International Women’s Day is all about celebrating the achievements of women throughout history.

The annual celebration has been taking place for over a century, with the first gathering taking place way back in 1911.

To mark International Women’s Day 2022 on March 8, Lewisham borough is hosting a variety of forward-thinking events and initiatives, five of which you can read about below.

Storytelling: International Women's Day London Borough of Culture unit (opposite H&M), Lewisham Shopping Centre

5.30pm–7pm, Tuesday March 8

Head down to Lewisham shopping centre on Tuesday for a night of art, poetry and music.

Raising awareness of the untold stories of the women and girls living in Lewisham borough, guests can talk to Lewisham poets to learn more about their work.

Visitors can also take part in a free collage workshop and six new portraits will be unveiled.

Book tickets here.

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Lewisham Services for Women and Girls Drop-in hosted by the Mayoresses of Lewisham London Borough of Culture unit (opposite H&M), Lewisham Shopping Centre

1pm–3pm, Saturday March 12

To mark international Women’s Day, the Mayoresses of Lewisham are hosting a drop-in afternoon at Lewisham shopping centre.

The session will explore domestic, health and employment services for women and girls in the borough.

The women running organisations in the borough will also be at the event to host a conversation.

Visitors can also donate unopened personal care items which will be gifted to local organisations.

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SHEroes of Lewisham exhibition

Created by Lewisham poet Laila Sumpton, SHEroes is a poetry exhibition inspired by the women of Lewisham.

Children at Lewisham primary schools were invited by local poets to learn about local women and create poetry in response to their achievements.

The results of the sessions are being displayed at the following locations:

  • Lewisham Shopping Centre March 8 - March 13 exhibition during opening hours
  • Downham Library March 8 - March 12
  • Family poetry workshop, Saturday 12 March 11am-1pm
  • Deptford Lounge from March 15-19
  • Poetry workshop with Lewisham Multicultural Writers Group, Wednesday March 16 6pm-7:30pm
  • Poetry workshop at Deptford Literature Festival Saturday March 19 10:30am-12pm
  • Crofton Park Community Library from March 22-27
  • Family Poetry Workshop, Saturday 26 March 10am-12pm
  • Manor House Library from March 29 – April 2
  • Family Poetry Workshop, 2pm-3:30pm

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Noras of Lewisham

The Migration Museum March 2 - March 27

A public art project that aims to honour women’s contribution to society while challenging stereotypes, Noras of Lewisham shines a spotlight on the extraordinary women of Lewisham.

Noras of Lewisham combines exhibitions and workshops and is a collaborative effort between artist Belén L.Yáñez and architect Cristina Villalonga.

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Lewisham Legends: International Women's Day

We Are Lewisham is calling on locals to nominate an inspiring girl or woman from Lewisham as part of their Lewisham Legends project.

From local legends to trailblazing Lewisham women, submissions can be made until Friday, April 8 and a selection of nominees will be celebrated through public murals set to be created this spring.

Brenda Dacres, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, said: “We are committed to empowering women and promoting equality, which includes encouraging more women to participate in politics.

"I am proud to represent Lewisham as Deputy Mayor, and seeing women in these roles really is important for young women in particular to look to the future and realise they do not need to be boxed in by stereotypes.

"It is also fantastic that we have three talented women MPs representing our community in Parliament.

“Over half of Lewisham’s Cabinet Members and just under half of our 54 councillors identify as women.

"We know there is more that we can do, however, and I look forward to seeing more women entering local government after the local elections in May.”

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