Central Hall Westminster today announces that it has been chosen to host one of the UK’s biggest events to mark International Women’s Day, March4Women, organised by Care International and taking place on Sunday 3rd March.
More than 1,600 guests are expected to attend the event, being held indoors for the first time in its seven-year history. This year’s March4Women event will take place on the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, which enabled women to practice in a range of professions, most notably Law.
Taking place in the venue’s historic Great hall, the event will celebrate the work of contemporary campaigners who have challenged the law to change the world for women. Organisers are also calling for action on the creation of a global law to protect women in the workplace from sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse – worldwide.
Proceedings will be led by women’s rights activist and international campaigner, Dr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, both leaders of the British Suffragette movement. The varied programme includes speeches, entertainment, solidarity and action and includes music from Beverly Knight, Urban Voices Collective and Bond String Quartet featuring the work of composer David Arnold, famous for his James Bond compositions.
Central Hall Westminster’s production partner, White Light, will be providing its AV services free of charge and the event is also supported by the Fawcett Society, Muslim Women’s Network, UNISON, White Ribbon Campaign, The Centenary Action Group and Stylist Magazine.
This is a significant event for Central Hall Westminster as it was used as a favourite venue by the suffragettes over a century ago to hold rallies and jamborees.
Helen Pankhurst, Care International’s Gender Equality Advisor, comments: “’March4Women has grown into the most incredible movement of global solidarity with events now celebrated in over 30 countries around the world. In London, we have been coming together each year at a historically significant location. This year, I’m excited that we’ll be raising our voices and calling for change in Central Hall Westminster – a beautiful, very large hall used by the Suffragettes in 1914. Come and join us for an afternoon of fun and purpose, ahead of International Women’s Day.”
Paul Southern, Managing Director of Central Hall Westminster, comments: “Central Hall Westminster has an illustrious history when it comes to campaigns for women’s rights, equality and social justice. We are very proud to be hosting this event in the atmospheric Great Hall where many suffragettes and equality activists have stood before them and we are looking forward to welcoming all March4women guests to our venue.”
The event takes place from 2.15pm to 4.15pm and tickets are available from the Care International website. There is also an option for complimentary tickets for those whom entry cost might be a barrier.
