International Women's Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, serves as a powerful reminder to honour the incredible achievements of women and to shine a light on the discrimination many still face. It is a call to action to strive towards gender parity and to build a world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination - a world that is diverse, equal, and inclusive, where differences are celebrated. Although we have a long way to go in achieving this vision, there is much to celebrate. There are plenty of fantastic International Women's Day events to choose from in London this month, here are our top picks.

Selfridges x Women Supporting Women:

Inspirational Figures

#FLODown: Selfridges x Women Supporting Women is proud to present a series of inspiring speakers who will share their stories of the remarkable women who have shaped their careers in the creative industries. From their early inspirations to their current achievements, the speakers will showcase how they are inspiring the next generation of trailblazing women. They also invite you to celebrate your own unique story. By attending this event, you will also be supporting the Women Supporting Women #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign - a worthy initiative established by The Prince's Trust. Your ticket purchase will contribute towards this important cause and help transform the lives of young girls across the UK.

Date: 8 March 2023, 7.30pm –9pm. Location: The Cinema at Selfridges, 40 Duke Street London W1U 1AT United Kingdom. Price: £20.

International Women's Day 2023:

Four Seasons Hotel Ten Trinity Square

#FLODown: Join an esteemed group of inspiring female CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to celebrate International Women's Day at the exclusive Ten Trinity Square Private Members Club. The event will take place in the magnificent Members Dining Room and Lounge, providing the perfect setting for networking and relaxation. Mingle with like-minded, ambitious and generous individuals, including investors and founders, who are making waves in the business world. Don't miss this chance to join an exceptional community of successful women in a truly historic landmark.

Date: 7 March 2023, 6.30pm – 10pm. Location: Ten Trinity Square, Private Club 10 Trinity Square London EC3N 4AJ Price: from £7.21. 

Women in Art Walking Tour

#FLODown: Embark on a fascinating walking tour that celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in the history of art, as showcased in the National Gallery's outstanding collection. For centuries, the world of art has been predominantly studied and appreciated through the eyes of men. However, this tour aims to challenge this perspective by taking visitors on a journey through the National Gallery's collection, where they will be introduced to a diverse range of themes surrounding women in art.

Experience the captivating art of 17th-century artist Artemisia Gentileschi, who was profoundly influenced by the naturalistic style of Caravaggio. Meet Rachel Ruysch, a gifted painter who throughout her career commanded greater sums for her art than even the legendary Rembrandt. Learn about Berthe Morisot, whose Impressionist works were exhibited alongside those of Monet, Degas, and Renoir, despite societal gender restrictions. This captivating tour will commence at the iconic red telephone box located outside the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in art. Book your tour today and be sure to arrive ten minutes early to meet your knowledgeable guide.

Date: 11 March 2023 10 am - 12.30pm. Location:  The National Gallery , Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DN. Price: £25.

International Women's Day 2023:

Rough Trade Books and Friends

#FLODown: Experience an unforgettable evening of captivating readings and inspiring conversations, in partnership with Rough Trade Books, to celebrate International Women's Day. Headlined by the incredible Salena Godden, enjoy an array of powerful poetry from Sharan Hunjan and Sunnah Khan, members of the revolutionary collective, 4 Brown Girls Who Write, alongside Ella Frears, who will read from her haunting and musical collection, I Am The Mother Cat. Join Emma Warren and Anna Wood in a fascinating conversation exploring the rich culture and history of modern dance. Emma Warren's Dance Your Way Home offers a compelling social history of the dancefloor, while Anna Wood's debut collection of short stories, Yes Yes More More, takes readers on a whirlwind, surrealist tour of joy, pleasure, and pop music. Salena Godden will present Pessimism Is For Lightweights, a stunning work of resistance and protest through beautifully crafted and emotionally complex poetry. These powerful words confront sexism, racism, and identity in modern Britain, making them poems for our times.This inspiring event will culminate with a book signing, allowing attendees to meet the authors and get their books signed.  

Date: 8 March 2023, 7pm-8.30pm. Location: Foyles 107 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0DT. Price: £8.

International Women's Day 2023:

Doughty Street Chamber

#FLODown: Doughty Street Chamber will be bringing together a diverse group of lawyers, judges, politicians, campaigners and academics to explore what more the law can do for women and girls. The event will feature illuminating panel discussions on a wide range of issues, including the Iranian protests, the challenges facing pregnant women and mothers in prisons, and the critical role of women as agents of legal change. Guest speakers will include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Richard Ratcliffe, Elika Ashoori, Anoosheh Ashoori, Stella Creasey MP, playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, and the renowned human rights advocate Helena Kennedy KC, with additional speakers to be announced.

In addition to these thought-provoking discussions, there will be a captivating spoken word poetry from the talented lawyer Ayomide Sotubo. The event will be held both in-person and online, providing attendees with greater flexibility and convenience. This year, Doughty Street Chambers is supporting the charity Tender for IWD 2023. Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to protect against domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. There will be a crèche service available on the day, at no additional charge, but advance booking is required.

Date: Sat, 4 March 2023, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Location: Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road London NW1 2BE. Price: £8-19.

International Women's Day 2023:

Refugee Women's Lived Experiences

#FLODown: To celebrate International Women's Day 2023, the contributions of asylum seekers and refugees in the UK will be showcased at the Royal Albert Hall. The event aims to highlight the positive impact that refugees and asylum-seekers have on their host countries. The celebration will include a range of activities such as photography and art exhibitions, poetry readings, dance performances, music, speeches by MPs and activists, and a speech by the director, Dr Nasimi. On display will be the contributions of Afghan and Iranian women who have worked in collaboration with Art Refuge and Hounslow Action for Youth (HAY) to empower participants. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with interesting people from all walks of life in the beautiful setting of the Royal Albert Hall.

Date: Wed, 8 March 2023 10am – 3pm. Location: Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore London SW7 2AP. Price: £11.55

Harper’s Bazaar International Women’s Day dinner 

#FLODown: Celebrate International Women's Day with Harper's Bazaar, in partnership with Clé de Peau Beauté, Aranyani and Veuve Clicquot. On Thursday 9 March 2023, they will have their fifth annual International Women's Day event, this year held in the elegant setting of Mayfair's Connaught hotel. Guests will enjoy a Veuve Clicquot Champagne reception, followed by a three-course dinner, in the company of Harper's Bazaar's editor-in-chief Lydia Slater and a trio of high-profile speakers. The headline act will be the talented actress Aimee Lou Wood, who won a Bafta for her role in Sex Education and is currently starring on stage in Cabaret at the KitKat Club. Also speaking are the visionary novelist and game writer Naomi Alderman, whose bestselling novel The Power has just been adapted for a television series that will air this spring, and Tulip Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, who was instrumental in supporting the campaign to free Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe (the winner of the Inspiration Award at Bazaar's Women of the Year Awards 2022) from imprisonment in Iran.

The menu has been created using the finest British products, sourced from local suppliers and reflects the quintessentially British heritage of The Connaught while being influenced by the best of international flavours.Tickets include entry to the event and a Harper’s Bazaar gift bag!

Date: Thursday 9 March 2023 6.30pm – 11pm GMT Location: The Connaught Hotel Carlos Place London W1K 2AL. Price: £158.71

DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT with Leiho

#FLODown: To mark International Women's Day, Leiho, in collaboration with Birdsong, Give Your Best Pivot, and Pink Diesel, will be hosting an evening of female empowerment and inspiration. Join the open panel discussion with inspirational female leaders of socially or environmentally impactful businesses, participate in interactive activities, and indulge in complimentary food and drinks (including Sassy Cidre & more). Whether you're an aspiring female founder or seeking inspiration, this is a unique opportunity to learn from incredible women doing incredible things, connect, and collaborate. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of an evening filled with female connection, empowerment, and motivation!

Date: Wednesday 8 March 2023, 6.30pm – 8.45pm. Location: PIE Factory 3 Soho Square London W1D 3HD. Price: £16.