This March, we’re proud to return in partnership with the Rochester LitFest for Medway Women’s History Month 2026, a bold, brilliant and unapologetically powerful celebration of women’s voices, stories and achievements.
Four powerhouse events. Two inspiring Saturdays. One unstoppable celebration of women.
Across two inspiring Saturdays, 28 February and 28 March, we bring together trailblazers, creatives, campaigners, business leaders and storytellers for four extraordinary events designed to inform, ignite and empower.
From fearless conversations and cultural commentary to business leadership and literary brilliance, this is Women’s History Month done properly: big ideas, brave voices and women lifting up women.
Why Women’s History Month matters
Women’s History Month is more than a celebration, it is a call to remember, recognise and reclaim the stories that history too often sidelines. It shines a spotlight on the women who changed the world, the women changing it now, and the women who will shape its future.
Storytelling is power. When women share their experiences, challenge injustice, lead with courage and create with brilliance, they don’t just inspire, they change culture.
Medway Women’s History Month 2026 is a space for connection, conversation and community. A place to be energised, empowered and reminded of just how extraordinary women truly are.
Because women’s stories deserve centre stage.
Because representation matters.
Because the future is being written right now.
EVENT 1
Medway Women’s History Month 2026 Launch
Saturday 28 February 2026, 12:00pm
The Net and Rochester Literature Festival proudly presents the opening event of Medway Women’s History Month 2026, a powerful, joyful and inspiring celebration of women who lead, create and change the world.
This is Women’s History Month done properly. Big ideas, brave stories and fearless creativity, brought together in one energising lunchtime event.
Join us as we launch a month of celebration with three extraordinary women whose journeys span leadership, entrepreneurship and the arts. Expect insight, inspiration, laughter and a room full of women lifting up women.
Our speakers
Ann West MBE JP DL
Former Chair of the North Kent Magistrates Bench, Kent Ambassador, Chatham Historic Dockyard Ambassador and Patron and Trustee of multiple local charities, including our selves at the hub. Ann is a lifelong leader and champion for community, service and opportunity. Her story is one of dedication, impact and purpose.
Mary Eniolu
Founder of Can-Do Academy, Mary empowers individuals and organisations to enhance performance, productivity and profitability without compromising wellbeing. She is passionate about helping people unlock their potential and create lives and businesses that truly thrive.
Bev Bunn
Creative force, storyteller and stand-up comedian. Bev made her Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2025 and is already booked for the Comedy Store in 2026. She will share her creative journey and finish the event with a comedy set guaranteed to lift the room and leave you smiling.
This is a celebration of women who dare, do and deliver.
Come for the stories. Leave inspired. Get your tickets here.
EVENT 2
The Commodification of Women’s Bodies
Saturday 28 February 2026, 2:00pm
A fearless and necessary conversation about one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time.
Pornography, prostitution and surrogacy are often presented as empowering choices. The reality for most women is very different. Coercion, trafficking, poverty and desperation shape these industries far more than freedom or consent.
This hard-hitting panel discussion explores the truths behind the headlines and the real-world impact on women’s lives.
Join journalist and co-author of Pornocracy Jo Bartosch in conversation with Amanda Quick of Nordic Model Now and Annaig Birdy of Not All Gays.
Together they will examine how women’s bodies are bought, sold and commodified, and why this matters for women’s rights, safety and dignity.
This is a space for honest discussion, respectful debate and courageous conversation.
This event is for women who care about justice, equality and human rights, and for allies who want to understand the realities behind the rhetoric.
Expect insight, compassion, clarity and challenge.
This is not always an easy conversation, but it is a vital one.
EVENT 3
Celebrating Kent and Medway Women in Business
Saturday 28 March 2026, 10:30am
Has the glass ceiling finally been shattered, or are women still climbing an uneven ladder?
Join an inspiring panel of Kent and Medway business leaders for an honest, empowering and practical conversation about ambition, leadership, resilience and success.
This is a morning for women who run businesses, lead teams, dream big, take risks and want to learn from others who have walked the path before them.
With networking before and after, this is a chance to connect with like-minded women, share stories, swap ideas and build powerful professional relationships.
Hosted by Sian Murphy, Women in Business Big Show and Radio Show
Panellists:
Deborah Turner, Breakthrough Women
Michele Yianni, Future Insight
Adelle Martin, Stronger Together Through Cancer
Grace Kelly, North Kent and Medway Women in Business
These are women who are building businesses, breaking barriers and rewriting the rules.
Expect real talk, real insight and real inspiration.
Come for the conversation. Leave with confidence.
EVENT 4
Lissa Evans in Conversation
Saturday 28 March 2026, 2:30pm
Spend an inspiring afternoon in the company of one of Britain’s most loved storytellers.
Rochester Literature Festival is delighted to welcome bestselling author, screenwriter and comedy producer Lissa Evans for a warm, witty and fascinating conversation about writing, creativity and storytelling.
Lissa is the author of seven acclaimed novels including Their Finest Hour and a Half, which was adapted into the film Their Finest, and the much-loved trilogy Crooked Heart, Old Baggage and V for Victory. Her most recent novel, Small Bomb at Dimperley, is set in a large country house just after the Second World War.
She is also the author of award-nominated children’s books Small Change for Stuart and Wed Wabbit, and the memoir Picnic on Craggy Island about her time producing the iconic sitcom Father Ted.
With a background in television comedy and a gift for storytelling, Lissa brings warmth, humour and insight to everything she does.
Expect laughter, literary magic and stories you will be thinking about long after you leave.
Event Information for all events
Venue
The Net Community Hub
70 Silverweed Road
Walderslade
ME5 0QX
Tickets include tea and coffee.
If you require a wheelchair space, or face financial or physical barriers to attending an event, please email: community@waldersladehub.org
The Net Community Hub 