International Women’s Day 2010 University of Cambridge

The Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences will be taking part in a week-long series of events organised by the University of Cambridge to celebrate International Women’s Day 2010 on 8 March.

The history of International Women’s Day began in 1911, a year after Clara Zetkin (Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea to a conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing organisations such as unions, socialist parties and working women’s clubs.

ALSS contributions this year will include a 6-hour performance of Mapping Maternity, co-devised and performed by Drama and Performing Arts lecturer Kerstin Bueschges with Jan Farrer and Sandra Flores, and ‘For a Few Moments Every Day’, a one day workshop about the every day, explored through storytelling and pictures, with Illustrator and ALSS lecturer Pam Smy.

For more information on the various activities for International Women’s Day, please visit the University of Cambridge HR events page:

• “The Glass House” Film Screening (05/03/2010)
• Mapping Maternity (07/03/2010)
• Walk for Tabita – Sponsored Walk for International Women’s Day (07/03/2010)
• Cam Bridge Peace Event (08/03/2010)
• Women in Sustainable Development – issues and careers (08/03/2010)
• Celebrate International Women’s Day! (08/03/2010)
• “I’m not a feminist, but…” (08/03/2010)
• Celebrate International Women’s Day! (09/03/2010)
• Arpilleras that cry out (09/03/2010)
• WiSETI Annual Lecture: From Short Cracks to Glass Ceilings, or An Engineer in Wonderland (09/03/2010)
• Open Shutters Iraq: a documentary film by Maysoon Pachachi (10/03/2010)
• For a few moments every day… (11/03/2010)
• Annual Gender Symposium – Gender and Scales of Empowerment (12/03/2010)
• Drumming for Women – Workshop (13/03/2010)

or see the pdf poster International Women’s Day 2010 poster (550 Kb)

Check for updates at http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/faculties/alss/news_and_events/international_womens_day_2010.html

Wirral women invited to celebrate International Women’s Day at Wirral Met

Wirral women are being invited to celebrate International Women’s Day in Birkenhead on Friday 5th March 2010.

Wirral Change is hosting a day of activities at Wirral Met’s Conway Park campus to mark the annual event.

A spokesman said: “International Women’s Day is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world; it is commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

“When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.”

Activities at Wirral Met will include henna painting, makeovers, music, massage, manicures, belly dancing and hair cuts.

There will also be advice on benefits, employment, housing and training.

International Women’s Day at the college takes place from 10am to 3pm.

Activities are free and all women are welcome to attend.

For more information call Wirral Change on 650 5428.

http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/2010/03/03/wirral-women-invited-to-celebrate-international-women-s-day-at-wirral-met-80491-25945573/

International Women’s Day Events Southampton Civic Centre

1st-12th March Foyer Exhibition FREE
International Women’s Day
* Come and learn more about International Women’s Day and see a photo exhibition of Southampton women
* Civic Centre Foyer

8th March Visit to Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Centre FREE
2pm Tour lead by a Town Sergeant.
* The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Southampton Councillor Elizabeth Mizon, will be at the event.
* To book one of the limited spaces, please contact Lepsa 023 8083 2865 lepsa.stojkovic@southampton.gov.uk

30th March Women’s Dialogue Event FREE
from 12noon – 4pm
* Workshops on Domestic Violence and Forced Marriages and talks by Roxanna Whittaker (Forced Marriage Unit, Home Office), and Melani Morgan – Police
* To book a place please contact Lepša: 023 8083 2865
* Conference Rooms 3 & 4, Civic Centre

wisewords exhibitions – London – throughout March 2010

CHICCHI ART LOUNGE 020 8141 4190
516 Roman Road, Bow E3 5ES
Bow tube www.chicchi.co.uk
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm Sat 8am-6pm FREE
Until 21 March
JANE LACK My World

ELEVEN SPITALFIELDS 020 7247 1816
11 Princelet Street, Spitalfields E1 6QH
Liverpool St tube www.elevenspitalfields.com
Tues-Sun 12noon-6pm FREE
5 – 25 March
CAROL SHARP Paradigm Shifts
This show challenges the widely held assumption that a photograph is a piece of the world, which needs to be identified and interpreted before we know how to react to it. www.carolsharp.co.uk

IMT GALLERY 020 8980 5475
Unit 2/210 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9NG
Bethnal Green tube
Thurs-Sun 12noon-6pm FREE
Until 4 April
NAOKO TAKAHASHI An Exploration of Perforated Space in Four Segments of Words
A new commission by Japanese performance and installation artist Naoko Takahashi. The exhibition takes the form of a fictional park created in corrugated cardboard, complete with large stylised tree under which visitors hear autobiographical stories of the everyday East End, both heartfelt and uncomfortable, performed by Takahashi.
ARTISTS TALK Sat 6 March, 6pm-9pm FREE
Takahashi in conversation with Kristen Kreider, Harriet Murray & Neil Taylor.

LOBBY 020 7418 5527
One Canada Square, E14 5AB
Canary Wharf tube. http://www.mycanarywharf.com
Mon-Fri 5.30am-midnight, Sat & Sun 7am-11.30pm FREE
Until 19 March
GLENYS BARTON SCULPTURE
Ceramic and bronze sculptures by Glenys Barton feature in the first exhibition of the 2010 ‘Sculpture in the Workplace’ series at One Canada Square. The exhibition focuses on human forms which bear the influence of ancient civilisations.
ARTISTS TALK Tues 2 March 1.15pm FREE
Glenys Barton in conversation with curator Ann Elliott.

PHOTO-SPACE 020 7375 0441
530 Commercial Road E1 0HY
Limehouse DLR. http://www.alternativearts.co.uk
Tues-Sat 11am-6pm FREE
5 – 27 March
LAURA BRAUN, HEATHER McDONOUGH, MELANIE STIDOLPH
The Anachronistic Album curated by Zuzana Flaskova
Three women photographers have invited an emerging curator to respond to their work which jointly represents over 50 years production. The curator’s choices will create imaginary narratives across the artist’s practice, re-evaluating the work and discovering visual connections and disparities.

SHIPTON STREET GALLERY 020 7729 3739
4 Haig House, Shipton Street E2 7RZ
Liverpool St/Old St/Bethnal Green tube http://www.shiptonstreetgallery.co.uk
Sundays 10am-2pm or by appointment FREE
6-31 March
ANTONELLA FABIANI 6×6
2005-2009 Travels: Photography on medium format film (6×6)

THE STUDIO 077435 72100
3 Ravenscroft Street, off Hackney Road E2 7SH
Old Street tube/55,48,26 bus
Fri & Sat 12noon-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm FREE
12-14 March
NOTEBOOK 2
Artists Heather McDonough, Melanie Stidolph & Laura Braun open up their studio to show work in progress. Reflecting on the process of selection and re-evaluation essential in the development of long and short term projects. www.thestudionotebook.blogspot.com

THE TEASMITH 020 7247 1333
6 Lamb Street, Spitalfields E1 6EA
Liverpool St tube. http://www.teasmith.co.uk
Mon-Sun 11am-6pm FREE
6 March – 4 April
JULIETTE VIVIER Fragments
Influenced by her literature studies and a taste for graphic simplicity, her research leads towards experiment alongside her drawings, trying to reconcile the tension between abstraction and representation. www.juliettevivier.com

TROLLEY GALLERY 020 7729 6591
73a Redchurch Street E2 7DJ
Liverpool St/Old St tube. http://www.trolleybooks.com
Mon-Sat 12noon-6pm FREE
Until 13 March
BOO SAVILLE ‘Totem’
From 17 March
LAURENA TOLEDO ‘The Limit’

WHITECHAPEL GALLERY 020 7522 7888
77-82 Whitechapel High Street E1 7QX
Aldgate East tube. www.whitechapelgallery.org
Tues-Sun 11am-6pm, Thurs to 9pm FREE
Until 14 March
MELANIE MANCHOT: Celebration (Cyprus Street)
Drawing on traditions of group portraiture at public street parties, Melanie Manchot’s new work explores individual and collective identity through photography and film. She worked with residents of Cyprus Street E2 to hold a street party and make a film which is shown alongside a series of photographs and archive footage of street parties.

THE WOMEN’S LIBRARY 020 7320 2222
London Metropolitan University, Old Castle Street E1 7NT
Aldgate East tube http://www.thewomenslibrary.co.uk
Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Thurs until 8pm Sat 10am-4pm FREE
Until 17 April
MS UNDERSTOOD Women’s Liberation in 1970s Britain
A major exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first national Women’s Liberation Conference at Ruskin College Oxford. Ms Understood investigates the prelude, birth, rallies, media, fashion, politics, disagreements and victories of the movement. Explore the social, personal and cultural legacies of one of the most significant social movements of the 20th century.
GUIDED TOUR Thurs 4 & Sat 27 March 12pm (30mins) FREE
Find out more about this exciting period of women’s history.

Until 31 March
STRIKING WOMEN Voices of South Asian workers from Grunwick and Gate Gourmet
In 1976 and 2005 two significant labour disputes involved mainly South Asian women who protested against their sweatshop conditions. This display compares the two strikes and the role the media played, setting them in the context of the history of immigration to the UK.

Wisewords is produced by Alternative Arts 020 7375 0441
info@alternativearts.co.uk
www.alternativearts.co.uk

Wisewords is supported by Tower Hamlets Council and The Women’s Library and all the participating venues.

For any updates or to download a copy of the programme go to http://www.alternativearts.co.uk/events

wisewords events – London – 5-24 March 2010

wisewords events

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 020 7033 1544
Human Rights Action Centre
17-25 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch EC2 A 3EA
Liverpool St/Old St tube http://www.amnesty.org.uk

Monday 8 March 7pm: ‘Anyone here been raped and speaks English?’
– Memoirs of foreign correspondent Edward Behr (1978)
THE POTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN THE UK MEDIA
Why do media stories about women’s rights tend to focus on issues relating to their sexuality such as rape, sexual slavery, trafficking, child bearing or prostitution? These are important human rights issues but why is it that we so rarely see media coverage about women’s labour rights, freedom of speech or women imprisoned for their political beliefs?
To mark International Women’s Day Amnesty International hosts a discussion to consider this issue with a panel of women journalists including Samira Ahmed Channel 4 news presenter and Jenny Wood LOOK Magazine’s Features Editor.
This debate is part of Amnesty International’s Media Awards programme of events. Admission FREE. Booking http://www.amnesty.org.uk/events

Thursday 11 March 7pm: Who are you to speak?
‘Let your women keep silence….And if they will learn anything let them ask their husbands at home’ (1 Corinthians 14: v34-35)
THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM ON GAY AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS
In what promises to be lively discussion, three outspoken women discuss the impact of religious fundamentalism on gay and women’s rights and why they have chosen to challenge it through their art.
Writer Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti caused uproar amongst the local Sikh community when her play BEHZTI – a story which depicted a rape in a Sikh temple – opened in Birmingham in 2004. Violent protests followed and shortly afterwards, the play was closed down amidst much criticism from anti-censorship campaigners.
Artist Sarah Maple received death threats when her exhibition went on show at a west London gallery in 2008. Her portraits included a woman in a headscarf holding a pig, and a painting showing the artist in a headscarf with a bare breast. Despite having its window smashed, the gallery stayed open causing considerable anger to some members of the local Muslim community.
Playwright Jo Clifford’s play JESUS QUEEN OF HEAVEN staged as part of last year’s Glasgay arts festival caused widespread protests from Christian organisations and attracted 300 protesters to the opening night.
The opinions expressed by speakers at this event are not necessarily shared by Amnesty International UK.
Recommended age limit for this event is over 14 years.
Admission FREE. Booking http://www.amnesty.org.uk/events

BISHOP CHALLONER SCHOOL 07939 543900
Hardinge Street, Stepney E1 0EB. (entrance via Lukin St).
Wednesday 24 March 7pm: SANDRA A Film made by Phil Maxwell and Hazuan Hashim (2008)
A story of the life, struggle and survival of the East End’s most famous landlady, Sandra Esqulant, who’s been running the Golden Heart pub in Spitalfields for over 30 years. Adored by everyone around her, the film captures a slice of her life in one of the most fascinating areas of London. Listed as a highly influential figure in the art world, her wit, warmth and eccentricity leap out of the screen. (30mins)
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the makers.
Admission FREE. Bookings: snugent@bishop.towerhamlets.sch.uk

EASTSIDE BOOKSHOP 020 7247 0216
166 Brick lane E1 6RU
Aldgate East tube http://www.eastsidebooks.co.uk
Friday 5 March 6pm: THE HISTORY OF STEPNEY BOOKS
Denise Jones, Jenny Smith, Celia Stubbs and Anne Cunningham, the original founders of Stepney Books discuss Women’s Publishing in the East End since the 1970s.
Admission FREE. Refreshments

IDEA STORE WHITECHAPEL 020 7364 1742
321 Whitechapel Road E1 1BU Whitechapel tube
Wednesday 10 March 6.30pm: WORLDS APART: MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
presented by Exiled Writers Ink
In Exile: The divide between cultures – between memory – between restriction and freedom – from the tongue of the mother with Alev Adil, Fatima Hagi,
Ziba Karbassi, Shereen Pandit.
Alev Adil was born in Cyprus and lives in London. Her first collection of poems ‘Venus Infers’ was published in 2004. She lectures at the University of Greenwich where she is head of the Department of Creative, Critical and Communication Studies. Fatima Hagi was born in Somalia and left during the civil war in 1991. She writes poetry and short stories. Her inspiration comes from her nomadic heritage. Ziba Karbassi was born in Tabiz, north western Iran. She had to leave in the mid 1980s and since then has lived mostly in London. She has published seven books of poetry in Persian and has been translated into many languages throughout Europe. Shereen Pandit is a London-based South African lawyer, political activist and writer whose short stories have won several prizes and appeared in many anthologies and magazines.
Admission £3 on door. Refreshments. http://www.exiledwriters.co.uk

RICH MIX 020 7613 7498
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch E1 6LA
Liverpool St/Old St tube. http://www.richmix.org.uk
Monday 8 March 7.30pm: DIANA EVANS & BERNADINE EVARISTO
To celebrate International Women’s Day a panel of leading women writers talk about their work. Guests include Diana Evans, author of the award-winning ‘26a’ and winner of the Orange Prize for New Writers, with her latest novel THE WONDER which spans three generations from 1950s Jamaica to contemporary London, and Bernadine Evaristo MBE whose latest book HELLO MUM is published in March by Penguin and looks at teenage knife crime in the UK.
Admission £5. http://www.richmix.org.uk/bookings

THE TEASMITH 020 7247 1333
6 Lamb Street, Spitalfields E1 6EA
Liverpool St tube. http://www.teasmith.co.uk
Monday 8 March 2pm-4pm: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TEA PARTY
Come and enjoy a wide range of teas with special tea tasting sessions and cakes to celebrate International Women’s Day. All welcome.
Admission FREE

VIBE LIVE @ THE VIBE BAR 020 7247 3479
Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL
Aldgate East/Liverpool St tube http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk
Wednesday 10 March 7.30pm: WISEWORDS POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT
with Apples & Snakes
If you fancy yourself as the next big thing on the poetry scene, jive on down to Vibe Live @ the Vibe Bar for our all-female open mic night (but arrive in good time to ensure a slot). Fronted by the buoyant Liz Bentley (‘a female Ivor Cutler’ – The Scotsman), and featuring guest artists Lucy Leagrave and Deanna Rodger, this is another hot product from top poetry promoters Apples & Snakes.
Admission £3 on door (£2 for those doing floor spots)
http://www.applesandsnakes.org 020 8465 6154

THE WOMENS LIBRARY 020 7320 2222
London Metropolitan University, Old Castle Street E1 7NT
Aldgate East tube http://www.thewomenslibrary.co.uk
Bookings: moreinfo@thewomenslibrary.ac.uk
Saturday 6 March 10am-5pm FREE: HEART OF THE RACE: Black Feminism in Britain
This day provides an overview of the rise of black British feminism in the 1970s, drawing on the Black Cultural Archives recent oral history project involving testimonies of the women involved in OWAAD (Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent) and other Black women’s groups.
In collaboration with Black Cultural Archives and London Metropolitan Archives.
This event will be taking place at the London Metropolitan Archives,
40 Northampton Road, Clerkenwell EC1 R 0HB
Admission FREE

Friday 12 & Saturday 13 March 2pm-10pm: WISEWORDS BOOKFEST

Saturday 13 March 11am: WONDERFUL WOMEN OF WHITECHAPEL AND SPITALFIELDS
Visit sites associated with women who have defined Whitechapel and Spitalfields. From Eva Luckes and Edith Cavell at the London Hospital to social reformers Annie Besant and Mary Hughes. Find out more about how artists and writers like Monica Ali and Tracey Emin have also used the area to inspire their work. (120 mins) £10

Saturday 20 March 10am-3.30pm: SELF PUBLISHING AND LIBERATION
Practical workshop about self-publishing with a particular focus on print-on-Demand technology. The workshop will feature historical testimony from Gail Chester and Amanda Sebestyen, who will speak about their involvement with publishing collectives in the Women’s Liberation Movement. You can participate in creative exercises that will arm you with the inspiration and tools to start publishing your own material. £10/£8 concs

For any updates or to download a copy of the programme go to http://www.alternativearts.co.uk/events

Walk For Tabita – Sunday 7 March 2010

On Sunday 7 March, to mark International Women’s Day, we are asking you to organise a walk for women’s health. It’s so easy to do – put the date in your diary and sign up to take part. We’ll send you our walks pack, with everything you need to set up your walk and start fundraising. You can register your walk if you are happy for us to share your details with other people interested in joining it.

Walk for Tabita

Around the world, women walk miles and miles every day, whether to collect water, tend fields, go to markets, or get medical assistance.

Tabita lives Sierra Leone. She was in labour for several hours at home with a traditional birth attendant, when she was advised to go to the health centre in the next district. When Tabita arrived at the centre, no-one there had the training to perform the caesarean section she needed.

Tabita set off for the district hospital, but the hospital lacked the equipment needed for the operation. Finally, Tabita arrived at Magbenteh Health Centre. By now, she had been in labour for three days. At Magbenteh, Tabita had an emergency caesarean section. Sadly, because Tabita had not received proper medical attention, her baby was already dead and Tabita was left with a lifelong disability.

How VSO is helping

The clinic where Tabita received life-saving treatment was set up with the help of VSO volunteer midwife, Zoe Vowles. Zoe is working with local colleagues to provide health education in the community. Local women and traditional birth attendants – who normally help deliver babies – are learning what to expect during pregnancy and recognise when to seek professional help.

VSO volunteers like Zoe are making a huge difference to the lives of women around the world.

How you can make a difference

Sign up for our Walk for Tabita on Sunday 7 March and raise awareness and sponsorship to support our life-changing work.

Arrange a walk with your friends and family or organise a bigger walk and get your local community involved. Or you can join a walk organised by one of our supporters near you.

By raising sponsorship, you and your friends will be helping VSO continue our vital health work with women like Tabita. You won’t just be raising money. You’ll be changing lives.

Join a walk:

March 5:

London (North Woolwich)
This walk from St John’s Community is on Friday 5 March (not Sunday 7) and likely to take approximately three hours.

March 7:

Aberdeen
A walk along up to the River Don, then back down to the River Dee.

Birmingham
Walk in Birmingham’s Sutton Park – a 5km circuit in the city’s biggest park (pushchair and wheelchair friendly) – with longer and shorter options through park or woodland. A choice of start times – 11am or 2.30pm.

Cambridge
A walk from Chesterton along the River Cam crossing to the village of Fen Ditton (approx five miles).

Cherry Willingham
A seven-mile walk around Cherry Willingham.

Cheshire
A walk along the Sandstone Trail which is easy hills, across farmland and along some country roads.

Cornwall
The coastal walk along the south-west path between Looe and Polperro.

Devon (Barnstaple)
Enjoy the beautiful views over the Barnstaple Estuary on this walk along the Tarka Trail.

Devon (near Riverford Bridge)
An easy 6 mile walk via Dartington to Totnes and back again

Exeter (Exe Quay)
Full details will be published here when confirmed.

Glasgow
Full details will be published here when confirmed.

Kenilworth
Our walk, starting by Kenilworth Castle, is six and half miles with a pub stop half way round. There is a shorter 2 mile walk option as well.

Keswick, Lake District
A walk starting at 11 am suitable for women of all ages and abilities up the wheelchair accessible path on Lattrigg Fell, near Keswick.

Lake District
Enjoy the stunning Lake District National Park with a walk starting in Keswick.

Lincoln
Take a walk around the Whisby Nature Park and enjoy its lakes, woodlands and wildlife. There will be a choice of six paths (most are suitable for wheelchairs and prams).

Liverpool (Albert Dock)
A six-mile walk starting from the historical Albert Dock.

London (Richmond Park)
Enjoy a walk around the largest Royal Park in London, home to hundreds of ancient oak trees and many species of birds.

Manchester
A walk around the dramatic Alderley Edge with great views over the Cheshire Plain.

North Worcestershire
A five-mile walk around Hanbury, North Worcestershire.

Northamptonshire (Pitsford Reservoir)
A variety of walks around the Pitsford Reservoir. The walk is perfect for walkers with buggies.

Shropshire Hills
Five miles around Bishop Castle.

Smethwick
Full details will be published here when confirmed.

Stirlingshire
A walk from Killearn to Blanefield along the ‘pipe track’.

Sussex (South Downs)
With stunning views over the South Downs, this sponsored walk starts and ends at Devil’s Dyke.

Westonbirt Arboretum
Explore the Silk Wood area in Westonbirt Arboretum with a choice of a 5km or 10km walk.

Yorkshire Wolds
A gentle stroll through the beautiful Wolds countryside.

Mar 14:

Oxfordshire (Northmoor Trust)
Take a walk around the beautiful Northmoor Trust Estate and see the oldest known planted hilltop beeches in England. This walk is on Sunday 14 March.

For contact details for these walks and to check others that may be added go to http://www.walkforvso.org.uk/join-a-walk/walks.asp#0

Or organise a walk http://www.walkforvso.org.uk/organise-a-walk/

International Women’s Day Celebrations 2010 Lancashire

This year Women at the Gregson (WAGs)**, with help from with The Dukes, the Gregson, Lancashire County Council and Diversity Radio, have put together an amazing series of women-only and mixed events through February and leading up to IWD on 8 March (or rather the Saturday before – 6 March!)

Events In Lancaster

4 – 27 Feb My Mother Said I Never Should
The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
See the Dukes’ website for info on times and prices.
—————————————–
A touching, funny and moving drama telling an intimate tale of mothers, daughters and how the world changes, people move on, but feelings remain the same.
Recommended for ages 11+
What did your mother say you never should? View our blog and submit your story. http://things-my-mother-said-i-never-should.blogspot.com/
Box Office: 01524 598500

12 Feb – 8 March. 10am – 10pm Women’s Art Exhibition: Things My Mother Didn’t Tell Me
The Dukes Gallery, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
One of three free exhibitions for International Women’s Day
—————————————–
Mothers are always telling their children what they should or shouldn’t do and, for many of us, our Mums are storytellers, giving us an insight into our family history. What didn’t your mother tell you? Are you glad she didn’t tell you certain things and left you to find out for yourself, or are there things you wish she had told you? Perhaps she kept secrets from you or only partially told you things because she wanted to protect you.

12 Feb – 12 March. 11am – 11pm Women’s Art Exhibition: Women at Work and Play
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
One of three free exhibitions for International Women’s Day.
Women undertake a huge variety of paid and unpaid work and many of them work hard as well as play hard.

18 + 27 Feb, 2-4pm Recycled Fashion Workshops
4 March. 7.30-9.30pm Recycled Fashion Workshops
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
Bring along all your recyclable (clean) rubbish; old clothes, curtains, newspapers, crisp packets, string, wire, ribbon, bubble wrap, etc ….. and make a stunning, wearable creation to be a part of the RUBBISH FASHION SHOW on March 6th which will form part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day 2010.
Admission: £2 per workshop. For further details contact Carole on 07951 459 879 or e-mail: carolehunt@fsmailnet
Women only event.

1 – 15 March. 10am – 4pm Women’s Art Exhibition: Women and Food
The Whale Tail Cafe, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN
One of three free exhibitions for International Women’s Day.
—————————————–
Theme: The relationship women have with food, whether through producing, growing, preparing, cooking, eating or sharing it.
(This exhibition is upstairs. Unfortunately this building has no lift.)

1 March. 1.30pm + 7.30pm Half Moon presents ‘Begin / End’
The Dukes DT3, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
—————————————–
Sometimes things just end, not like in films and on TV, not with explosions and music and fights; they just dissolve and disappear.
A gang of two inseparable friends breathe freedom and possibility during two heady years of adventure, but something unspoken grows between them. As relationships form and dissolve, it is the beginning and the end of everything.
Suitable for ages 14+
www.halfmoon.org.uk / www.halfmoonbeginend.blogspot.com
£9 / £5 A limited amount of FREE Tickets available for Under 26s. Visit http://www.dukes-lancaster.org for more information. Box Office: 01524 598500

6 March 10am – 4pm IWD Women’s Information Day
Women Only.
International Women’s Day Celebrations
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
There will be a wide range of stalls offering:
* Info and advice on local services and activities for women
* Info on international issues affecting women
* Cultural links between women
* Alternative therapies (inc free taster sessions)
* Natural toiletries and treats to buy
* Craft demonstrations
* Food + Refreshments
12 – 2pm: live music and dance entertainment.
Free

6 March. 8pm Women’s Rubbish Fashion Show
Women Only.
International Women’s Day Celebrations
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
For your amazement and delight! Stunning costumes made from recycled rubbish will be showcased on the catwalk.
the fashion show will be followed by dancing to tunes provided by Diversity Radio’s very own DJ Sheelagh Hoolihan.
Tickets: £4.50 / £3.50 from the Gregson Bar or the WAGs stall at the Women’s Information Day earlier.
The fashion show is preceded by three Recycled Fashion Workshops for entrants on 18 + 27 Feb (2-4pm) and 4 March (7.30-9.30pm). (See listings above)

7 March. 9.45am – 12pm Women’s Breakfast at the Whale Tail Cafe
Whale Tail Cafe, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN
Ist floor, no lift, sorry.
—————————————–
Whether you like to start your Sunday morning with just a coffee, a bowl of cereal, or a full cooked english, join us for a leisurely breakfast, relaxing morning and interesting company in the aftermath of the International Women’s Day celebrations.
Free entry – buy your own breakfast!

7 March. 8pm Lucy Porter: Fool’s Gold
The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
—————————————–
“Porter’s inspired silliness puts a smile on everyone’s face” The Guardian.
Lucy Porter’s latest solo show is a witty romp through the history of gold.
In these times of recession when other forms of currency grow worthless, gold is prized more highly than ever. What’s so special about gold, and why is it that human beings have long been obsessed with the yellow, shiny stuff? The show will feature live alchemy, a tribute to Mr T. and a very valuable, big gold thing with security guards and everything!
£13 / £11
www.lucyporter.co.uk.

8 March. 8pm Women’s Informal Get-Together
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
Following on from the International Women’s Day Celebrations, a get together for women in the Gregson bar for a drink, laughs, chat and talk about what you did and didn’t like about the IWD events.

11 March. 7.30pm International Women’s Peace Service – Non-Violence in Action
Gregson Centre, 33 Moorgate, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 3PY
—————————————–
In the Gregson Cinema, talk by Alys Jenkins about the work of the IWPS in the West Bank, Palestine.
Free Entry – donations welcome.

12 + 13 March. 7.30pm Handful of Henna
The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QE
Friday + Saturday 12 + 13 March 2010
Written by Rani Moorthy
Directed by Karen Simpson
—————————————–
13-year-old Nasreen is plucked from the life that she knows and dragged back to the family village thousands of miles away. As the monsoon rains pour down, Nasreen is surrounded by the wagging tongues of relatives, about to discover some unexpected truths. Based on real stories from Muslim women, this is a joyous and touching story about the mystical power of henna and one girl’s journey to understanding her mother.
Rasa last came to The Dukes with the fantastic one woman Curry Tales starring Rani Moorthy, writer of this moving and visually stunning show.
£12 / £9 A limited amount of FREE Tickets available for Under 26s.
Visit http://www.dukes-lancaster.org for more information
Box Office: 01524 598500

Check http://www.virtual-lancaster.net/iwd2010.html#wag

—————————————–
** Women at the Gregson (WAG)

Although International Women’s Day has been an annual celebration for almost 100 years, in recent years little has taken place in the Lancaster and Morecambe district to mark this event.

On 8th March 2009 six women got together at The Gregson to informally mark the day. As a result of this, it was agreed to meet on a monthly basis and make the group open to any woman in the district who wished to attend. Initially, the group met to discuss a range of issues and topics but, after meeting 2-3 times, and more women becoming involved, it was decided to also organise an event for International Women’s Day 2010.

The group meets on the second Sunday of each month to discuss topics, issues and ideas. Additionally, further meetings take place to organise the International Women’s Day event for 2010.

International Women’s Day – A Cabaret of Wonders – RISC in Reading

Dance, music, art, theatre and magic from fantastic female artists and performers

Friday 5th March 2010 from 20:00 until 01:00
IWD event @ RISC 35-39 London St | Reading | RG1 4PS |
Entry: £5

Tickets are now on sale at RISC and details about the line up of our amazing Cabaret of Wonders will be released soon, so watch this space!

International Women’s Day, established in 1918, celebrates the many amazing achievements by women, both past and present.

To join the global celebration for IWD, education charity RISC and creative collective TAG will once again be hosting an extravagant cabaret of wonders, with female artists, musicians, and performers showcasing their talent, entertaining the crowd, and raising the profile of the amazing women of Reading and beyond!

Come and enjoy this exciting event, relax in the audience, absorb the vibrant atmosphere, watch live performance, chat to new people, interact with art and installation, and dance until late to some of the world’s best female electronica.

Tickets are £5, and on sale at RISC’s World Shop and Global Café or on the door.

To see pictures from last year’s sold out event, visit http://www.tagcollective.co.uk

To get involved or for more information email femail@tagcollective.co.uk

In the meantime, check out the TAG Collective website, for details of other events taking place across Reading.

http://www.tagcollective.co.uk

RISC – is Reading’s Development Education Centre, working with schools and community groups to raise the profile of global issues and promote action for sustainable development, human rights and social justice.

TAG – a collective of artists, musicians and performers striving to develop better platforms for female creativity, raising profiles and cultivating collaborations.

Check http://www.risc.org.uk/events/event.php?id=47&PHPSESSID=3666e71540a73e4341745f4bc1c170de

Oxford International Women’s Festival 2010 – Grass Roots and Glass Ceilings – 28 Feb-14 March

The Oxford International Women’s Collective organises an annual festival taking place from February to March celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March.

The Festival celebrates the creativity of women through theatre, music, talks, exhibitions and workshops, while recognising the struggles for equal rights at work and at home, for trade union recognition, improved working conditions, good childcare facilities and for women’s voices to be heard.

The Festival celebrates Oxford women’s achievements in the arts, sciences, workplace and home. It aims to highlight women’s local, national and international issues and support individual women and organisations who are campaigning for equal rights. The Festival includes women of all races, backgrounds and interest groups. The Festival celebrates the many ways women contribute to Oxford’s social, economic, political and cultural life. This includes their contribution to women’s national and local issues.

Festival 2010 – Grass Roots and Glass Ceilings

• Sunday 28 February Festival Launch ‘Grass Roots and Glass Ceilings’
• Sunday 28 February – Sunday 14 March Grass Roots and Glass Ceilings Art Show
• Sunday 28 February – Saturday 13 March A Celebration of the Female Form: 100 Portraits of Women
• Sunday 28 February Women Anthropologists and the Pitt Rivers Museum
• Monday 1 March Grassroots Feminist Film Night
• Tuesday 2 March Birthrites
• Wednesday 3 March – Saturday 27 March Common Threads: Exhibition of Patchwork Panels
• Wednesday 3 March Oxford Amnesty International Women’s Group: From Grass Roots to Glass Ceilings
• Thursday 4 March Leading the Way from Grass Roots to Glass Ceilings
• Thursday 4 March Foursight Theatre and Talking Birds presents Forever in Your Debt
• Friday 5 March Every Woman Celebration Day
• Saturday 6 March Queer Oxford History Walk
• Saturday 6 March ‘Phenomenal Women’: Spotlight on Women of African Heritage
• Saturday 6 March Ceilidh with the Kismet Ceilidh Band
• Sunday 7 March Dissolving Spiritual Glass Ceilings
• Sunday 7 March Multicultural Textiles: Open Workshop and Exhibition of Work in Progress
• Monday 8 March Aung San Suu Kyi: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Burma
• Tuesday 9 March Dorothy Hodgkin Memorial Lecture Centenary Celebration
• Tuesday 9 March Let’s Talk about Sex!
• Tuesday 9 March Red Box – Where Women Meet
• Wednesday 10 March Creative Women, Creative Children
• Wednesday 10 March Redbridge Traveller Women’s Group
• Thursday 11 March Angels with Aspirations
• Thurs 11 March Strictly Latin American
• Friday 12 March Women’s Liberation @ 40 – Continuities and Changes
• Friday 12 March Creative Connection Women
• Friday 12 March Women Reaching Women Water Day
• Friday 12 March Reel Women Screening
• Saturday 13 March Women’s Liberation @ 40 – Continuities and Changes
• Saturday 13 March Hey Good Looking?
• Saturday 13 March Breaking Through
• Saturday 13 March Diversity and Rhythm
• Saturday 13 March The Good Grief it’s a Goddess… Banquet and Ball!
• Sunday 14 March ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ at Wittenham Clumps

Check http://www.oxfordwomen.co.uk/Festival10.html

For further information about the Oxford International Women’s Festival contact:

Debbie Hollingsworth – Chair
Tel: 07812 350 892
Email: ruskin_ok@hotmail.com

Anne Mobbs – Treasurer/Fundraiser
Tel: 01865 553755
Email: am67@hotmail.co.uk

Christine Eady – Secretary/Co-ordinator
Tel: 01865 245793
Email: christine.eadywat@tiscali.co.uk

Celebrating International Women’s Day, 8th Mach 2010 – Fundraising for V-Day

Fundraising for Eve Ensler’s V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls
New Players Theatre, 5th to 20th March 2010

PRESS NIGHT: 5TH MARCH at 7.30pm

A showcase of feminine and feminist talent across theatre, comedy and film with talks and workshops, SYNT has exclusive rights to stage The Vagina Monologues and also presents A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, a selection of monologues edited by Eve Ensler that includes the premiere of Maya Angelou’s Woman Work, as part of the City of Joy Gala on 20th March.

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. V-Day is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery.

PROGRAMME

THEATRE: The Vagina Monologues
5th at 7.30pm, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th at 8pm, 20th 2.30pm,
£20 (£15 conc)
*UK EXCLUSIVE*

After a sell-out run in 2009, this newly reimagined version of Eve Ensler’s hilarious and provocative classic returns by special permission, exclusively granted in the UK to SYNT. Proceeds will benefit local and international charities working to end violence against women.

FILM: Until The Violence Stops
14th March 3pm,
£6
*UK EXCLUSIVE*

Extraordinarily empowering and heartbreakingly funny, this Sundance favourite chronicles how Eve Ensler’s hit off-Broadway solo show The Vagina Monologues grew into V-Day, an international grassroots movement to stop violence against women and girls. Proceeds will benefit local and international charities working to end violence against women. 70mins

THEATRE: Up The Café de Paris
8th, 10th and 11th March 8pm, 9th and 12th March 6pm,
£20 (£15 conc)

A cast of two women deftly recreate a myriad of characters in a journey that reaches its climactic conclusion as the Café de Paris is razed to the ground by a bomb attack on 8th March 1941. Created by Hannah Kimpton, Andi Osho and Lewis Barfoot.

CABARET: See You Next Tuesday Late Night Lucky Dip Cabaret
9th and 16th March 10pm,
£10

Featuring the best of burlesque, scintillating circus acts, sketch comedy, musical variety, and more, these late-night grab-bag events offer an hour of non-stop entertainment, including Circus duo Will Davis, Jackie Le of Aerialism and Alicia Clarke of the Volupte Lounge.

COMEDY: Funny Women: Stand Up to Stand Out Workshop
11th March, 5.30pm
£35

Find your comic voice: Stand Up to Stand Out lets women to explore their funny side to build self confidence, improve relationships and enhance communications. Over the last seven years over 1,000 women have found their comic voice through these Funny Women workshops which help to improve confidence and communication skills by working with other women to explore how empowering a humorous approach to life can be

WORKSHOP: Funny Women: Writers and Performers Forum,
13th March, 3pm
£25

In the run up to this year’s Funny Women Awards, recognising that women are natural collaborators, Funny Women are hosting an event where performers and writers can interact. Special guests include women who are both writers and performers – Janice Connolly (Mrs Barbara Nice), Kiki Kendrick, Carrie Quinlan and Meryl O’Rourke. The evening will be hosted by Annabel Giles.

TALK: Funny Women: Not Just A Pretty Face
15th March, 5.30pm
£25

Veteran comedy producers Funny Women take on the ‘airbrush culture’ of big media in this Cultural Change Forum, featuring guest speakers from across media disciplines, including television, radio and print.

COMEDY: Funny Women presents: Sex Lies and Lots of Cake
18th March, 8pm
£15 (£12 conc)

The comedy show that gives a girl everything she wants in one easy package – stand up, sketch and music with a bit of hanky panky.

THEATRE: Lady In Bed
14th March 8pm
£12

Fresh from the Camden Fringe, this one-woman autobiographical show takes the audience on a quest for love and sexual adventure from the 1970’s to the present. Critically acclaimed writer and performer Alison Goldie plays all the characters in this lively, funny and moving tour de force.

THEATRE: Belly Dancing For Beginners
14th March 6pm,
£10

Six women living in a rural English village find their lives changed forever by the arrival of a mysterious Egyptian woman and her belly dancing classes. She pushes them to understand themselves, but can they understand each other? An exotic journey into love, friendship and bellydancing…

THEATRE / MUSIC: City of Joy: Gala for the Women of the Congo,
20th March 8pm
£25

Gala fundraiser for the City of Joy, a one-of-a-kind safe house and empowerment centre for survivors of sexual violence in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, due to open in May 2010 and founded by V-Day and UNICEF. Featuring celebrity guest speakers, debut performances of new writing by Maya Angelou, Edward Albee, Lynne Nottage and more from the groundbreaking new compilation A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, with a grand finale of music and dancing from Congolese powerhouse Kasai Masai.

WORKSHOP: Company FZ Workshop Hosted by Flick Ferdinando
13th March 11am – 1pm,
£20 (£18 concs)

A workshop on how to be ridiculous whilst keeping your dignity. Using clown and physical theatre techniques the participants will be lead through a short workshop by the experienced physical comedienne Flick Ferdinando.

FILM: Leaving + Q&A
15th March 8pm
£8

Winner of multiple awards, including Best Film (London Film Festival) this short film by Richard Penfold and Sam Hearn of Omni Productions stars Johnny Harris (London to Brighton, RocknRolla) and Keirston Wareing (Fish Tank, The Take) and explores the dangerously entangled cycle of an abusive relationship. Q+A with actors and domestic violence charity Woman’s Trust.

CABARET: All The King’s Men
11th and 12th March 10pm,
£10

Electrifying modern vaudeville from this wildly popular award-winning all-female cabaret troupe, playing over fifty gender-bending characters in an hour of pop-cultural satire, dance, scene work, storytelling, socio-political commentary, burlesque, multi-media, comedy and drama.

THEATRE: Tomboy Blues
19th March 10pm,
£10

Fresh from the Barbican Theatre Plymouth, this powerful show explores what happens to the tomboys abandoned by 90% of women as they grow up in an hour of live art, theatre, faux science, storytelling, dance and song.

Further information: http://www.vday.org/ and http://www.newplayerstheatre.com/

TicketWeb 08444 771 000 / http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/ or

Soho Theatre 020 7478 0135 / http://www.sohotheatre.com/

Transport: Embankment