International Women's Day 2011 - your events!

Happy International Women's Day from all of us here at the Women's Resource Centre! This International Women's Day is a particularly special one as it marks the 100th anniversary of the event.

Across the country and the world women activists will be holding events all week to celebrate the achievements of the women's sector and to campaign on issues that affect women's rights worldwide.

To commemorate International Women’s Day we have set up this page to:

• Showcase events being hosted by our members and beyond.
• Buy our cards (see picture on the right hand side), read other blogs to see

So if you have an event to share - email us at info@wrc.org.uk

In addition, check our social media sites for the latest on what's going on - Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

There is also a good list of events going on acroos the UK here.

Join our IWD celebration

WRC will be celebrating IWD in our office, why not come and join us. Full details and a downloadable invitation here.

WRC IWD Day Cards

Want to send a IWD card to friends and family? Look no further than our IWD day cards! Buy through Paypal here.

Events

Friday 4 March

International Women's Day, Darlington

Open Clasp Theatre at Bondgate Methodist Church from 7.00pm will be delivering their new production of Blue Giro.

This drama piece deals with the often unspoken issue of sexual violence. It is hoped that we can dispel some of the myths around this little spoken subject. In addition, the annual women's dinner will be held at Bannatynes Hotel Darlington, on Wednesday 9th March, 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

Contact - Joy Easterby, Domestic Abuse Coordinator, 01325 346712 (Ext 3712), Mobile 07867585532, e-mail: joy.easterby@darlington.gov.uk

Saturday 5 March

Million Women Rise March, London

MWR's annual march to end male violence against women. For more information look at the flyer or contact the relevant person using the number on the MWR website.

MWR is also looking for stewards, so if you can help phone 07727 419634 or email info@millionwomenrise.com

International Women's Day celebration - Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Women’s Network is inviting women to celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day with entertainment, stalls and a buffet.

The event is from 6.00 - 9.30 pm at Walthamstow Academy,
Billet Road, London, E17 5DP. Great Raffle prizes and only £5 per person, children under 5 yrs go free

For further information and tickets please contact:
admin@wfwn.net or call Alison: 07906 553 893 or Shireen: 07939 546 849

Sugar and Spice 5  - celebrating 100 years of International Women's Day

Next week marks the centenary of International Women’s Day (IWD), and here at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation we are celebrating 100 years of inspirational women.

The LGF’s annual IWD event Sugar & Spice takes place this Saturday (11am – 6pm); drop by and meet new people, try new skills, pick up info, air your views, get involved and have loads of fun with a range of activities including; Zumba dancing, self defence, drumming, women’s history, comedy and drag king work-shops and much, much more.

Coin Street Women's History Walk, London

11am - a FREE Women’s History Walk – around Borough and North Southwark looking at women of historical significance from the area as part of celebrations for International Women’s Day. Both men and women welcome to attend the walk!

The walk is roughly an hour in length and are free to attend. Places are limited and you must book onto the walk in advance by contacting Laura on l.cowell@coinstreet.org or 020 7021 1600.

Women and Health, London

Come and celebrate International Women's Day at Women + Health. It’s their 25th birthday and also the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day!

The event involves FREE taster sessions of some of the treatments and services provided at the Centre Healthy food and drinks Challenge yourself with a Health Quiz Oils and books for sale, including a special anniversary oil.

All to celebrate 25 years of low-cost counselling,
complementary therapies, carers projects, groups & classes
for women in Camden. Ring 020 7482 2786 for details, or to book a place in the crèche.  From12 - 4.30 at 4 Carol Street, London NW1 OHU.

Life in a Handbag, London

A handbag is a woman’s best friend, a woman’s own private little sanctuary; a mystery to everyone but herself! As bits and pieces of a woman’s personality and life come together in her handbag. Explore self-development using the ‘handbag’ metaphor. An event for women by women with four sessions to choose out of many.

Registration essential. email: event@innerspace.org.uk

Once you have registered, you will receive an e-form to choose your 4 sessions. Organised by: Inner Space - 0207 836 6688,  www.innerspace.org.uk

Dorset Women's Day, Dorset

This year's Dorset Women's Day is at the Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester. Parking is avaiable in the Pay and Display Car park opposite the venue, or at Magna Housing , on Poundbury Road - about five minutes walk.

As usual this is a free event, and a free creche is being provided by PlayPlus. There are workshops on jewellry making, domestic violence awareness, massage, knitting and more. For more details go to the Women's Action Network Dorset website.

Centenary of IWD - Sheffield Town Hall

A public event to kick off a week of activities to mark the centenary of International Women's Day

Event includes speakers, stalls, workshops, song & dance plus a quiz and at 1.00pm an outdoor ‘mexican wave’ publicity stunt to involve local women in raising awareness of Violence Against Women & Girls – organised by Sheffield WAVES, voluntary sector forum of domestic and sexual abuse organisations.

From 11am
Venue: Sheffield Town Hall

Week of 8 March, Oxfam's 'A Bit of A Do', nationwide

During the week of 8 March 2011, join Oxfam to celebrate women's achievements for International Women's Day.

Do dinner, do drinks, do dancing, do something – however you decide to celebrate, you'll be helping women in poverty.

For more information go the website.

The Creative Healing Playshop : Planning your sacred and creative life - London

In this workshop you will learn the art of setting a goal that will actually work. How to create a relationship with yourself by developing a sacred practice. We will use creative art techinques and healing exercises movement and adornment. You will also learn the ancient secrets to developing a relationship with your inner goddess. Come join us to share in this sacred circle.

This workshop is a part of a series of workshops taken from the Creative Healing Playbook... be part of a new creative circle.

For enquiries contact Michelle on info@mjfontaine.co.uk or call 07561540005. t: 0203 2865964 (no telesales)

Tickets £50, please book online
This is an International Womens Day Event on behalf of M.J Fontaine

Sunday 6 March

Manchester 's International Women's Day Celebration

Manchester City Council is marking the 100th anniversary with a celebration at the Town Hall. Join for FREE entertainment, debates, workshops and much more from 13:00 - 16:00, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square.

For more details about the day and for information about a host of other International Women's Day celebrations across the city over the month of March, check out their Diary of Events (bottom of the linked page) or contact Alex Keelan -
Email: a.keelan@manchester.gov.uk or Telephone: 0161 234 4263

Monday 7 March

Women and the Global Economic Crisis, TUC, London

On the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day the
TUC will be highlighting the global fight back against the
disproportionate impact that the global economic crisis has
had on women all over the world.

The event on 7th March look at the UK fight against savage, ideologically driven cuts that are hitting the women and the poorest hardest and hollowing out public services and also stand in solidarity with our sisters around the world in their battles for equality and social justice.

Speakers include Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary and minister for equalities and Frances O'Grady, deputy secretary general of the TUC.

Please RSVP to Tanya Warlock on twarlock@tuc.org.uk
t: 020 7467 1357

Tuesday 8 March

International Women's Arts events, Exeter

International Women's Arts are hosting a series of events on IWD day itself. For more details go to their website or email info@internationalwomensarts.org

A Celebration of Women Through the Ages, Ormskirk

Please join the West Lancashire Women's Refuge for an evening of entertainment to honour women through the ages including some comedy acts and real stories of strong women through the ages.

At Edge Hill University Wilson Building W1, Ormskirk. West Lancashire Women's Refuge is a registered charitable organisation, which provides a refuge for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence. For more information go to their website.

Wonderful Welsh Women, Swansea

Soroptimist International Wales South is celebrating 100 years of International Women's Day and Welsh Women's achievements at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

Includes workshops on cardmaking, exploring the history of Welsh women at work and home through objects, an enterprise workshop on running small businesses and more! For more information email angela.ball2@ntlworld.com.

Women’s Wellbeing Fair & Exhibition, Hillingdon

The Hillingdon Women’s Centre is hosting a fair to celebrate the achievements of Women in Hillingdon and to mark the occasions of the Silver Anniversary of Hillingdon Women’s Centre & the Centenary of International Women’s Day. The fair will highlight support services available to women in Hillingdon and offer a range of health & wellbeing activities to attendees.

The event is from 9.30am – 5.30pm (set up from 7.30am & close down after 5.30pm) at The Mall Pavilions, High Street, Uxbridge. For more information please contact Jill Lynch at the Hillingdon Women's Centre at hillingdonwomen@aol.com

International Women's Day at Addaction, Brent

Addaction Brent are holding an event in partnership with Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) and Westminster Drug Project (WDP) from 11am to 3pm on Tuesday, 8th March, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

To honour IWD we are offering a day of pampering to these women whose lives have been affected by substance abuse. We would like invite all female service users and female staff, with the objective of enabling them to embrace the woman within and start to make positive lifestyle changes.

Please see flyer: addaction.pdf (196.67KB) for further details and RSVP by Thursday, 3rd March 2011.

NAADV celebrates IWD, Newham

Join Newham Action Against Domestic Violence (NAADV) for their IWD celebration for tea, cupcakes, speakers, poetry and a chance to meet NAADV staff. From 12-2pm at St Marks Community Centre, Tollgate Road, Beckton. Feel free to wear purple!

Culture Kitchen WEN event, London

Women's Environmental Network are hosting a 'Culture Kitchen' event, celebrating culture and diversity through food growing and feasting! For more information see the flyer: CultureKitchenFlyerfinA4.pdf (3520.15KB)

Very Important Females Present, Wigan

Very Important Females Present is a day event in Wigan to celebrate young women's achievements and the impact of positive youth work with girls and young women. There will be workshops, guest speakers, a Fair Trade display/raffle and more. The event is free. For more information contact Deb Hall on 07956465729 or email DM.Hall@wigan.gov.uk

Centenary of International Women's Day, Newcastle

The Women Reaching Women Project of the Women's Institute and Newcastle City Council is hosting a celebration of the centenary of International Women’s Day with speakers, choir, workshops and stalls by many women’s groups.

The theme is female education in the region and in developing countries particularly looking at Millennium Development Goal 2 – achieving universal primary education.

This event welcomes all women, so please join us for an interesting and entertaining day. The venue is the Turbine Hall, Castle Gate, Melbourne St, Newcastle upon Tyne.

International Women's Day Seminar - Opportunity Knocks! League of Jewish Women, London

Opportunity Knocks - But does it for women everywhere? Examining opportunities for women in the wotkplace around the world at the League of Jewish Women office. Entrance by ticket only on prior application to LJW. For more information go to the League of Jewish Women website.

Golborne IWD day celebration, London

A series of discussions, live music and films (including WRC's own 'why women?' video!). The women-only event is from 4.30pm at Inn on the Green, 3-5 Thorpe Close, London.

For more information contact Isis - isis@isisamlak.com

Latin American Women's Rights Service fundraising party, London

Mestizo Restaurant & Tequila Bar is kindly sponsoring a fundraising party for LAWRS for International Women's Day

We'll be putting on our dancing shoes, and would love you to join us! Bring your partners, friends and workmates for Mestizo's famous tacos, be serenaded by Mariachis and dance to some Latin beats, all for a great cause.

Knock back a drink on the house and come and make your bids in our fabulous auction! Event starts from 7pm on Tuesday 8th March. Buy tickets here.

Women on the Bridge, nationwide/global

Women for Women International will be marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day by holding another Join me on the Bridge campaign.

Women, children and men will be joining together on bridges across the world, holding up banners, making a public statement that 'Stronger Women Build Bridges of Peace' and supporting women in war-torn areas. For more information on events in your area check out their website.

Women's Achievements - Past, Present and Future, Manchester

A day of stalls, activities, workshops and entertainment at the Pankhurst Centre in Manchester, celebrating women's achievements over the last 100 years and reflecting on what has still not been achieved.

Creative writing, dance, drama and music workshops will run in the afternoon and a buffet lunch will be provided. In the evening we will have music and entertainment. For more information go to the Pankhurst Centre website.

International Women's Day - Wales, Bangor

A day that is a reflection of our struggles, a celebration of achievements and a call for action for all that is yet to change.

Event includes discussions on the diverse needs of women in Wales, what IWD means on its 100th anniversary, the effect of the global economic downturn on women and more (poster: Welshwomensaid.pdf (31.97KB))

To book or for more information, please contact Becky Jones or Emma Harris; beckyjones@welshwomensaid.org.uk or emmaharris@welshwomensaid.org.uk. This is a free event but you will be charged if you book but do not attend.

Her Centre Wellness event - Charlton Village, London

In keeping with its tradition of celebrating International Women’s Day and marking the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future, the Her Centre is holding a free wellness and relaxation event for women to express appreciation for their contribution to our society.

The event will be on 8 March 2011 at Charlton House/Library, Charlton Village, SE7 8RE, from 10:00 – 15:00. The theme for this year is Women and Health – Body and Mind.

Majlis Women Unplugged - Birmingham

Showcasing an eclectic mix of women performers from across Birmingham, in celebration of International Women’s Day 8th March 2011. A unique gathering of women with a shared passion for the arts, poetry, writing & music. Whether you want to spin us a yarn, spit your bars, hit us with your punch line, wax us lyrical with your prowess, or simply sway us with your sultry sounds…Majlis is the place for you. Join us for a great night – all women welcome!

Entry: £2 on the door

Venue:Coffee Lounge, 10/11 Navigation Street, City Centre, Birmingham, B2 4BS, (opposite the Victoria exit from New Street Station/NCP Car Park)

For further information:
Email: shahidachoudhry@aol.com
Mobile: 07583 870568

In Solidarity, In Defiance: Women of the Revolution - London

On the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, women throughout the Middle East and North Africa will continue to fight for their human rights. They will be on the streets, on the barricades and online demanding their freedom.

Amnesty International UK is hosting an event to celebrate women's activism and to look at what's next for women's human rights in the region.

Entrance is free, but please book your attendance
Venue: Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
From 6.30pm

International Women's Day - Wales, Aberystwyth

A series of speakers and performances in celebration of International Women's Day at Aberystwyth University Student Union from 11am to 4pm. Leaflet: IWD Aberystwyth.pdf (71.38KB)

Celebrating 100 Years of International Women’s Day - Balsall Heath

A day of fun and pampering; Guest Speakers; Awards to Community women;

Stalls; Free hot lunch; Entertainment; Mehndi & Lots more; Crèche (booked in advance only)

Time: 10am – 2pm
Venue: Balsall Heath Church Centre, 100 Mary Street, Balsall Heath B12 9JU

Contact and Crèche bookings:
Hafizun: 0121 464 8742
Elsie: 07815308180

Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History - London

100 years ago women chanted DEEDS NOT WORDS. They left their houses, came together and decided what actions they would take to change society. They left their homes, stepped out into the streets and made people question what is wrong and what is right.

Tuesday 8th March is the centenary of International Women's Day. Join Climate Rush to mark the 100th year that we have dedicated a day to women.

The effects of climate change are hitting women hardest. Of the 26 million people estimated to have been displaced by climate change, 20 million are women. Who knows how life will be for women in 100 years time?

Venue: Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EP
Time: 7pm - 9pm

Wednesday 9 March

One World Action welcomes UN Women, London

On the 100th anniversary of the first International Women’s Day, join One World Action and Young Fabian Women to discuss the challenges, opportunities and priorities for the new agency with a panel of experts, including: Baroness Glenys Kinnock, Emily Sikazwe (Director of Women for Change, Zambia), Kathy Peach (Head of External Affairs at VSO UK) and Rushanara Ali, MP.

The event is from 6.30 - 8pm, Committee Room 10, Houses of Parliament. For more information and If you would like to attend, please RSVP via email to mwmp@oneworldaction.org

Friday 11 March

Southbank Women of the World Festival, London (to 13 March)

Launching this year, WOW – Women of the World – at the Southbank Centre is a joyous celebration of the formidable strength and inventiveness of women – a pioneering, groundbreaking annual festival, which will present, recognise and celebrate women, and act as a conversation space for issues of all kinds.

For more information on the programme go to their website.

Bit of a swishing do, Birmingham

Women’s Networking Hub is ‘having a bit of a swishing do’ - getting friends together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every woman must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing, or an accessory, that she'd feel proud to hand on.

The event begins at 6pm at the Coffee Lounge in central Birmingham and is on Facebook or call 07583 870 568

IWD Champagne Breakfast, City of London

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. The occasion is marked annually in the City of London and following the overwhelming success of previous International Women’s day events a special breakfast event will take place on the morning of Friday 11 March at the Guildhall, London.

The event will raise money for Women’s charity Refuge that assists women and child victims of domestic violence. For more information or to sponsor a table please contact safercity@cityoflondon.gov.uk or for an individual seat at the event please contact Belinda.Harding@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk

Saturday 12 March

Vamps, Vixens, Feminists and Amazons! The Sphinx Theatre, London

An evening of feminist readings and discussion as part of the Southbank's Women of the World Festival. For more information see the flyer: VampsWOW.pdf (157.33KB) or go to their website.

Older Feminists Network IWD event, London

The Older Feminists Network is hosting Grey Hen poets Ann Alexander, Kate Foley, Gerda Mayer and Joy Howard, will be reading from their anthology "Cracking On" - lively poems about ageing by older women, published by Grey Hen Press, a small independent press.

Michele Hanson will also be coming and reading from her articles on ageing. Conversation/discussion will follow. Venue, Millman Street Community Centre, 50 Millman Street, WC1 3EW. Women can come at any time during the day, from 11.30am. Bring something small for lunch at approx 1pm.

It's My Nite - An Evening of Drama and Dance, London

The Second Wave Centre for Youth Arts in Deptford, London is hosting a Platform performance event of drama, spoken word, dance and lyrics, devised and performed by young people exploring young women’s stories and identity.

The evening, part of International Women’s Week, begins at 7.30pm 7.30pm. For more information contact: Ann Considine on 0208 694 2444.

International Women's Fair, London

Come and celebrate IWD at Spitalfields traders market with a wonderful collection of creative women including artists exhibiting paintings and photography, handmade crafts, books, fashion designers, music, poetry, participatory workshops, fabulous food and great entertainment.

For more information contact alternative arts on 020 7375 0441, email info@alternativearts.co.uk or go to their website www.alternativearts.co.uk. You can also see the flyer: IWF Press Release.doc (26.50KB) .

African Mothers Foundation International, Cardiff

African Mothers Foundation International will be doing something fantastic to celebrate International Women' Day
The organisation will have women form all walks of life who have achieved something to come and share with us in Cardiff especial African Women and they will be a celebration Dinner to fundraise for those who are still left behind in Sub-Sahara Africa..... admission free you donate what you want.. contact Beke on 07949254586 for more information.

Project Zimbabwe, celebrating IWD, London

Please join us at the Miller (just behind Guy’s Campus) on Saturday the 12th for a celebration of a century of change in the lives of women around the world:

From 7:30pm: Open Mic and poetry, and specially created artworks from members of Forward UK, who work to promote the rights of women in Africa.

From 9:30pm we are proud to present our amazing live acts:

It costs only £6 if you book your tickets through Facebook or by email at: projectzimbabwe@googlemail.com

IWD celebration, Rothbury

In honour of women from many walks of life join us to celebrate, connect, tell and hear some incredible stories, be inspired through song.

Take part in creating a wonderful thought provoking time of sharing, learning, and community.

3.30pm – Rough Aunties an Inspirational Film & Compelling Conversation

7.30pm– Concert – The Standing Stones

Plus – Displays, Information, Stalls, Children’s Artwork
TICKETS:, Booking/further information: Penni Blythe-Jones 01669 650467 or penni@centre4creativechange.co.uk

Sunday 13th March

Women for Refugee Women are organising the event Journeys at Southbank as part of the Women of the World weekend on Sunday 13th March at 1pm:

Journeys - Juliet Stevenson and other actors tell the true stories of women who have sought asylum in the UK in an event that will both shock and inspire you. Juliet will then be joined by Natasha Walter, founder of Women for Refugee Women, and by women refugees who can speak from their own experiences, to discuss the injustices faced by women who come to this country seeking refuge and what we can do to help. .

Book tickets through the Women of the World festival.

Tuesday 19th March

Cuban celebration for International Women's Day, London

An evening of live Cuban music, dance and poetry for International Women's Day, plus delicious Cuban food!

Tickets £10 waged, £8 unwaged. Buy online at www.cuba-solidarity.org.uk/tickets.asp or call 0208 800 0155. For more information email office@cuba-solidarity.org.uk

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