We celebrated the month with a series of events, which included:
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the unveiling of a blue plaque for Eartha Kitt
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art displays featuring the works of local artists
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guided walks along H&F’s newest Heritage trail.
We also financially supported more than a dozen local grassroot groups through the council’s Women’s History grants.
Here’s how the borough celebrated in March.
Quaker Meeting House
Margaret Fell & Sheila Hancock
At the Quaker Meeting House, acclaimed actor Dame Sheila Hancock brought to life stories of early Quaker women like Margaret Fell, who fought for freedom of speech and gender equality. The longtime Hammersmith resident also shared moving stories from her own lifelong journey of activism.
Meanwhile, feminist historian Cat Crossley shed light on local pioneers featured on the Women's Heritage trail, including sculptor Edmonia Lewis, embroiderer Jane Morris, and the campaigning suffragette Anne Cobden Sanderson.
Little Raven Academy
Marie Curie Skłodowska
The Little Raven Academy in Hammersmith introduced students to Polish trailblazers who overcame gender barriers in male-dominated fields like Marie Curie Skłodowska, inspiring girls to pursue careers in sciences, maths, and engineering.
"Learning about these innovators made science feel so alive!" said 13-year-old Aleksander.
William Morris Society
May Morris
William Morris Society celebrated with fully-booked family printing workshops, inspired by the wallpaper designs of May Morris – the celebrated artist, embroiderer and daughter of famed designer William Morris.
Children aged 6-12 sketched their own patterns before printing them onto paper using foam tiles. "I loved how hands-on it was," one parent said. "My son really enjoyed himself.”
Minaret Community Centre
More than 250 attended the Minaret Centre's workshops in West Kensington. They spotlighted women from Black and Minority Ethnic communities, followed by an evening celebration with food and music in honour of the accomplishments of hardworking women in H&F.
"It was lovely spending the day with our community and celebrating not only women but all of our different heritages," said workshop attendee Zamzam A. said.
Other activities in H&F included:
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the book launch of Mount Everest climber Jessica Hepburn at the Lyric theatre, sponsored by Hammersmith BID
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a special lunch for women living with HIV, hosted by the River House Trust
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a celebratory community dinner for women at local support charity Mama Haven
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a led bike ride along H&F’s Women’s History trail with local cycling group HF Cycling.
Visit our website to find out how you too can join us in celebrating women in H&F.
