What would a world beyond patriarchy look like? And what will it take to get there?
The 2025 National Audit Office report found that misogynistic violence in the UK is getting worse despite years of government promises and strategies. In England and Wales, an estimated 3.2 million women have experienced domestic abuse, sexual victimisation or stalking last year. A 2025 report also found that a quarter of police forces are missing basic policies on sexual offences. Meanwhile, new research shows media coverage of misogynistic violence is at a “pitiful” low, despite a proliferation of high-profile cases of men abusing women and children, and a rise in AI-assisted violence against women and girls.
As the institutions responsible for protecting women continue to fall short, how do we turn anger into collective action? How can we hold power to account, demand better protection and challenge the attitudes that allow abuse to persist?
Ahead of International Women’s Day, join us with One Billion Rising as we bring together activists and artists to question power, celebrate resistance and discuss what comes next. Arwa Mahdawi, Guardian columnist and author of The Week in Patriarchy, will chair the discussion with playwright, activist and Guardian contributor V, (formerly Eve Ensler); One Billion Rising’s global director, Monique Wilson; and its South Africa coordinator and activist, Lucinda Evans.
We’ll ask what patriarchy actually means, who upholds it and how it shapes our lives. From our homes and workplaces to the government, we’ll also explore how power operates, how it differs around the world, and what we can learn from the people organising to challenge it.
After the interval, poet and community organiser Aja Monet; and V (formerly Eve Ensler) will be among the contributors to a programme of poetry, live music, readings and film, with further guests to be announced. Join us to celebrate the imagination and determination of those working towards a more equal world, through conversation, art, humour and joy. Ask your questions, share your frustrations and your hopes – and leave with ideas for how to turn them into action.
The evening will also raise funds for V-Day’s work to end violence against women and girls and every ticket purchased supports the Guardian’s independent journalism.
More speakers and artists to be announced.