll Multicultural Women’s Group and Brighton & Hove Women's History Group will be in the foyer of Jubilee library with information, books and crafts to celebrate International Women's Day.
Find out about these amazing local groups and how you can get involved.
Eritrean Women at War 1961-1991
Saturday 1 March to Monday 31 March, Jubilee Library community space
An exhibition celebrating the remarkable history of Eritrean female freedom fighters. A story of courage, sacrifice and unwavering fight for national independence and gender equality.
Pop into your local library from Saturday 1 March to explore the specially curated book displays for International Women’s Day.
You can also browse the online Brighton & Hove library catalogue to see our carefully selected collection to borrow, or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.