Written by Lexi, volunteer student intern in our equality diversity and inclusivity team:

International Women's Day occurs every year on 8 March celebrating the accomplishments of women while working towards greater gender equality.

This year's International Women's Day theme is #BreakTheBias. The #BreakTheBias theme is about acknowledging and dismantling deliberate and unconscious bias. Gender bias occurs in communities, workplaces, healthcare, schools, and homes and prevents women from reaching their highest potential. Together we must call out gender bias, discrimination, and stereotyping. 

In order to celebrate this year's International Women's Day, we are launching our Menopause Policy and will be giving out menopause packs that include hand cream, herbal teas, a fan, bath crystals, tissues, and more!

Although almost all women go through menopause, it is rarely talked about and is even considered taboo. The lack of conversation regarding menopause makes many women unprepared for their experiences. By giving out menopause packs, we hope to help women cope with symptoms of menopause while normalizing the conversation surrounding menopause. 

In addition to the menopause packs, there are many events throughout March celebrating International Women's Day. See below for details: 

Jewellery making at North Mid

Join us in our staff wellbeing room on Tuesday 23 and Thursday 24 March to get crafty and creative in our jewellery making workshop. These sessions are free to all staff. Visit our events calendar for more details.

The Women's Health and Wellness Conference

At the Women's Health and Wellness Conference, you will hear expert speakers who not only share tips and ideas but also talk from their own experiences about mental health, guilt and desire, wellness, and more!

The event will be held on Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 March, from 10am to 4pm and will be located at Whatton House and Gardens in Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5BG. Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womens-health-wealth-and-wellness-conference-tickets-261064359527 

International Women's Day Free Exercise Classes 

Fusion Lifestyle is celebrating International Women's Day by hosting free female-focused classes in a safe and welcoming environment. The classes take place today on Tuesday 8 March at the Broadwater Farm Leisure Centre, Tottenham Green Pools and Fitness, and Park Road Pools and Fitness. Sign up using this link: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/events/202202/international-womens-day-free-exercise-classes 

IWD 2022: Healing Eve Workshop (Self-Awareness for Women)

Hosted by Eve Therapy Training & Counseling Services Ltd, this free session will help women begin to explore the impact of poor boundaries on their mental health and discover why their actions, thoughts, and emotions do not align with their desired internal values.

This session will occur on March 8 from 10am-1pm and will be hosted at the Albrighton Community Centre Albrighton Road London SE22 8AH. Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iwd-2022-healing-eve-workshop-self-awareness-for-women-tickets-251259101737 

IWD 2022: Nutrition & Well-Being for Women

Hosted by Eve Therapy Training & Counseling Services Ltd, this free session is for anyone looking to learn more about the relationship between nutrition and well-being. This session will also focus on how “long covid” may be a factor in loss of energy and what strategies you can use to combat this.

The event will take place on Thursday 10 March from 10am-1pm and will be located at the Albrighton Community Centre, Albrighton Road, London SE22 8AH. Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iwd-2022-nutrition-well-being-for-women-tickets-251394366317 

IWD 2022: Art Therapy 

This free art therapy session is for women who want to explore what it means for them to be a Woman in the 21st Century. This creative workshop will help you to stand back and creatively explore your life from a different perspective.

This event will take place on Wednesday 9 March from 2-5pm 14:00 at the Albrighton Community Centre, Albrighton Road London SE22 8AH. Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/iwd-2022-art-therapy-exploring-womanhood-through-creativity-tickets-261306042407?aff=ebdsoporgprofile 

Mohila Ongon Fair 

This free event has a variety of activities appealing to a wide range of hobbies including a performance by local ladies, live music, zumba, games, a raffle, a confidence building workshop, a massage therapist, and more!

This event will take place on Sunday 13 March from 11am-5pm and will be at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, London E1 5HU. Sign up using this link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-2022-tickets-252036326437 

Girl Rising Screening 

This free private screening of Girl Rising will take you through the lives of nine girls as they persist through obstacles and make their voices heard.

The private screening will take place on Tuesday 8 March 8 from 6-8.30pm and is located at the Courthouse Hotel, 21 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7HL. Sign up using this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/girl-rising-private-screening-on-international-womens-day-tickets-211644683947 

IWD Unison Webinar

Unison will be virtually hosting Activist Patsy Stevenson and Solace women's aid for a speaker event.

The event will take place on Tuesday March 8 from 18:00-19:00 and will be held virtually. Sign up using this link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5765772326681821456