The Chief Executive of Southampton City Council, Jillian Kay and The Sheriff of Southampton Councillor Pat Evemy, are hosting a keynote speaker event on Monday 9 March to celebrate International Women’s Day, which brings together inspirational women working and living across the city.

Residents are invited to join online to hear stories from women contributing positively to Southampton. Keynote speakers include Zoe Hanson host of the SOSO Show, Maurie’s Sandwich Shop founders, sisters Phoebe and Maisie White and Jenni Douglas-Todd, the Chair of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the Isle of Wight Trust, amongst other women from areas such as caring and activism.

International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is #GiveToGain.

In addition, the International Women’s Day flag will be flown at the front of the Civic Centre, alongside the Southampton O2 Guildhall being lit purple, as the council pledges to #GiveToGain both on International Women’s Day and beyond.

Councillor Pat Evemy, Sheriff of Southampton said: I’m proud to be hosting this event with the Chief Executive of Southampton City Council and we have an incredible line up of speakers. Guest speakers are women from the creative sector through to health care, and have all given for Southampton’s gain in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme. Events like these are so important because they bring women together from across Southampton, of all ages and backgrounds, to hear inspirational and inclusive stories and this event is sure to empower and inspire viewers.”

Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council added: “I look forward to International Women’s Day every year. After speaking at last year’s event, I felt inspired and excited to be joining an incredible community of women making a difference in Southampton.  As a global campaign, International Women’s Day are calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women’s success, and so much more. Locally, it’s all of those things with an opportunity to come together and celebrate the women that are doing extraordinary things every day to help make our city the great place it is.

Join the livestream online.

Many other events are taking place across Southampton to mark International Women’s Day. Browse the dedicated Visit Southampton webpage for more.