Exeter is gearing up for a week of events to mark International Women’s Day 2026, with activities across the city celebrating women’s achievements and raising awareness of gender equality.
International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8 March, is a global day recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political contributions of women, while also calling for action to advance equality.
This year, the official theme is Give to Gain, reflecting the value of supporting progress for women and girls.
Councillors and community leaders emphasise that these events are about both celebration and action.
Speaking on this annual event, Yvonne Atkinson, Exeter City Councillor, said: “Today women are still campaigning and fighting for change using different tools but also learning from the past.”
The Exeter Phoenix Art Centre will host the International Women’s Festival on Saturday 14 March, organised by Devon United Women in collaboration with Multilingua Devon.
The festival, free to attend, features music, dance, spoken word, panel discussions, workshops, family activities, and art displays.
This year’s theme, Women’s Voices Rising for Change, is dedicated to the memory of Josie Sutcliffe, co-founder of Dreadnought South West, who devoted her life to campaigning for women’s rights.
Suead Genem, Chair of Devon United Women, added: “The campaign for women’s rights is global. Come to Exeter Phoenix on 14 March to hear the stories of women and men from Devon and around the world, and to stand together to be inspired.”
The festival programme is designed to showcase the breadth of women’s contributions locally and globally. Highlights include:
Discussion Panels & Workshops:
- Gaza Inspiring Women – short film and discussion on women’s experiences in Gaza
- Women’s Voices Shaping Safe Support – CoLab Women session on amplifying voices of women facing multiple disadvantages
- Women Leading in Agroecology – Ruth Hancock shares her story running a sustainable vegetable farm in East Devon
- The Co-Chair System and Women Representation – Kurdish community panel on shared leadership and gender equality
Music & Performance (Main Stage):
- Newtown Roots Band – folk music and community performance (10:45)
- Le Trikke – Italian folk music and dance celebrating feminine creativity (11:30)
- Ali Jones & Jamie Rudd – fiddle and multi-instrumental set (12:00)
- Zassō by Drum Up the Sun – community percussion and movement (12:45 & 13:30)
- The Velvet Chords – Exeter band blending jazz, blues, and punk (13:30)
- Karina Gracia Flamenco & Students – flamenco performances reflecting women’s strength and resilience (14:15)
- Wren Music – choir celebrating women in folk music (15:15)
Workshops & Creative Sessions (Downstairs):
- Connecting Our Voices for Change – visual art and creative coaching workshops led by Emma Pipe & Emma Hayes-Bailey
- Drum Up the Sun – drumming, movement, and voice workshop led by Hannah-Jasmine Brunskill & Flora Pethybridge
Other Activities:
- Variety of women’s stalls (Studio 1, 11:00–16:00)
- Family & children’s activities hosted by Hikmat Family (Meeting Room, 11:00–16:00)
- Poppy Movement is Medicine – percussion-based music and movement session (Dance Studio, 11:00 onwards)
- Valentina & Ilaria Tarantella – Italian folk singing and tarantella dance
- Ilaria Belly Dance – beginner-friendly dance session
- Meditation – The Gift of Silence session
Other local organisations are also marking International Women’s Day.
The University of Exeter has scheduled events throughout early March, including exhibitions, panel discussions, and research showcases highlighting women’s contributions across the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Departments such as Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and The Law School have renewed or achieved Athena Swan awards recognising efforts to promote gender equality.
Events at the university explore topics from women in academia to conservation, with opportunities for students and staff to engage in dialogue and reflection.
Exeter Guild and Cranbrook Country Park are also hosting celebrations.
Cranbrook Country Park parkrun on 7 March will be led by female volunteers, promoting women in sport and marking the one-year anniversary of the This Girl Can – Cranbrook initiative.
Exeter’s week of International Women’s Day events provides a mix of cultural, educational, and participatory experiences aimed at celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and engaging the local community in discussions about women’s rights.
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