Headway Bristol celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with a series of activities highlighting the impact of women past and present. The sessions brought together service users, staff and volunteers for activities that sparked conversation, reflection and some light-hearted moments.
The day opened with a staff presentation outlining the significance of International Women’s Day. It explored the ideas of fairness, human rights and the need to challenge gender bias and inequality. The presentation touched on the work of a wide range of inspirational women, including Waris Dirie (Somali supermodel, author and human‑rights activist) and Fang Ai Lian (the first woman to become partner in a professional services firm in Singapore), prompting discussion and leaving space for participants to reflect on the progress that’s been made, and the challenges that still remain.
We followed up with a bright jigsaw, building up a picture of significant women from around the world. As the pieces gradually came together, so did conversations with attendees sharing personal stories about the women who had shaped their own lives.
Quizzes and riddles rounded out the afternoon, testing everyone’s memory of the presentations, and wider knowledge of women’s history, achievements and cultural contributions. It created an accessible way to explore potentially robust topics in a safe group setting.
To close the event, the group discussed who they believed could be their next “Woman of the Year”. It was an opportunity for service users to identify their very own ‘everyday heroes’ – be that global superstars or significant individuals from the Bristol community, including carers, volunteers and service users who embody strength, kindness and determination.
Here’s hoping we can carry the knowledge gained and energy created into the rest of 2026, and ensure we all continue to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary women who make a difference, globally and locally, every single day.