Million Women Rise – Breaking the silence of Disabled Women
Eleanor Lisney
Fiona Pilkington caught the headlines when she killed herself and her disabled daughter by setting fire to their car – she had been unable to get help against constant abuse and intimidation from local youths but there are many, many disabled women who are abused, violated and within their own homes. We want you to hear some of those voices from a recent report on Disabled women and domestic violence.
“Oh yes, he would drag me along the floor because I couldn’t walk or get away that was how it would start, the way it always went. He’d insult me with all those names, ‘you spassy’ and so on, ‘who’d want to marry you?’
And he smashed me against the wall, shouting insults, you cripple, all that sort of thing.”
“Because I can’t feed myself and he would go out in the evenings deliberately and I wouldn’t have eaten anything for a twenty-four hour period or more. So that wouldn’t have happened to anybody that could feed themselves.”
In the evenings I’d be exhausted. And being deaf is hard work you know, you have to concentrate so much harder and it’s tiring. And he’d be furious and slap me and kick me awake. And he used to like: ‘Don’t you fall asleep on me, I want a wife, a real wife not an old woman’. And you know it was sex all the time, twice a day and he would shout at me and then hold me down and I hated it, I hated it.”
You know refuge provision is scarce, and accessible refuge provision is almost non existent and many women believed they could not be accommodated according to their needs.
Disabled women are also more vulnerable to sexual assaults in places such as care homes and by their carers. James Watts, sexually assaulted four disabled women at the care home where he worked as a mini bus driver. He was found guilty after one of his victims testified by blinking yes or no to questions from the police.
Michelle Daley
Disabled women continue (even as we speak) to experience physical, mental and sexual abuse. The sad reality is, our voices continue to go unheard by those key services that are set up to assist and support women in vulnerable positions.
Sisters, in order for you to really appreciate the seriousness of our situations experienced by disabled women you must recognise and understand the barriers we experience which can worsen the problems.
For this reason it can be difficult for us to report our abuser or even challenge them especially if we are dependent on them for support. What worries us is that many disabled women are forced to continue to experience brutality and suffering from their abuser. This is a sad and worrying reality!
Also, we must not forget about the experiences of disabled women with multiple identities. For many of us we continue to experience multiple discrimination from within the disability movement, other women, community and society.
Being here today for both of us (Eleanor and myself) is about raising the voices of our disabled sisters. It is also about ensuring our recognition within this struggle for human rights. We close by saying that we all have a responsibility to ensure disabled women are recognised and respected as equals within this struggle for all of our voices to be heard – “we are women too!”.
This is a link to a video clip of their speeches http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzwyVkhfSxo
(See other speakers at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=2010%2B%22milliion+women+rise%22&search_type=&aq=f)
See also:
Photos on MWR facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?v=photos&gid=11516673477
And videos on MWR facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?v=app_2392950137&gid=11516673477
Comment and photos on the f word http://www.thefword.org.uk/blog/2010/03/sister_can_you with links to other pictures and videos
And photos in the Independent http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/the-rights-of-woman-how-far-have-they-advanced-1917579.html?action=Popup (first national paper to acknowledge MWR after 3 years?)
Million Women Rise – After March Celebration
We’ve marched. We’ve rallied. Now’s the time to celebrate.
Come and join us on Saturday 6th March
at The 52 Club, 52 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6EB
From 4.30pm till 1.00am
Wheelchair accessible venue.
Food, live performances featuring Miss Justice, Sarah Bennett and Footsteps.
Music with DJs Shineeye and Mystique.
Sauna, film, poetry and chill-out space.
Entry fee on the door – donation if unwaged, £5 low-waged and £10 waged.
This is a women-only event children and boys under 10 years welcome.
For more information contact Tanja on 07748 904604
Or check http://www.millionwomenrise.com (and for any updates on coaches etc.)
International Women’s Day Event in Southend
Free Entry – All welcome
Come and celebrate International Women’s day with us in Southend –
Our International Bazaar includes:
* Live entertainment – Roma Gypsy Dancers, African Dancing & Drumming, Traditional Indian Dance and more
* Food from around the world,
* Craft stalls,
* Local & Community Information stands,
* Fashion show & lots more!
We are also delighted that Natalie Ellis from the BBC’s Dragon’s Den will be our special guest for this event.
SAVS Turning Tides Neighbourhood Management Partnership with South East Essex College and Southend Borough Council invite you to join them…
Saturday 6th March, 11am-3pm
The Atrium South Essex College, Luker Road, Southend on Sea, SS1 1ND
Contact: Chris at Turning Tides 01702 350478
Email: performance@savs-southend.co.uk
A Rip Roaring night of Live Music, Art and Poetry to celebrate International Woman’s Day
Art of the Dog + Urdang Academy present WE ARE FAMILY
Featuring:
Toy Toy
Penny Metal
Madam
Cut A Shine
Kate Tempest
Lulu and the Lampshades
+
Caribbean Dinner by Shanny’s Shack
Art Auction
Craftivism Antics
Saturday 6th March from 7pm – 1am
£6 before 8pm/£8 after
Old Finsbury Town Hall, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4RP
Buses 38, 19, 341
Nearest tube: Angel
Benefit for Haitain women and women seeking asylum in this country
Organised by artofthedog: a not for profit company who organise comunity based cross generational multicultural events for all the family
BIG HER NIGHT – Toxteth
Saturday 6th March 2010
Toxteth TV on 37-45 Windsor st L8 and will be going out live to http://www.toxteth.tv website at 7.30pm
Only £5 per ticket incl. drinks and nibbles.
All money raised goes to WHISC on Bold St –
Line up includes:
Barbieshop, Jo Bywater, Lonesome Georginas, Hope & Harmony… Choir and the side splittingly hilarious Nurse Karen 101!!
More details via http://www.facebook.com/people/Jo-Bywater/517402810#!/profile.php?v=wall&id=517402810
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
Event to mark International Women’s Day in Perth
A special event to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 6, is open to all women in Perth and Kinross.
Organised by Be Yourself, a voluntary group run by women for women and supported by Perth and Kinross Council, the event will be held at Perth Grammar School from 10am to 3pm next Saturday.
A wide range of workshops and taster sessions will be on offer, including crafts such as felting and weaving, computing and digital photography. Children’s activities and a crèche will also be available; advance booking is required.
Workshop bookings and further information are available by picking up a brochure in your local library, community centre or sports centre, or email perthbeyourself@hotmail.com
International Women’s Day celebration to help raise money for Chester Women’s Aid
Recycling and Re-invention will be the theme when Chester stages its own international women’s day celebration
Chester Women’s Aid supporters have arranged an event to mirror International Women’s Day, which will be held in the Community Centre in Westminster Road, Hoole, Chester, on Saturday, March 6, between 11am and 4pm.
Chester MP Christine Russell will open the event which is designed to be a celebration for women and men of all ages, cultures and religions, to enjoy with or without their families.
Sheila Brookes, who chairs Chester Women’s Aid, said: “In other parts of the world International Women’s Day on March 8 is a public holiday and our event is the closest we can get in this country to celebrating all the amazing women who contribute so much to the communities we live in.”
Entrance is free and there will be a wide range of stalls including toys, books, crafts, jewellery, bric-a-brac, raffle, displays and activities as well as opportunities to raise money to support women and children in crisis as a result of domestic violence.
A café and crèche is available with activities for children.
For details contact 01244 345538 or 07870 277 980 or chesterwomensaid@aol.com
http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/85535/womens-day-celebration-in-hoole.aspx
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
Coaches to Million Women Rise from various cities and mobility bus for march
Million Women Rise takes place in London on Saturday 6th March 2010
Money should not be the reason why a woman cannot get to London for the 6th March.
Please contact us if your area is not listed below.
Disabled Women
Each year MWR has a mobility support van to ensure inclusion of disabled women and women who would have difficulty completing the length of the march. To read about the route, including resting seats and public toilets, click here. If you would like to know more about how MWR can support you to participate in this year’s march, please contact Eleanor – elisney@yahoo.com or phone 07737480378.
Coaches and Minibuses
Please let us know if you can help organise a coach or minibus to London from your local area. We can help connect you with women who live nearby and may also be able to help with fundraising.
Coaches and buses are being arranged to come to London in the following places:
| Birmingham | Shahida | shahidachoudhry@aol.com | 07968 771449 |
| Bradford | Jane | janewriteme@gmail.com | 07931 934422 |
| Hebden Bridge | Emma | emmadecent@talk21.com | 07742 350739 |
| Lampeter Wales | Bridget | fennysnake@googlemail.com | 07703 438688 |
| Leeds | Anna | mothers_against_violence@hotmail.co.uk | 07535 656338 |
| Iris | deafandobese@hotmail.com | 01133 070300 | |
| Manchester | Louise | jpluy@hotmail.com | 07872 015114 |
| Norfolk | Yve | yve.griffiths1@btinternet.com | 07835 608861 |
| Nottingham | Rahni | rahni@roshninotts.org.uk | 01159 881414 |
| South Wales | Tracy | t.carbone@ntlworld.com | 07796 595652 |
| South West | Tracy | newquay@earnshaw.f2s.com | |
| Todmorden | Emma | emmadecent@talk21.com | 07742 350739 |
| London: | |||
| Barking and Dagenham | Margaret | Margaret.Williams@lbbd.gov.uk | 07772 221482 |
COACHES, BUSES, MOBILITY ACCESS
DROP OFF: PARK LANE (PARK SIDE)
PICK UP: PALL MALL – WEST REGENT STREET CENTRAL LONDON
International Women's Day 2010 
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