MARCH is Women’s History Month and on Sunday, March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day.

All across Gwent, there are a range of events taking place this weekend and beyond as part of the IWD celebrations.

Here we take a look at some of the events to celebrate the women of the world.

Newport

Parkruns

Newport Parkrun will be hosting a special IWD run on Saturday, March 7. They invite anyone to come along – but particularly females – and walk, run, jog or volunteer at the parkruns. There are two going on in Newport – one at Tredegar House and the other at the Riverfront. For more information visit facebook.com/events/810337286100182/

The Riverfront

The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre will be holding a day of activity on the theme ‘an equal world is an enabled world’ tomorrow, Saturday, marking this weekend's International Women's Day.

Women’s achievements will be celebrated at The Riverfront during a day jam-packed with free talks and panel discussions, workshops, screenings, demonstrations and performances running from 10am until 10pm.

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“We are very excited for this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations,” said Sally Anne Evans, arts development officer at Newport Live. "We’re delighted to have so much support from people and organisations across Newport.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and join us in celebrating inspirational women from all walks of life and find out more about the topics being explored."

The day’s activities will be launched by Shereen Williams, chief executive of the boundaries and borders commission and the leader of Newport Council Cllr Jane Mudd, followed by the launch of the WOW Women’s Film Club.

The launch will include the Welsh premier of Made in Bangladesh, directed by Rubaiyat Hossain.

Inspirational women speakers throughout the day include a panel discussion about women working in the arts and the challenges and successes this brings with Ceriann Williams and Nerida Rose, producer and assistant producer of Run Amok Theatre Company’s Microwave.

The International Women’s Day celebrations will draw to a close with the Who Rules the World? Cabaret.

Running from 6.30-10pm, there will be an evening of music, poetry, and dance from female performers including Eady Crawford and Aleighcia Scott.

To find out all that is happening at The Riverfront this weekend visit newportlive.co.uk/IWD

You can keep up to date with the International Women’s Day celebrations on social media using #EachforEqual

Llanwern

On Sunday, March 8 there will be a Yoga and Bubbles event to celebrate IWD at Llanwern Village. Spaces are limited so you need to RSVP beforehand https://www.facebook.com/events/llanwern-village/yoga-bubbles-to-celebrate-international-womens-day-832020/532022074387891/

South Wales Argus

On Thursday, March 12, South Wales Argus business editor Jo Barnes will be hosting a discussion between a panel on our first International Women’s Day conference which is compered by Alacrity’s Caroline Thompson. The panel will include chief constable of Gwent Police Pam Kelly, Blanche Sainsbury of Bluestone, St David’s Hospice Care chief executive Emma Saysell, former Olympian Mica Moore and Dame Rosemary Butler, former presiding officer of the National Assembly.

Motivational speaker Andrea Callanan will be holding a short workshop too. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/swa-international-womens-day-conference-tickets-93286266735

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Monmouth

Melville Centre

Abergavenny’s Melville Centre will be hosting an event on Sunday, March 8 between 10am and 4pm to celebrate women’s strength, survival and their resilience. There will be guest speakers from Palestine, Zimbabwe, Extinction Rebellion, Youth Parliament, Syria and the Modern Slavery Unit. There will be storytelling, stalls and displays and a showing of the film He Named Me Malala.

It is a free event, but donations are welcome to cover the costs. Snacks and hot drinks are available, and you are asked to bring along a lunch. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/tu9gmwk

Torfaen

TLC Community Church

TLC Community Church in Cwmbran will be holding an Empower 2020 Conference titled March Forward for IWD. The event will be hosted by Empower Women’s Ministries on Saturday, March 7, at 10am. There will be a spirit filled worship led by the TLC worship team, words in season and testimonies delivered by the Empowered team and some guest speakers.

https://www.facebook.com/events/500948353834466/

Team Kotecha

Team Kotecha in Cwmbran will be holding an IWD dance fitness class on Sunday, March 8. It will be a dance party to celebrate the women of the world and burn calories at the same time. The class is suitable for everyone and you can stay for an hour or an hour and a half. https://www.facebook.com/events/1537988963021912/

Parkrun

Cwmbran’s Parkrun are also hosting a special women’s day run on Saturday, March 7. Everyone is invited along and encouraged to bring female friends and relatives to walk, jog, run or volunteer. https://www.facebook.com/events/196882778185752/