Marking International Women’s Day across Islington

International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March) is a chance to celebrate the creativity, courage and community spirit that shine through the women who call Islington home. Our borough has always been shaped by women with bold ideas and brilliant stories from trailblazers in centuries past to the voices inspiring change today.

Take Edith Garrud,  a pioneering suffragette who lived right here in Islington. In the early 1900s she became one of the first female martial arts instructors in the UK, training suffragettes in jiu‑jitsu to protect themselves during protests. Her legacy lives on in Thornhill Square, where a green plaque honours her role in the fight for women’s rights.

Alongside her stands Andrea Levy, the award‑winning novelist born and raised in Islington. Her powerful storytelling in books like Small Island helped reshape British literature by spotlighting the British Caribbean experience. A commemorative plaque is outside her old flat at Twyford House, Elwood Street which marks her contribution to culture and community.

Going back even further, Dame Alice Owen, born in Islington in 1547, used her inheritance to build hospitals, schools and almshouses that supported women and families for generations. Her work made her one of the most influential figures in Islington’s history.


Edith Garrud (left), Andrea Levy (middle), Dame Alice Owen (right)

This long tradition of creativity, resilience and community continues today and you can feel it across Islington this International Women’s Day through brilliant events happening across the community.

Word Music: composing for Organ Using Text

Saturday 7 March, 9.45am
Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN

Start the weekend with a playful, hands‑on workshop exploring text scores by women composers like Pauline Oliveros and Yoko Ono. You’ll also get to create your own text‑based music for Union Chapel’s extraordinary 1877 ‘Father’ Henry Willis organ. No musical training needed — just curiosity and imagination.
Free for everyone.
Instagram: @unionchapeluk

Organ Recital with Catherine Harris

Saturday 7 March, 11.45am
Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN

Stay on for a beautiful recital by organ scholar Catherine Harris, featuring works by women composers including Cecilia McDowall, Jeanne Demessieux and Cécile Chaminade. A perfect moment of calm, reflection and celebration.
Pay what you can (from free to £20).

Go Africa cultural market — International Women’s Day edition

Sunday 8 March, 11am–5pm
Chapel Market, N1 9EZ

Round off the weekend at this vibrant outdoor market celebrating inspiring Black female entrepreneurs. Expect creative stalls, great energy, community spirit — and complimentary hot drinks to keep you warm as you wander.

Celebrating women past and present

Across the centuries, women in Islington have shaped hospitals, literature, activism, culture and community. This International Women’s Day, take a moment to join in, show your support, and celebrate the women who make our borough such a brilliant place to live.

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