Archive for the ‘South West’ Category
Bristol’s women honoured for their achievements
Bristol super women of all ages, colours and creeds gathered for a ceremony to recognise their hard work and achievements.
The Women Who Make a Difference Awards is in its 10th year and recognises the great contributions from women in Bristol to the communities in which they live. This year’s ceremony took place yesterday at the Council House on College Green.
Around 100 women gathered to eat lunch and talk before sitting down to listen to speakers and see 38 women recognised for their contributions to life in Bristol.
Margaret Grey, co-chair of the Bristol Women’s Forum, compered the event – and was also given an award in recognition of her own volunteer work.
Jan Ormondroyd, chief executive of Bristol City Council, spoke to the women at the event.
She said: “All women who make a difference to the lives of others have a very interesting story to tell and have often achieved things against the odds.
“It’s a privilege and honour to be here with other women who have made a difference.”
Kalsoom Bashir, who works on the council’s community cohesion team, said at the ceremony: “You are all leading by example and effecting change for the better.
“You work hard for others at the expense of your own personal needs. That’s why it’s a privilege for me to be here and meet you all.”
Among the winners was Paulette Blake, from St George, who has worked voluntarily for over 20 years on mentoring programmes as well as community organisations.
She said: “I have never had an award like this before and I am just really surprised. It’s lovely.”
Laura Welti, 51, of Easton, was honoured for her volunteer work for Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual forum to promote equality.
She said: “I was a bit embarrassed and surprised but it’s a great event.”
More than 40 women were nominated for this year’s awards. The numbers of names put forward have grown since its launch in 1999. Some were awarded for their volunteer work and others for providing an inspiration to other women. There were women at the ceremony who are working as environment champions to improve the quality of life for local people.
Among those given awards were volunteers for the Single Parent Action Network, Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project, Terrence Higgins Trust West – which supports people living with HIV or Aids –- and the Bristol Fawcett Society, a campaign for equality between women and men in the UK on pay, pension, poverty, justice and politics.
Ms Grey said: ‘Many of the people who have submitted nominations have stated how their ‘women who make a difference’ have supported them and others and are very positive role models in their communities.
“The awards have proved a great success since they were launched 10 years ago and with this year’s event attracting more nominations than ever. The contribution of women to the life of the city, economically; socially; environmentally; culturally; politically and financially, is massive.
“It is right that we celebrate this and acknowledge the daily work that is often unheralded.”
Honour Based Violence is Domestic Violence – 10th March – Leeds
International Women’s Day is usually marked on the 8th March each year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. This year Safer Leeds would like to raise awareness of a specific issue affecting many women in our communities.
Honour Based Violence is Domestic Violence
Honour based violence involves a range of abusive behaviour towards someone for perceived immoral acts which causes a family or community to feel shame and dishonour. What constitutes this dishonour depends on those involved – but it can be anything from wearing clothes or choosing a career which the family disapprove of, to marrying outside of the community. The abuse can range in severity and can be both physical and mental. In extreme circumstances, the person believed to have brought ‘dishonour’ upon the family is murdered, this is known as an ‘honour killing’.
Honour based violence cuts across all cultures and communities however, it is most likely to occur in cultures which are male dominated. The majority of the victims are women, although women e.g. sisters and mothers may also play a part in the violence. Honour based violence is not a religious act but often the guilty have tried to justify their action on religious grounds. The key factors are cultural and generational divisions; the victim has often refused to comply with a family or culture’s self-proclaimed code or rules.
Honour Based Violence Event
Banquet Hall, Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR.
10th March 2009 from 1.30pm to 4pm
1.00–1.30 : Tea and coffee
1.30–3.30 : Speakers
3.30–4.00 : The Way Forward – Questions & Answers Session
Nazir Afzal OBE Director, CPS – (CPS perspective on forced marriage cases as honour based violence)
Imkaan – (Provide awareness on raising issues on honour based violence faced by BME women and children)
Philip Balmforth – (West Yorkshire Police’s perspective on specific issues faced by BME women linking to honour based violence)
ACCM Sheffield – (Provide awareness on Female Genital Mutilation and the context in which it occurs)
Places are free but limited. For availability please contact Angela Singh
e: angela.singh@leeds.gov.uk
t: 0113 3952135
m: 07804507749 (for Deaf or hard of hearing people)
f: 0113 3950825
International Women’s Day and the Outstanding Women’s Awards Presentation Badley Stoke
International women’s day and the first outstanding women’s award on Wednesday 4th March 7pm-9pm at Bradley Stoke Community School.
This year Southern Brooks Community Partnership (SBCP) will celebrate international women’s day on Wednesday 4th March 2009 with a fashion show consisting of clothes by Phase Eight, traditional clothes from Africa and Asia as well as fair trade clothes. In the market palace there will be free cheese and wine and stalls selling jewellery, handbags, make-up and lots more.
In addition there will be the presentation of Southern Brooks Outstanding Women’s Awards. These awards are to acknowledge and honour the contributions of women in the areas where SBCP work.
Four awards will be presented and will cover: Personal achievement award, community award, Mentor award and Caring achievement award.
Prizes include an overnight complimentary stay at the Aztec hotel including breakfast and dinner for two, a colour consultancy with Jackie Franklin of House of Colour and lots more!
It promises to be an enjoyable and fun evening, so do come along and bring your friends. This is a free women only event and tickets are not required.
Further information is available by calling Winsome on 01454868570 or email winsomebmuir@sbcommunitypartnership.org.uk
International Women’s Day Malvern Event
7th March 2009 at Malvern Youth Centre
Albert Road North, Great Malvern, WR14 2YF
£5 ticket lets you into the event at any time (over 18)
50% of profits will go to women’s charities.
MALVERN FRINGE ARTS supported Event
International Women’s Day Around The World
Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world, including political rallies, business conferences, government activities, networking events, local women’s craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more. So make a difference, think globally and act locally! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.
Daytime Session (12.30 – 6pm) – Café/Food
- 12.30 Exhibition of Local Craft and Artworks including; Batik artwork by Eekbatik, Greetings Cards by Chris Cale. Indian Head Massage, Face painting
2.00 Poetry and Dance Performance by Youth Centre Young Women’s Group.
2.30 Talk: PMT – Kelda White
3.00 Belly Dancing – Nina Falaise
4.00 Pink Disco organised by Youth Centre Young Women’s Group. – £1 (50p to charity)
Evening Session (7.30 til 11pm) – Bar/Café
- 7.30 Doors Open and Bar Open
7.40 Introduction to IWD (Ginny Lee)
7.50 Music: Emma White
8.15 Poetry Open Mic
8.25 Flamenco Dancing – Karina Gracia
8.35 Talk: Fran Doidge – Centre of Wellbeing – www.centreofwellbeing.com
8.40 Music: Classical Quartet (tbc)
9.00 Quiz
9.10 Refreshments
9.30 Talk: by Spiralcentre
9.40 Music: Carol Lee Sampson
10.15 A little more on IWD
10.20 Music: Clare Lucas
10.50 Quiz Results & Prize-giving
‘Women And Their Work’ – presentations by local business women.
‘Women in the World’ Display in Malvern Library, from 2nd to the 7th March.
Display of Batik artwork, unique Greeting Cards, and Jewellery
Presentations of song, poetry and dance by Youth Centre Young Women’s Group. Belly-dancing Workshop. Quizzes with prizes. Face-painting.
Carol Lee Sampson – singer/songwriter
Originating from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Carol has been living in Malvern since 1995, is married to Gareth, (who is a great bass player), with whom she has a son Jack, who is 6. She started penning songs at the age of 9… and they just keep on coming! “I love writing songs that people can relate to – life’s journey takes us through many ups and downs, and there is always a song to help us through! My current CD “Back to Life” is a bit like a journal of the last ten years of my life.” Carol has recorded several albums to date, and has many other songs published by Kingsway Music – a Christian publishing company which is based both here and in the USA. She is currently working on a new CD which will be completed in the next few months. For bookings or further information: carolleesampson@gmail.com
Clare Lucas – singer/songwriter
Claire is a local singer/songwriter performing her own songs along with a pretty eclectic mix of covers from trad folk to Nick Drake, Kelly Clarkson and Bauhaus !!!!
Emma White – singer/songwriter
Emma is 20 and have been singing locally for several years. She started performing in pubs when she was 13 with her dad – Paul White and that led onto several solo spots and supporting roles in many local bands. She sang in an acoustic duo, A&E, which led me to perform in several destinations round the UK, France and Italy, and locally including Malvern West Fest, Malvern Folk festival and the Upton Jazz festival. She is currently performing as a solo artist accompanying herself on piano. She performs a range of styles in her set including pop, jazz, blues and my own material. Her main musical influences are Nina Simone, Sarah McLachlan and Jason Mraz.
Eekbatik – Batik Art
Sarah Jones & Marie-Therese King specialize in Batik workshops & Commissions come and see us at Studio 3, The Fold, Bransford WR5 6JB. Also visit our new website http://www.eekbatik.com. mobile. 07843 685028
£5 ticket lets you into the event at any time (over 18)
50% of profits will go to women’s charities.
http://www.malvern-net.co.uk/mal-net/fringe/2009/20090307_iwd/index.shtm
Remarkable women of Devon are celebrated
A booklet celebrating the remarkable women that Devon has supported will be one of the highlights of nearly a month of events to celebrate International Women’s Day in Devon. Women featured include 18th century botanist Amelia Griffiths, linguist Mary Ann Burgess from Honiton, and ‘blogger’ Lynne Hatwell.
The publication has been funded by Devon County Council and compiled by its Heritage Outreach Officer Katherine Weston. It has been created in celebration of International Women’s Day and features just a few of the many women from the county that have inspirational stories to tell.
Devon County Council is also supporting the celebrations by hosting a conference focusing on the changing role of women in society.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s. Women’s organisations and governments around the world now observe this event annually on March 8th. In some countries International Women’s Day is now an official holiday. Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.
Events in Devon include a march, a concert, the publication of a new booklet on remarkable women in the county, and other exhibitions.
Executive Member for Culture, Cllr Sheila Hobden, said: “All these activities celebrate women’s advancement whilst reminding people of the difficulties faced by women in the past and the issues that women still face today.
“The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and shift in attitude in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that women have now achieved a fairer place in society, while many feminists from the 1970s believe that women still face barriers and much still needs to be changed. However, great improvements have been made and so the tone and nature of International Women’s Day has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.”
Inspirational Women of Devon booklet.
This booklet supports the events happening throughout March and features just a few of the many women, both historical and modern from the county that have inspirational stories to tell. Contributors include: The Bill Douglas Centre, Torquay Natural History Society, the Devon Record Office, Dr Todd Gray, members of the Women’s Outreach Project – run by the Exeter Refugee Support Group, plus many more.
Available from St Stephen’s Church, the Devon Record Office, Exeter Phoenix and other partners. Also available online from March, visit: http://www.devon.gov.uk/record_office.htm
Tuesday 24th February – Sunday 22nd March
Sewing for Peace Exhibition / Exeter Phoenix Walkway Gallery.
The Sewing for Peace Exhibition will tour:
* Exeter University (April/May)
* The Devon Record Office, Exeter (July/August)
* County Hall, Exeter (dates tbc).
Monday 2nd-Friday 27th March. St Stephen’s Church, High Street, Exeter
‘Remarkable Women of Devon’ Exhibition
A look at remarkable historical women featured in Todd Gray’s new book and from the archives at the Devon Record Office.
Sunday 8th March – International Women’s Day Events throughout the day at Exeter Phoenix:
10am-10pm Phonic FM will be hosting a special day for focusing on International Women’s Day. 106.8fm
11.45am Devon Women United for Peace
“Walk for Peace”
Meet in Bedford St, Exeter for a walk down Exeter High Street to Exeter Pheonix.
1pm-4pm Celebrations at Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix Auditorium
Stalls, children’s activities, performance, music, refreshments, and much more including:
The Peace Tree
People are invited to write about their own inspirational woman and write messages or poems for peace on cardboard leaves to hang from the tree. Supported by writers, including Natalie McGrath. Add your inspirational women to our International Women’s Day tree, which will travel on with the Sewing for Peace exhibition!
8pm Exeter Women’s Aid Benefit Concert
Exeter Phoenix Auditorium £6 (£5) / standing.
Featuring the best of the region’s female music artists, including Nuala & The Alchemy Quartet, Jackie Oates, Rebecca Worthley, Hollie Rogers, Rosa Rebecka and Laura Dugmore. Tickets available from Exeter Phoenix Box Office or online: http://www.exeterboxoffice.com
Monday 9th March, 9.30am – 1pm
Women in Devon, Power and Politics Conference
Coaver Conference Facilities, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter.
A Devon County Council sponsored conference to mark International Women’s Day.
Join Julia Neville for this exciting conference, celebrating the changing roles of women in society. Followed by a lively debate entitled ‘Women in Power and Politics.’
- 9.30am: Arrival and light refreshments
10.00am: Talk: Remarkable Women of Devon by Dr Todd Gray
10:45am: Break
11:00am: Keynote speaker Julia Neville
11.15am: Panel and audience debate: Women in Power and Politics
1pm: Close
To secure a place, please contact Katherine Weston, Heritage Outreach Officer, Devon County Council Email: katherine.weston@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01392 384253
Thursday 12th March, 7.30pm-8.30pm. St Stephen’s Church, High Street, Exeter
‘So oft to the movies they’ve been…’ Voices from a Popular Past: tracing a heritage of women’s cinema culture.
Talk by Phd student Lisa Stead.
Join Lisa Stead for a lively talk about how everyday women experienced popular culture in the 1920s through her cinematic research at the Bill Douglas Centre at the University of Exeter.
Thursday 19th March, 7.30pm-8.30pm. St Stephen’s Church, High Street, Exeter.
‘Remarkable Women of Devon’. Talk by local Historian Dr Todd Gray.
Join Dr Todd Gray for a fascinating insight into the lives of historical women from Devon. Discover their unrecognised achievements to Devon’s society.
To book your free place on either talk, please contact Katherine Weston, Heritage Outreach Officer, Devon County Council.
Email: katherine.weston@devon.gov.uk
Tel: 01392 384253
Bristol Link with Nicaragua IWD 09 celebration
Following a packed out event last year, Bristol Link with Nicaragua (BLINC) and Bristol Action for Southern Africa are organising another contribution to the 8 March International Womens Day celebrations .
Speakers from Nicaragua are
* Claudia Lopez from Achuapa’s Fairtrade Sesame Co-operatives,
* Milagros Delgado from the Leon Womens Network against violence and
* Lucia Matibenga, an opposition MP and deputy president of the Zimbabwean Trade Union Congress.
Plus documentaries, live music and lunch!
Sunday 8th March:
12pm-1pm Lunch – hot food served included in the ticket price
12.45pm-4pm – speakers from Zimbabwe and Nicaragua plus films and live music
Colston Hall Bar, Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol BS1
Advance tickets £6 (£5 concessions and BLINC and BACTSA members) available from la Ruca 89 Glos Road BS7 8AS or Southville Deli, 262 North Street, Bedminster BS3 or send a cheque payable to BLINC to A. Hughes, BITA, SSH – St Matthias Campus, UWE, BS16 2JP.
Tickets on the day £7.
Men and women welcome.
Supported by Bristol City Council and the Co-operative Membership.
International Women’s Day Bournemouth
A free event on 8th March at Poole Stadium including stalls, workshops, inspirational women speakers, health advice, live music and much more.
See attached poster for details.
Families welcome and creche facilities available.
Sunday 8 March 2009 from 12:30pm – 04:00pm
Location: Poole Stadium , Stadium Way , BH15 2BP
International Women’s Day events in Exeter
To celebrate inspirational women in Devon and throughout the world, a parade of women is preparing to proudly march through Exeter.
The Walk for Peace parade is just one of a number of events taking place as part of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Sunday, March 8.
Last year 10 Palestinian women, from the war stricken West Bank, visited Exeter to talk about their experiences of living through the decades-old Middle East conflict.
This year promises to be bigger than ever before with a concert, talks and exhibition, all which will bring home the message of what IWD is all about.
Started as a political event, it has since become a major day of global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, marked on March 8 every year.
In the lead up to the day this year, an exhibition is being held throughout March at St Stephen’s Church, High Street, looking at how women’s roles in society have changed using the archives at the Devon Record Office.
More research has been carried out to produce a booklet called Inspirational Women of Devon, featuring the stories of historical and modern women, including that of an Afghan woman currently seeking refuge in Exeter.
Katherine Weston, 30, a heritage outreach officer at Devon Record Office, said: “They are stories of ladies, young and old, and from career women to mothers, who made a difference to society. It will give women an idea about what they can achieve if they want to change their lives. This year IWD has been made a bit bigger in Exeter. People are very positive that it’s going to be really good.”
The following day, Monday, March 9, a talk is being held at Devon County Hall’s Coaver Club to mark the launch of local historian Dr Todd Gray’s latest book, Incredible Women of Devon, and to debate about women councillors in Devon and how their roles have changed.
Another talk, entitled So Oft to the Movies They Have Been, is being led by University of Exeter student Lisa Stead, tracing a heritage of women’s cinema culture.
On Saturday, March 14, Devon Record Office is inviting people to a family history day, helping them trace the female line of their family tree. The day runs from 10am to 4pm and places must be booked in advance. Details: 01392 384253.
The biggest event is the parade and in preparation for it, women from all over Devon have been meeting at Exeter Phoenix to join in a big project called Sewing For Peace.
Women of all ages and backgrounds have been busy sewing their personal symbols of peace onto individual squares which have been incorporated into a large banner and smaller ones which will be carried during the city centre parade next month.
Starting at Bedford Square at noon, the parade will go through the High Street, finishing at Exeter Phoenix where more events will be taking place.
The day will end with a benefit concert from 8pm, in aid of Exeter Women’s Aid, featuring the best of the South West’s emerging female singer-songwriters.
For details, telephone Exeter Phoenix 01392 667080.
Women in Palestine – U.K. tour 3rd to 11th March 2009
The Britain – Palestine Twinning Network – “promoting twinning and friendship links”
The Twinning with Palestine network encourages groups to engage with ordinary Palestinians and share their daily experiences under Israeli occupation with us.
At the November 2007 Twinning with Palestine network AGM, the Women’s workshop decided the network should commit itself to bringing over to the U.K., a group of Palestinian women, to speak and attend rallies on International Women’s Day. It went so well we have decided to make it an annual event. We are now working on the itinerary for the 2009 tour.
National tour of Palestinian Women 2009
This year we have eleven women coming, sponsored by our twinning groups. They will be speaking at towns and cities all over the U.K. where there are twnning groups as well as many other places looking to build links with Palestinian communities. Due to considerable interest and our attempt to squeeze as much in as possible, the planned meetings are changing constantly.
Please bookmark and follow this page http://www.twinningwithpalestine.net/2009womenandpalestine.html or even better join the facebook page or blog, to keep up to date with the latest information.
* Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47141354559
* Blog http://tnwomen2009.blogspot.com/
Twinning groups welcome Palestinian women on speaking tour of Britain for International Women’s Day
2009 Tour – can you help? Please contact us http://www.twinningwithpalestine.net/contact.html
Come and welcome the women in London. We are having a meal near Russell Square to welcome them on 4th March. We need to know numbers before this event, please contact us if you wish to come.
Eleven Palestinian women from all ages and all walks of life will be in Camden on 4th March at the beginning of a speaking tour that will take them all over Britain, from Bristol to Cambridge and Brighton to Newcastle. Two other women will be in Scotland for similar events.
Five students together with workers in education, health and social services, members of women’s groups and members of local twinning committees are being brought to London by different twinning groups that are members of the Britain-Palestine Twinning Network. They will be joining in International Women’s Day celebrations and public meetings on Palestine, as well as visiting universities, schools and workplaces to promote Britain-Palestine Twinning.
Public attention has turned towards Palestine since the Israeli attacks on Gaza in January, said Nandita Dowson, secretary of the Twinning Network, “This is very important because the human rights violations in Palestine are the centre of a knot of trouble that not only affects the Middle East but involves all of us.”
But January 2009 in Gaza is just one part of the story. These women will be telling of the difficulties caused to normal life by the Separation Wall and the brutalities of the Israeli Occupation in the West Bank, which is all part of the Israeli pressure on people in Palestine to leave, because they want the land but not the people in it.
This tour will take these women’s stories to an audience of thousands across the country.
Women coming include;
* Hiba Ayyad, a student whose mother was killed by Israeli soldiers in her own house last September (from Abu Dis, with links to Camden)
* Sirien Sawafteh, who has been involved in building a school for children in the Jordan Valley in a place where Israel says it is illegal for Palestinians to build (from Toubas, with links to Brighton)
* Najat Abdurahme whose village Bil’in is convulsed with problems as the Israelis build the Separation Wall and shoot at peaceful demonstrators every Friday (from Bilíin, with links to Liverpool)
More information is available from 0845 458 1167 or contact@camdenabudis.net
In order to get around and speak in as many areas as possible the women have been divided into five groups.
1. North-west group visiting Liverpool, Pendle, (Manchester), Ormskirk, Preston.
Liverpool (Bel’in). Nursery teacher and on the Committee against the wall.
Pendle (Beit Leed). Health worker and Women’s Committee.
In Liverpool 5th and 6th March. Manchester, Ormskirk, Preston on the 7th and 8th. Pendle 9th and 10th.
2. North-east group visiting Newcastle, (York), (Bradford), Hackney.
Newscastle (Qalqilya). Coordinator of health union committees and a member of women’s society.
Hackney (Beit Surik). Social work in The Regional committee for Rehabilitation.
Newcastle 5th, 6th and 7th March. Hackney 9th and 10th.
3. Midlands group visiting Birmingham, Walsall (Dudley, Telford, Shrewsbury) Watford.
Birmingham / Walsall (Ramallah / Kobar). Translator, Public Relations.
Watford and Luton (Salfeet). Student.
Walsall and Birmingham 5th, 6th and 7th March. 8th, 9th and 10th in Watford.
4. East and south-east group visiting Nottingham, Tower Hamlets, Brighton.
Brighton (Jordan Valley). Student.
Nottingham and Tower Hamlets (Jenin). Secretary in Patients Friends Committee.
Nottingham 5th and 6th March. Tower Hamlets 7th and 8th. Brighton 9th and 10th.
5. West and London group visiting (Bristol), (Slough), Camden, Luton, (St Albans), South East London, Cambridge.
Camden (Abu Dis). Two students.
Cambridge International Women’s day, events in Camden and Tower Hamlets on 7th March. Meetings expected in Bristol, Slough, SOAS/ UCL, Goldsmiths, Luton, St Alban’s, Million Women Rise Demo on 8th (To be confirmed).
Delegates from Oxford (Ramallah) and Dundee (Nablus) will be based in their host towns throughout the tour. Meetings planned in Falkirk and Glasgow.
————————————-
Press release – all about the tour (PDF) http://www.twinningwithpalestine.net/xdocuments/0903pressrelease.pdf
