International Women’s Day is right around the corner. Girls, boys, women and men are all gearing up to celebrate the advances in gender equality and focusing on the issues still at hand. We reckon that this is the time for female entrepreneurs to get their networking hats on and jump onto inspirational mentoring opportunities as well as their male counterparts coming to show their support, be educated and help advancements in gender parity.
Below is a list of 6 inspiring events across the UK (in order of date) that you should definitely get involved in.
International Women’s Day Conference, Aberdeen
Date(s): 4th March 2016
Time: 9am to 4pm
Venue: King’s College Conference Centre, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
The University of Aberdeen is hosting an International Women’s Day Conference to raise issues that are important to female colleague development. This year’s theme is “Social Media, Digital Communications and Education”. There will be 6 female speakers from various backgrounds and the event is free.
I am Visible, Nottingham
Date(s): 7th March 2016
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Studio 7 Kings Meadow Campus, Nottingham University, NG7 2NR
I am Visible is a careers festival. It is a women-in-leadership campaign that aims to inspire young women to consider careers in male dominated industries. The event consists of several speakers, debates, mentoring and career opportunities. They are also aiming to #inspire10000 young women and girls by helping them explore career routes after school.
Laptops & Lipstick, Birmingham
Date(s): 7th March 2016
Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm
Venue: Moseley Exchange, 149-153 Alcester Road, B13 8JP
Kick Ass Talks is hosting a business expo celebrating women who run their business from home. This includes women who are planning to start working from home as well as those that have moved from home to an office.
The event will consist of speakers, networking opportunities, a raffle and chances to meet new suppliers. I would get there early if you’re interested – the first 50 attendees get in for free!
Tech City International Women’s Day Showcase, London
Date(s): 8th March 2016
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Venue: 48 Hoxton Square, N1 6PB
Located in East London, Tech City is hosting their 4th International Women’s Day Showcase. The event aims to promote and celebrate women-led businesses in the technology and creative industries. In conjunction with an evening of food, networking and the growth of a strong community, attendees will be donating £20 to Solace Women’s Aid through their entry tickets.
All in all, it should be a night of vibrant displays, stories of success and charitable incentives to women in need.
Women Aloud NI 2016, Northern Ireland
Date(s): 8th March 2016
Time: Dependant on event
Venue: Dependant on event
Women Aloud NI 2016 has events spread over 12 cities and is set to raise the profile of the women’s writing scene in Northern Ireland. The events, that are mostly free, will consist of readings, speakers and performers in various venues. They have expanded to events in Scotland and Spain basing themselves in Irish pubs and cafés.
Women of the World (WOW), London
Date(s): 8th to 13th March 2016
Time: Dependant on event
Venue: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
WOW is the largest cultural festival of its kind in the world. They are putting on a week of events to champion gender equality across the globe. Now in its 5th year running, the London celebration is a combination of both free and paid talks, performances, networking, mentoring and workshops for every gender.
It aims to be funny and serious as well as educational for all ages and backgrounds. It even includes a feminist workshop for both boys and girls under the age of 10!
Some events are booked and others are not, so I’d get moving if you want to get involved.
Can’t get to any of these events? Check out internationalwomensday.com for events in your area and jump onto the 2016 campaign #PledgeForParity.
