This International Women’s Day, with the extraordinary efforts of our partners Southall Community Alliance, Ealing Council, Safer Ealing Partnership, SFI-UK, FORWARD, and IWA, Southall came alive with purpose, passion, and power as we gathered to celebrate the strength and resilience of women — not just in our community but far beyond. With our collective commitment to action, the event, held both inside and outside Southall Town Hall, became a vibrant hub of solidarity and activism.
No registration. No barriers. Just a powerful, open space for everyone to show up, speak up, and stand together.
Under the theme “Pushing Back Against the Pushback”, this year’s event focused on resisting the global rollback of women’s rights. While these challenges are being felt worldwide — from attacks on reproductive rights in the US to ongoing gender-based violence here in the UK — the message from Southall was clear: we won’t stay silent.
The day unfolded with an incredible blend of activities facilitated by our partners — from creative art spaces showcasing powerful work by local women, to resource hubs connecting attendees with organisations dedicated to gender equality and justice. There was a strong sense of community as people explored a pop-up of the Platform’s Taking up Space exhibition, visited stalls, and engaged in meaningful conversations with local activists and politicians.
At the heart of the event lay in the panel discussion — a fierce and inspiring exchange of ideas and experiences from six extraordinary women, each pushing for progress in their own way. The panellists included Clara Kraebber (Human Rights Outreach Officer at Southall Community Alliance), Mary Otuko (UK Programme Manager at FORWARD), Nupur Paliwal (Vice President, Student Federation of India (UK)), Munroop Kaur (Anti-racist activist with deep roots in Southall) and Jean Fitzpatrick (Educator and co-founder of Ealing Friends of Palestine.)
Each panellist brought their unique perspective, tackling hard-hitting topics such as reproductive justice, gender-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), and the gendered impact of war and displacement.
The atmosphere throughout the day was electric — filled with not only righteous anger at the setbacks women are facing but also an overwhelming sense of hope and unity.
Attendees — from young activists to long-time community leaders — came together to share ideas, learn from one another, and reaffirm their commitment to justice. The event highlighted the strength of Southall’s women, especially Indian and South Asian women, whose voices have often been side-lined but are now leading the way forward.
As the panel wrapped up, the crowd lingered — discussing what they had heard, making connections, and planning future action. This was more than just an event — it was a call to arms.
International Women’s Day in Southall this year reminded us that the fight for gender equality is far from over. It’s a fight that requires community, solidarity, and a refusal to back down — no matter the obstacles.
As we left Southall Town Hall that evening, there was a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we’re pushing back against the pushback — and pushing forward towards a world where all women, everywhere, are free.
Thank you to all our partners who made this collaborative effort so impactful.
Let’s keep the momentum going. This is just the beginning.
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