All the ways we celebrated Women’s History Month

March welcomes Women’s History Month, as well as International Women’s Day, which took place on Friday 8 March. Together, these events mark a time to celebrate the past and present contributions and achievements of women around the world. 

In the Houses, we hosted panels and talks, Member Mixers, an all-day Art Invasion powered by Porsche and much more, all with the goal of spotlighting inspirational women and opening up conversations about the progress still needed to achieve gender equity.

Art Invasion, powered by Porsche
White City House
White City House hosted a busy day of events celebrating the lives, legacies and trailblazing work of women artists across the globe. Upon arrival, members were greeted by a large sculptural installation by multidisciplinary artist and Sarabande Foundation resident, Darcey Fleming. She visually embraced the Porsche ethos of bringing dreams to life by creating a bold and surreal woven sculpture, interlaced through a Porsche 356 frame. 

The day began with a Member Mixer and talk from Kate Bryan, our Global Director of Art, who discussed Soho House’s 8,000-strong art collection, her approach to curation, and the importance of inclusivity. The rest of the day featured panel talks exploring questions such as, ‘Will women artists catch up in our lifetime?’ and a look at the must-see London exhibition, The Cult Of Beauty. Speakers included leading artists Sonia Boyce, Caroline Walker and Lindsey Mendick, as well as museum leaders Maria Balshaw, director of Tate, and Zoé Whitley, director of Chisenhale Gallery. 

Members also visited a pop-up shop by the Sarabande Foundation’s House of Bandits and Tate Shops x Guerrilla Girls, enjoyed a bespoke five-course dinner created by an all-women team of Soho House chefs, and watched a live performance by FLO to round out the celebrations.

Ladies Of Restaurants: catalysts of change panel
Soho House 40 Greek Street
Founder of the Ladies of Restaurants community and owner of restaurant Sète, Natalie Ribbe, led a panel discussion on women in the world of hospitality. She was joined by Rambutan owner and author, Cynthia Shanmugalingam, and wine buyer for Manteca and Smokestak, Emily Acha Derrington. Together, they discussed innovation and equality in the industry over tea, coffee and pastries, before networking with members.  
 
Refuge: International Women’s Day lunch
Soho House 76 Dean Street
On International Women’s Day, we partnered with Refuge for a thought-provoking and, at times, difficult conversation about domestic abuse and the work the charity does to support those who experience it. Members came together over lunch to listen to the inspiring and frank words of Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, chair of Refuge, and ambassadors Rosemary Reed and Ranvir Singh, who shared their personal experiences. 

International Women’s Day gathering
Soho House Barcelona
Members enjoyed an evening of cocktails and live music in Soho House Barcelona’s La Sala Merce room for a celebration of women in the creative fields. The gathering was hosted by Membership Manager, Yuma Dembele and Member Events Programme Manager, Carlota Fàbregas, with food from Cecconi’s. Guests enjoyed live music from Brigitte Emaga, a DJ set by Loli Zazou, followed by a House Party hosted by all-women DJ collective, Regia. 

International Women’s Day special: women in the music industry
Soho House Paris
In Paris, the team celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel focused on women in music. Creative consultant and MTV host, Hédia Charni, sat down with Emilie Urbansky, head of creative content at Sony Music; Oriana Convelbo, CEO of Volta+; and Marie-Laure Bebey, artist relation manager at YouTube France. Together, they discussed the importance of female leadership in the industry, balancing a career and motherhood, and finding and providing mentorship.

FoundHER Friday: happy hour and panel with LaCroix Water
Soho House Austin
In the House’s cosy screening room, members came together to hear stories and successes of women who have become modern leaders. Moderated by Sarah Chen-Spellings of The Billion Dollar Fund for Women, the panel featured Renata Black of EBY, Karen Cahn of IFundWomen, Jaclyn Johnson of Cherub, and Janice Omadeke of The Mentor Method.

International Women’s Day dinner with Lynne Bredfeldt Haider
Soho Beach House 
Hosted by director of North America communications for Nike Women, Lynne Bredfeldt Haider, guests included creative brand consultant, Flavia Kelson, and Concepts brand director, Annie Morgan. Everyone chatted over cocktails and member-favourite dishes, with Miami-based DJ Yissel providing the soundtrack.

International Women’s Day talk with Jontay Kahm
Soho House New York
In New York, members attended a special discussion celebrating American fashion with designer, Jontay Kahm, and Vogue US senior fashion and style writer, Christian Allaire. Following a screening of the Oscar®-nominated film Killers Of The Flower Moon, the pair sat down to discuss the impact American design has had on the fashion world, as well as the importance of recognising the influence of Indigenous culture.
 
Wellbeing for women founders
Soho House Hong Kong
Hosted by the team behind wellness platform Aether Living, at Soho House Hong Kong members enjoyed an inspiring conversation between Sara Biancaccio, founder of creative agency Panglossian Studio, and Payal Shah, founder of jewellery brand L’Dezen. The pair discussed the challenges and victories they have experienced as women in the entrepreneurial landscape, exploring how they have prioritised their wellbeing while redefining what it means to be successful. 

Visit our events page to see what’s coming up at our Houses around the world