Smart Works Leeds<https://leeds.smartworks.org.uk/>, a charity helping women to access employment in the region, has announced its biggest-ever programme of events for International Women’s Day 2026.
The Leeds-based charity will host a series of inspiring events across Yorkshire during the month of March, with Leeds first direct bank arena as headline sponsor.
The campaign will bring together empowering storytelling, sport and community events, all designed to celebrate women and raise essential funds for Smart Works Leeds’ life-changing employment support services.
Across the week, audiences can look forward to a breakfast panel at first direct bank arena, a spectacular 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.
Taking part in the abseil challenge will be a team of four high-profile Yorkshire women: 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 core events will be supported by a vibrant programme of fringe activities delivered with partners from across the region, including conferences, sports tournaments, networking events and more.
Smart Works Leeds Chair, Tracy Fletcher: “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 programme provides multiple opportunities for supporters to connect, get inspired and contribute to the charity’s mission. The campaign is also being supported by Heart Yorkshire as media partner and PR and events specialist Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon.
The week is further strengthened by a range of partner-led events, including Smart Works’ Leeds 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, all extending the campaign into workplaces and communities across the region.
Leeds first direct bank arena head of premium sales, Lisa Turton: “We are incredibly proud to support Smart Works Leeds’ International Women’s Day campaign. As a major Yorkshire venue, we believe strongly in using our platform to champion equality, opportunity and positive social impact.
This programme brings together empowerment, community and action, everything International Women’s Day stands for and we’re delighted to be part of it.”
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.
Photograph by Alvin Sadewo.
