ITK: International Women’s Day x World Book Day

This event offers a unique opportunity to honour the local women whose voices, stories, and ideas have shaped the way we see the world.

Join us for our next In The Know event as we bring together two powerful celebrations: International Women’s Day 2026 and World Book Day.

This year, the two occasions sit side‑by‑side on the calendar, offering a unique opportunity to honour the women whose voices, stories, and ideas have shaped the way we see the world. Our theme “Give To Gain – Stories That Lift Us All” reflects the spirit of generosity, collaboration, and shared knowledge at the heart of International Women's Day (IWD) 2026.

The morning will combine networking for LCR stakeholders with an informal panel discussion exploring how women’s words open doors, broaden perspectives, and inspire meaningful action. By pairing IWD with World Book Day, we hope to celebrate not only women’s achievements, but also the stories that help build a more equal, informed, and inspired society.

Meet the Panel

• Panel Chair - Barbara Spicer CBE: Newly appointed independent chair of Sciontec, regeneration and skills specialist. Former chief executive of Salford City Council, the Skills Funding Agency, Plus Dane Housing and Mayoral Advisor to Steve Rotheram. Passionate feminist!
• Natalie Reeves-Billing: Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Founder of The Builder Book CIC, and Author of KQ Liverpool's ‘Animates - Learning in Liverpool’ children’s book, which introduces the concept of innovation to primary school aged students.-
• Professor Louise Kenny: Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool, with work resulting in >200 peer reviewed original papers, reviews and book chapters.
• Sarah Maclennan: Head of Creative Writing at Liverpool John Moores University, with a passion for the Arts and creative writing.
• Fran D'Arcy: Director of newly launched 'The Liverpool Storyteller', Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Liverpool City Region, with a deep insight of local knowledge and hidden stories, and Faith in the City Lead Development Officer for Churches Together in the Merseyside Region / Together Liverpool.

Inclusive opportunities

We’re also supporting youth literacy as part of the event, and inviting attendees — if they’re able — to bring along any new or pre‑loved children’s books (in good condition) to donate to one of our local charity partners, which support children and young people aged 3-25. A small gesture that could spark a lifelong love of reading for a child or young person who needs it.

This event is inclusive to all, and we would like to encourage all advocates of IWD and those with a keen interest in storytelling to attend.

We hope you can join us!