International Women’s Day 2026 at Peter Bedford Housing Association brought together Hackney-based women in leadership and community activism, celebrating the theme #GiveToGain through lived experiences, creativity, and shared learning.
Celebrating Women with Lived Experiences
Two guest speakers helped set the tone for the day by sharing stories about personal strength and making a difference in the community.
- Sonia Cummings, poet and activist, spoke about navigating mental health challenges and how poetry became her tool for education and empowerment. She reflected on the women who shaped her, her grandmother and great-aunt in Jamaica, both active in the labour movement and how their legacy fuels her commitment to helping others.
- Anita, a longstanding advocate for people with learning disabilities, shared her decades of work supporting Hackney’s LD community and social services. Now a board member of Hackney People First, her story highlighted the importance of representation and self advocacy.
#GiveToGain in Action
Three colleagues led creative workshops that helped people connect and feel more confident.
- Anjum led a floristry session using take-away coffee cups, guiding participants through hands-on demonstrations so everyone could take home their own bouquet.
- Kamye facilitated an acronym-based creative arts activity, where participants designed canvases expressing personality traits and positive inspirations.
- Christine closed the day with a choir workshop, teaching vocal techniques and bringing the group together through shared harmony.
A Day of Community and Joy
The event was filled with conversation, creativity, and laughter. Over pizza and doughnuts, participants connected and reflected, leaving with handmade creations and renewed inspiration. The day embodied the spirit of giving and gaining, sharing stories, skills, and solidarity across the community.