Smart Works Leeds announces jam-packed programme for International Women’s Day - including abseil
A Leeds charity has announced its biggest ever programme of events to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026.
Smart Works Leeds, which works across Yorkshire to help women to access employment, will host empowering storytelling, sport and community events during the week-long campaign.
Kicking off on March 2, the events will include a breakfast panel at the First Direct Bank Arena, the headline sponsor of the campaign, as well as a charity abseil at the Cow and Calf in Ilkley, a fashion sale at Bradford’s Darley Street Market, and a networking event at Yorkshire Building Society.
A team of four high-profile Yorkshire women will take part in the abseil challenge: journalist, broadcaster and presenter Christine Talbot; model, podcaster and body confidence campaigner Rachel Peru; model and pro-age activist Annie Stirk, and model and fashion events organiser Bernadette Gledhill. Together they form Primed For Life – a collective promoting the visibility and wellbeing of women of all ages.
These key events will be supported by a programme of fringe activities, delivered in collaboration with organisations from across Yorkshire, including conferences, sports tournaments, networking events and more.
The month-long celebrations are being held to raise cash for Smart Works Leeds’ employment support service. The service uses the power of high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching to help unemployed women fulfil their potential, get a job and transform their lives.
Tracy Fletcher, chairwoman of Smart Works Leeds, said: “International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the resilience, talent and ambition of women everywhere. Our 2026 programme is designed to inspire, connect and empower while raising crucial funds to help even more women transform their lives through employment.
“It’s a great opportunity for Yorkshire businesses to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality, social mobility and economic empowerment and we’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, partners and the Yorkshire community for standing with us as we prepare to make this our most impactful year yet.”
The International Women’s Day programme is being supported by Heart Yorkshire and PR and events specialist Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon.
Smart Works Leeds will take part in a range of partner-led events during the celebrations, including its role as charity partner at the Yorkshire Voices Conference; a Women in Tech breakfast with Accenture; a team padel tournament; social gatherings; a new season style event with John Lewis, and an exclusive Women in Property Afternoon Tea.
The campaign kicks off on March 2 with members of the public, businesses and supporters encouraged to join, donate or take part.
Tickets, registrations and full event details are available here.