Our Bodies, Our Rights, Our Futures

Join the Open University, Alliance for Choice, The Rainbow Project and Common Youth for an inspiring session where we envision the future we deserve and explore the steps needed to make it a reality.

Vault Artist Studios, Marlborough House, Victoria St.

FREE ADMISSION

https://imaginebelfast.com/event/our-bodies-our-rights-our-futures/

Reflecting this year's IWD theme of 'Solidarity Beyond Borders- Women for World Peace', this event will explore the role which migrant and ethnic minority women play in peacebuilding with a workshop and film screening.

The workshop, facilitated by Women's Platform, will explore human rights frameworks, the United Nations, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This will be followed by group discussion and a screening of Women, Peace and Power (Peace is Loud, 2019). This short film explores the role women play as peacebuilders through three case studies: Northern Ireland, Liberia and Afghanistan.

Lunch will be served at 1pm, with the event beginning at 1.30pm. Interpreters can be organised on request, and participant travel expenses within NI can be reimbursed. 

Please note, this event is only for women with lived experience from migrant and/or ethnic minority communities in NI. Registration is essential to attend.

For any questions, please contact julia@migrantcentreni.org

Registration link: https://forms.gle/JJ3dM9KhfnXkvy1H8

Join Women’s Platform for a CSW69 side event: Women and peacebuilding: Solidarity and sharing learning

Thursday 20 March, 2.30pm GMT /10.30am EST/5.30pm AST online

This event will explore experiences of women peacebuilders in post conflict regions over the last 30 years and highlight key learning on how women have built networks, negotiated divisions and achieved change. There will be an emphasis on grassroots movements, and exploring how human rights mechanisms including the Beijing Platform for Action have contributed to the wider WPS agenda. Speakers will explore learning from Northern Ireland and Iraq as well as other post conflict regions, and will also look forward to how women can gain a more equal role in peacebuilding as well as decision making at all times.

Register here

Join us for a powerful and vibrant poetry night celebrating International Women’s Day on the 14 March 7pm Paperxclips books.

Hosted by Women of Colour Belfast and Sad Dyke Poetry Night in association with Reclaim the Agenda!

Free to attend – register your spot now via Eventbrite link below

Register your interest to perform by sending SDPN a direct message!

Let’s come together to honor the strength, resilience, and beauty of women and gender-expansive individuals.
Register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/woc-belfast-x-sad-dyke-iwd-poetry-night-tickets-1257206641909?aff=oddtdtcreator

Victim blaming comes in many forms and can be subtle and unconscious. In this session, we explore examples of victim blaming in the media and myths about sexual harassment and violence.

Register for free https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkBTSlOEVgCGFvaYx6P3_RRqlFHEpb5pN8rMhTT4zl4pu9IQ/viewform

CAILLEACH: 'The divine hag' - All Women's Group Exhibition 

Date: Opens 6-9pm Thursday 6th March

Open Daily 12-5pm Friday 7th March Until Monday 10th March

Location: Vault Gallery, Belfast

Join curators Zippy, Wee Nuls and Kerrie Hanna as they celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, presenting a group show ‘CAILLEACH’ featuring work from 15 women artists based across the Island of Ireland.

The exhibition will launch alongside Late Night Art in the Vault Gallery Belfast on 6th March from 6-9pm. It will remain open until Monday 10th March.

LINE UP

Alana McDowell | Bebhinn Eilish | Claire Prouvost | Fiona McDonnell | Grace Fairley | Holly Pereira | Jacky Sheridan | Kathi Burke | Laura Callaghan | Laura Nelson | Nichola Irvine | Nuala Convery | Wilhelmina Peace | Zipporah Reynolds

The word Cailleach translates as old woman, the divine hag. Within the Celtic wheel of the year The Cailleach is attributed as the Veiled One, mysterious, powerful, and often a shapeshifter who was celebrated as winter gave way to Spring. This is a moment to honour the deep ancestral knowledge which works its way down generations of women and to celebrate the power of the hag.

The work in this exhibition not only celebrates women’s power and the power of the collective to enact change, but also acts as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for women's rights and the progress still needed to achieve true gender parity.

There will be interactive events throughout the week to include Placard Making for International Women’s Day March on Friday 7th and an Artist Breakfast on Sunday 9th. You are also warmly invited to join us for the IWD March itself leaving from Vault Marlborough House on 8th March to join the parade and make your voice heard for Women’s Rights both at home and across the World.

Please check out our other events on our promoter page and follow our exhibition instagram @cailleach_exhibition

Come and learn a woman's song in 3 part harmony, perform it with guest singer son write Eimear Crehan.

£15

Panel discussion followed by a screening of 3000 Nights.

Hear from Helen Crickard, Azadeh Sobout, Meabh Ni hOileain and Sue Pentel.

Upstairs at the Sunflower.

Suggested donation £10

The Equality Comission and Street Soccer NI are hosting the International Women’s Day Equality Cup.

Where: Ozone, Ormeau Park, Belfast

Time: 1pm kick off (lunch is provided)

This 5-a-side football tournament will bring together teams from different groups, organisations, and communities for a day of sport and inclusivity.

To find out more and sign up, contact Louise at Street Soccer NI by calling 07803188172.

The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series is a multi-year, multi-volume poetry initiative that invites poems exploring personal, familial, community, national and international histories, and experiences of African and African diasporic migration.

The series is inspired by the African Union and International Organisation for Migration's Africa Migration Report: 2nd Edition (2004) and is organised by Forced Migration and The Arts in association with Civic Leicester and the migrants' rights collective, Regularise. Japa Fire: An Anthology of Poems on African and African Diasporic Migration is now out and can be ordered online or through No Alibis bookstore.

Forced Migration and The Arts is an international network that brings together people with lived experience of forced migration, refugee and non-refugee artists, academics and art spaces for conversation looking at work taking place at the intersection where forced migration and the arts meet. 

Nandi Jola - Ireland organiser and contributor, will be launching and hosting the Belfast launch in collaboration with Ulster Museum as an Inclusive Histories Global partner. 

Venue

Belfast Room

Ulster Museum 

Sunday 9th March

12 - 1pm

Register

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1249460452849

Join Unison Health Agencies branch and Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District, Lilian Seenoi Barr for a thought-provoking panel discussion on Leadership, Activism, and Young Women, marking International Women’s Day. Featuring speakers from Foyle Women’s Aid, Disability Action, International Black and Migrant Workers, LGBT+, and UNISON’s Young Members, this event explores the challenges and opportunities for young women in leadership today.

The evening will conclude with a special performance directed by Casey-Jade Campbell, performed by local young women in collaboration with FUSE arts.

📢 This is a free event – register by 1st March 2025 via https://shorturl.at/chNZf

Sat, 8 Mar 2025 19:00 - 22:00 GMT

Mornington Community Project

International Women's Day Seasonal Supper Club

Indulge in a seasonal feast while celebrating inspiring women from all walks of life. This event promises good food, great company, and meaningful conversations. Let's raise a toast to all the incredible women making a difference in our community. Don't miss out on this special occasion!

This is a BYO event.

Dietary Requirements: Please email us when making your booking if you are vegetarian. As it is a set menu it is difficult to cater for other dietary requirements but get in touch with any questions. The food is prepared in a kitchen that handles all of the main 14 allergens. All Dietary Requirements need to be made at time of booking. kitschsisterscic@gmail.com

Special guests locally and internationally flying in to perform with musicians form the Ulster Orchestra.

A fringe programme with events 10 - 11 March will include businesses, community groups and schools.

Sonite Alizadeh, Elaha Soroor, Zarifa Asghar, Eve Kearney, Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey supported by Pianist Al MacSween, Guitarist Nolan Donnelly, Tabla player Shahbaz Hussain and Rubab player Saphwat Simab. Compered by Amanda Ferguson and Niamh Campbell (Women in Media NI)

Performances at 4pm and 7pm

Venue - Townsend Street
www.beyondskin.net/iwd25

The International Women’s Day Takeover, hosted by The F Collective, is a celebration of women in music, art, and activism. Taking place at Tom’s Bar, Laverys, Belfast on Saturday, 8th March (4-11PM), the event features live performances, a women’s market, a trad session, and powerful guest speakers from organisations working to end sexual and gender-based violence.

The F Collective is a women-led initiative curating diverse, inclusive, and queer-friendly events in Belfast. Dedicated to creating safe spaces in traditionally male-dominated arenas, it amplifies local artists, businesses, and organisations while standing firmly against misogyny, discrimination, and gender-based violence.

All profits from the event will be donated to Nexus NI, supporting survivors of sexual violence.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-takeover-tickets-1248099000709

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025

SATURDAY 8th MARCH 2-4pm 2 ROYAL AVENUE

Join us after the rally for information stalls , activities for kids, dance workshops and art!

MAs Art display 2-4pm

Dance Workshops 2-4pm

Information stalls 2-4pm

Kids Story Time 2-3pm

Free event

In this free introductory class you will have the chance to explore rhythm with your body in a liberated, supportive and high energy setting.

Do you love to dance in your room but don't think you could do it with strangers?

This is your perfect oppurtunity to explore your femine energy through hip isolations and shimmies in a supportive enviroment!

The class is a light hearted and an easy to follow along structure offering you to take part in any pace that makes you most comfortable.

Sessions running between 2 and 4pm in 2 Royal Avenue

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-free-dance-class-tickets-1258041850039

Sessions running between 2 and 4pm in 2 Royal Avenue.

Mayte is a Flamenco dancer, yoga teacher, and facilitator passionate about empowering women through movement and self-expression. She creates uplifting and joyful spaces where women can reclaim their strength, confidence, and voice. Get ready to stamp, move, and have fun! 

Menstruation Matters are joining forces with Seanchoice for a special event in March as part of International Women's Day

Date: Friday March 7th
Venue: Banana Block
Theme: Rebellion

🗣 If you have a story to tell on rebellion, you can apply via @seanchoice website. Speakers go for free, and can bring a plus one for free!

https://dice.fm/partner/dice/event/l8vndr-seanchoche-belfast-x-menstruation-matters-7th-mar-banana-block-belfast-tickets

Food and Entertainment for International Women’s Day

Documentary Film: Housewife of the Year tells the story of Ireland’s treatment of women through the prism of a unique, surreal, live televised competition, which really has to be seen to be believed, where a generation of Irish women competed in front of a live audience for the title of Ireland’s ‘Housewife of the Year.'

Venue - Playhouse Portrush

Tickets available on the door or in advance here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/pftcommunitycinema/t-zzrjvdr 

What?: WIMB CIC ACCELERATE ACTION - Jawbox Gin reception and hot lunch on arrival, a range of speakers, and a Women’s Aid workshop.

When?: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1pm-4.30pm.

Where?: Belfast City Hall reception room.

Who?: All welcome. If you’re concerned about amplifying women’s voices this event is for you.

How do I get tickets?: WIMB Eventbrite

If you have an specific dietary requirements or any questions?: Email contact@wimbelfast.com

Register for free tickets here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/women-in-media-belfast-cic-accelerate-action-iwd-event-2025-tickets-1235103932109

Join Women of Colour Belfast and Queen’s ACS for Rise & Radiate – a powerful International Women’s Day networking event.

Wednesday, 5th March

Bullit Hotel, 6 PM

Get ready for an evening of inspiring panel discussions, networking, and empowerment as we dive into personal branding, career development, mentorship, and thriving beyond university. 

Limited tickets available – don’t wait! Grab yours now via the link in our bio!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/woc-belfast-queens-acs-rise-radiate-networking-event-tickets-1250714082489

Come help us get ready for the IWD rally on the 8th March by helping us make placards and goodie bags. Pizza provided!

Email Danielle to Rsvp danielle@reclaimtheagenda.org

Wednesday 5th March 5:30pm - 8pm (drop in) Community Arts Partnership

To mark International Women’s Day, and the first anniversary of the unveiling of Mary Ann McCracken and Winnifred Carney statues in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, join Dr Robyn Atcheson and Dr Lauren Smyth as they tell you stories of these, and other, remarkable Belfast women.

Hear stories about Mary Ann McCracken who fought for the rights of the poor and took a stand against the slave trade, as well as some of the women who ended up in the Poor House. This talk will look at how women engaged with politics at a time when their voices were being deliberately silenced and how they overcame class barriers in order to achieve small victories. It will also explore the legacy of these women in the 20th and 21st centuries and how Belfast can better remember them and their activism.

Dr Robyn Atcheson is a social historian who teaches and writes on social history, history of medicine and women’s history. Her specialist research interests lie in the history of poor relief and public health in nineteenth-century Belfast.

Dr Lauren Smyth is the Historian of Clifton House who researches and tells the stories of those who worked and lived in the Belfast Poor House, the work of the Belfast Charitable Society and Mary Ann McCracken. Her specialist subject is child poverty in early 19th Century Belfast and how charitable institutions, such as the Belfast Charitable Society, tried to improve child welfare during this period.

Location: Belfast City Hall

Time: 13:00-14:30

Date: Wednesday 5 March

Price: Free

https://visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873669685

One Year On: Is the Assembly Working for Women?

It has been one year since the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the restoration of devolved government. Join the Women’s Policy Group as we evaluate the government’s record on women’s issues over the last year. We will assess the progress of each department and highlight matters of particular importance. As part of the programme of International Women’s Day events, we will ask if the Assembly is working for women.

A light lunch will be served before the event from 12pm.

Date: Wednesday March 5th 2025
Time: 1 – 3pm
Venue: Shankill Shared Women’s Centre
Register: https://forms.gle/jtK4QBdD1gGzvkmt6

"Grow your Space: How to rebuild our streets and alleyways into productive, green areas"

Find out how to start growing your own and reclaiming space!

Lunch is provided so please register by emailing info@wrda.net

An online workshop to discuss how to recognise sexual harassment and how everyday sexism can lead to full blown violence

register for free https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkBTSlOEVgCGFvaYx6P3_RRqlFHEpb5pN8rMhTT4zl4pu9IQ/viewform

Panel discussion with Amanda Ferguson, Areeg Fareh, Helen Crickard

Join Red Umbrella Éireann and Sex Workers Alliance Ireland for a discussion on why sex worker led groups advocate for decriminalisation, and find out how the current law in NI is harmful.

Email danielle@reclaimtheagenda.org to register.

Location information on registration, Belfast City Centre accessible venue.