International Women’s Day 2026

If you are a young woman looking for practical support, mentoring or career guidance, Shadow To Shine delivers tailored programmes designed to build confidence and open doors. From one to one mentoring with industry professionals to employability workshops, skills training and meaningful work experience placements, their initiatives are created to help girls from underrepresented backgrounds explore career paths and step into the workplace with clarity and confidence.

For women and young people seeking support, opportunity and community, The Feathers Association in Marylebone provides a welcoming space with a broad range of free programmes. Their youth membership (ages 8-18) includes open-access clubs, skills activities, creative workshops, homework support and dedicated sessions for women and girls, all designed to build confidence, connection and life skills. As a community hub, they also offer intergenerational activities, social spaces and partnerships that help young women explore interests, grow their capabilities and feel supported in a safe, inclusive environment.

For women seeking support to re-enter the workforce with confidence, Smart Works London provides free career coaching, interview preparation and professional clothing to help secure employment. Through one-to-one interview dressing and coaching sessions, women who are unemployed or returning to work receive tailored guidance, a high-quality outfit and interview support that help build confidence and improve job prospects. Clients are referred by partner organisations and can also access dedicated career coaching to strengthen their skills before an interview.

For mothers seeking culturally responsive mental health and wellbeing support, Mosaic Community Trust delivers community led programmes designed to strengthen confidence, knowledge and peer connection. Their work includes training local Global Majority mothers in Indian head massage therapy as part of an asset based model that develops community health advocates, mothers’ support groups focused on children and young people’s mental health, and maternity health literacy workshops for pregnant women and those planning a baby. Through practical training and shared learning, Mosaic creates safe spaces where women can build skills, access guidance and support one another.

For young people looking support, inspiration and creative opportunity, City Lions offers free programmes to help build confidence, skills and future pathways. Run by Westminster City Council for 13–16-year-olds, the initiative connects participants with creative workshops, holiday programmes, mentoring with industry professionals, work experience and access to cultural events. Through these experiences, City Lions helps young people explore interests, develop resilience and broaden their horizons.

For girls and young women seeking leadership support and confidence building, Lean In Girls offers a free, research-based curriculum designed to help participants embrace their strengths and lead boldly. The programme includes a 15-session set of activities for girls ages 11 to 15, blending practical strength-building lessons with honest discussions on bias, stereotypes, resilience and allyship. Through interactive sessions on topics such as redefining leadership, reframing failure and challenging limiting messages, Lean In Girls supports girls to see themselves as capable leaders and to build skills that boost confidence, agency and connection.

The Marylebone Project, one of the UK’s longest-running women’s homelessness charities based in central London, is facing closure in September 2026. As it winds down after decades of service, it is raising £100,000 to make sure that the 93 women currently living there can move safely into secure, stable homes with the advocacy and practical support they need for this transition

St Marylebone CE School is dedicated to giving every girl the opportunity to thrive. Fundraising helps provide essential resources and enrichment beyond standard funding, from school trips and educational visits to new science equipment, music lessons, sports facilities and wellbeing programmes.