CITY OF WOMEN 2024 — “Breaking the Mould
Breaking the Mould - A celebration of women who were firsts. Pioneers. Trailblazers who reshaped the City of London.
The 2024 Story
In 2024, on 7 March for International Women’s Day, City of Women returned as a living, moving performance, with 80 women walking and singing through the streets of the City.
This edition centred on women who broke the mould: leaders who were “firsts” in their fields, who challenged structures, changed landscapes and opened pathways for others to follow.
As part of the group performance, historian Veronica Horwell and MIO Founder & Director, Tessa Marchington, brought to life the stories of women past and present, whose contributions shaped the City - traders, activists, innovators, makers and thinkers.
Music set the words of women of character who made significant breakthroughs. Some were well-known, like suffragist Emmeline Pankhurt defending herself at the Old Bailey, or reformer Elizabeth Fry experimenting with micro-loans. Some less familiar, like the risk-taking financier Hester Pinney or the cross-dressing pickpocket Mary Frith, aka Moll Cutpurse.
The result: a powerful audio tapestry interwoven with live performance, collective singing, and a reclaiming of the City’s streets through women’s voices.
The theatre of Leadenhall Market was chosen for its first performance because, until the 1840s, women porters did the heavy lifting there - carrying a whole sheep carcass, or a side of beef.
In these conversations, we hear candid reflections on leadership, resilience, allyship and what it means to create change within the Square Mile.
“Everybody remembers a red letter day when they’re in primary school. I manage all of that — the best job in the world.” — Jan Foster
Women Featured in 2024
These interludes weave together the voices of women who shaped the City long before us - textile designers, telegraphists, printers, suffrage activists, machinists, traders, artists, market women, journalists, rebels and reformers.
These stories were performed live during the march, creating moments of stillness, remembrance and power.
Historical Interludes: Women Across the Centuries
Watch the 2024 movement
I came with my colleagues on Thursday and thought the event was absolutely brilliant. We took the website at its word saying people of all abilities were welcome and we had an absolute blast! It was great to have a chance to do something creative and meaningful on Women’s Day.
Amy Ingham, The Good Economy
“I found the spoken words very moving and loved being immersed in music and performance celebrating women’s achievements in the City .”
Feedback from 2024
Partner with us for 2026
City of Women works in partnership with organisations across the Square Mile to co-create ambitious, meaningful International Women’s Day experiences.
If your business would like to be involved, we would love to talk.