City of Women
A living movement of music, story and collective action, honouring the women who have shaped, and continue to shape, the City of London.
What is City of Women?
Since 2024, Music in Offices has filled the Square Mile with women’s voices - sung, spoken, shouted… remembered. We bring women and allies from across the City - professionals, artists, residents, musicians, changemakers - to weave together past, present, and progress, through song, documentary interviews, historical narration and mass-participation performance.
2018 - Leadenhall Market
Commissioned by the City of London Corporation to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage, historian Veronica Horwell researched women’s stories through the City of London and wove them into song composed by Iain Chambers. From traders, porters, campaigners, makers.. these women’s stories were brought to life through music and drama led by Laurel Neighbour.
2025 - Accelerating Action
Over 100 participants marched and sang through the streets. Starting again in Leadenhall Market, we marched down Cornhill to perform with a live, female band on the steps of the Royal Exchange and again inside the Royal Exchange. Two bespoke audio installations conveyed the interviews and words of the current women in the City. One in the Guildhall Yard, and one in Paternoster Square, with additional performances as we walked through Postman’s Park - celebrating women driving progress in finance, technology, culture and community. We culminated with a performance at the close of market ceremony with Tessa pushing the button next to Dame Julia Hoggett exemplifying the co-existence and power when the worlds of music and business collide.
2024 - Breaking the Mould
Tessa reimagined City of Women and brought it back to life as a live, moving performance through the streets of the City. Working with Veronica she interviewed current women in the City who were “firsts”. Women who have broken industry barriers, reshaped workplaces and opened the doors for others.
2026 and beyond
City of Women will continue to evolve - expanding stories, expanding voices, expanding impact. Join us in shaping what comes next.
Our Story: From 2018 to Today
For organisations, this project:
Creates a powerful, values-led International Women’s Day programme
Connects employees to a cultural moment of pride and belonging
Amplifies women’s leadership and visibility
Generates high-quality media, photography, audio and press opportunities
Builds community across businesses and sectors
Demonstrates meaningful commitment to equity, creativity and wellbeing
For individuals, City of Women offers a rare experience:
To walk and sing through the City with hundreds of others.
To feel history beneath your feet.
To be part of something bigger.
Why City of Women matters
Watch
Listen
Experience the movement
Explore the story so far…
2024: Breaking the Mould
Interviews with pioneers. A walking choir through the City.
→ View City of Women 2024
2025: Accelerating Action
Women driving progress in the City. Ringing the bell for gender equality with LSEG.
→ View City of Women 2025