THERE will be plenty of events in south Essex to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

  • There will be a host of events taking place at Twenty One in Southend, kicking off with the All Women Festival on Wednesday March 8.

The Curious Club and South Essex African Caribbean Association will be celebrating women's talent across Southend.

There will be entertainment from The Ondine, Triggerbliss, Sherry Fully, Excerpt from the Robyn Hood Panto, Ladyjam, and DJ sets from The Valley of the Dolls and many more.

The event is in support of SafeSteps (formerly The Dove Project).

Doors Open 7.30pm. See www.wegottickets.com to get tickets.

  • On Thursday 9 March hilarious deadpan comic Shazia Mirza will showcase an International Women’s Day Special at Twenty One in Southend.

Shazia’s career spans the stage and screen having starred in shows such as Would I Lie to You, Jonathon Ross Show and Loose Women. Her latest show ‘Coconut‘ show has been nominated for ‘Best Stand Up Tour’ in Channel 4’s National Comedy Awards.

The evening will be a celebration of funny women and delicious pizza for International Women’s Day.

Headlined by Shazia Mirza it will also feature some of the funniest females on the circuit.

The show starts at 7.30pm at the venue on Pier Approach, Western Esplanade in Southend. For tickets see www.ticketsource.co.uk.

  • There will be a special lunch at the Cliffs Pavilion on Wednesday March 8 from 11am to 4pm.

There will be guest speakers including Lady McAdden Breast Screening unit and a talk by retired teacher Eve Bacon on being a historical reenactor for Queen Victoria.

Tickets for members is £34.00 and non-member £36.00 and includes coffee reception and two-course lunch.

  • Over in Thurrock on Wednesday March 8 the Thurrock Business Ladies will hold an International Women's Day networking event from 5.30 to 7.30pm at High House Production Park Vellacott Cl in Purfleet.
  • If you are looking to take part in a march for the occasion over in Colchester there is the Boudica Women’s March on Wednesday March 8 from 6pm to 7pm.

Women are invited to march “to celebrate women who roar”, as part of International Women’s Day.

Organised by the Eye of Boudica, they are meeting at the war memorial in Colchester and marching to The Mercury Theatre where various evening events are taking place.