In 2024 York International Women's Week takes place from 2nd-10th March.

Each year York International Women’s Week (YIWW) marks 8th March, International Women’s Day, by inviting local people to organise events that place women and girls at the heart of the current challenges facing the UK and world today. We encourage events that make connections among and between women, in York and in the wider world, from everyday concerns to big issues.

We ask: Whose voices are hard to hear? Whose voices are activating us? If we truly listen to each other, what connections might we build across class, race, ethnicity, disabilities, age, sexuality, religion, country and culture? How might we work with our commonalities and our differences towards a better life for all?

YIWW is open for event submissions from organisations, groups of friends or colleagues, or individuals. We encourage small community gatherings as well as larger more structured events. Previous YIWWs have offered talks, workshops, crafting, well- being, exhibitions, performances of music and poetry, clothes swaps, fund-raisers and more. Events might be in-person, online, or both; they could be an hour or a day long, or an exhibition running all week.

Most YIWW2024 activities will take place between 2nd and 10th March though we may be able to accept relevant events either side of those dates. We appreciate creativity and surprises, so please don’t be shy with your suggestions!

We warmly welcome back regular organisers who have helped to develop such valuable YIWW programmes over the years, as well as encourage new organisers interested in helping to amplify women’s voices and make a difference to women’s lives.

Our core guidelines:

• organisers must address accessibility for in-person and online events, including physical, mental, and economic factors
• events must be not-for-profit, either free or only charging participants in order to cover expenses or fundraise for a women’s organisation; most events in the past were free
• events are classed as open to all except where specified for ‘self-identified women’ or ‘self-identified women and non-binary people’.

YIWW is organised by a small group of volunteers who support, coordinate and publicise events run by local individuals and organisations. We can help with advice, technical support for online events, and sometimes with a small grant to support your open and accessible event– please ask, and we’ll do what we can.

To be considered for the YIWW2024 programme, please complete the short form or email us by 2nd January if you would like a Word Document application form.

Event submission deadline: 8th January 2024

Early submissions much appreciated!

Check out the website www.yorkwomen.org.uk for inspiration from past events and info about International Women’s Day, and email us on yorkwomensvoices@gmail.com with any queries.

Join in – take a chance – talk to us!

YIWW is grateful for support from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; City of York Council; Centre for Applied Human Rights and Centre for Women’s Studies, University of York.