This International Women’s Day, there’s so much happening right on our doorstep. The UN theme for IWD 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” — and the north east’s incredible women’s sector is answering that call with events happening across the region throughout March.
7 March
A is for Amy — Film Premiere 7:30pm–8:45pm, Red Hills Durham A brand-new stage-to-film production on the eve of IWD, timed alongside the government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. Tickets £5–£15. Book: https://redhillsdurham.org/event/a-is-for-amy-film-premiere-and-qa/
WHiST Open Day & Makers Market 11am–2pm, 33 Mile End Road, South Shields Free entry, free food and refreshments, local stalls and friendly volunteers sharing information about WHiST’s (Women’s Health in South Tyneside) services. Everyone welcome — bring friends and family. Book: info@whist.org.uk
Give to Gain — Women Today NE 2pm–7pm, MyPlace, Middlesbrough An afternoon of empowerment, new connections and good vibes. Give a little, gain a lot. Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-give-to-gain-tickets-1980373444282
8 March — International Women’s Day
Keep Standing Up — Comedy Gala 8pm, Tyne Theatre and Opera House. A stand-up gala in aid of Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland, showcasing talented female comedians from across the North East. Tickets £8.50–£15.50. Book: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whatson/keep-standing-up-tyne-to-stand-up-4/
Deeds, Words and Danger Play — Workie Ticket Theatre 12:15pm and 2:15pm, The Exchange 1856, North Shields A powerful celebration of North Shields’ women, past and present, bringing to life the voices of women through the ages. Free entry. Book: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/workietickettheatre/deeds-words-and-danger-play/e-dydmrm
9 March
POW PoWwow Networking: Darlington Edition 9:30am–11:30am, Rockliffe Hall, Darlington. An IWD special networking event for women across the region. Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/powwow-networking-darlington-edition-international-womens-day-special-tickets-1980375599729
Tees Valley Women’s Centre — IWD Celebration 10am–2pm, Teesside Yoga, art and jewellery workshops, health checks, local stalls, food and refreshments. A welcoming community celebration. Women only — contact Tees Valley Women’s Centre directly for details and booking.
13 March
West End Women & Girls Centre — IWD Celebration & ‘Belonging’ Exhibition 11am–1pm, Newcastle Celebrating IWD and the opening of a new exhibition developed through a creative writing project with centre members. Cuppas, cake, pakoras and samosas. Women only, free entry — contact the centre directly for details.
Find Out More
Many of these events came to us via the Represent Women newsletter and social pages — a brilliant network connecting and amplifying the women and girls sector right here in the north east. For more events, news and updates from across the sector, visit their website and sign up to their monthly newsletter.
