International Women’s Day 2009

International Women’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, March 8. To mark the event, reporter Debbie Clarke looked at the work of a Kirkcaldy group which supports women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Sharon (not her real name) has described Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid as a lifeline.

Without it, she would still be suffering emotional and physical abuse from her ex-partner.

The 29-year-old told The Press: “He became physically abusive when I fell pregnant. He was very controlling and violent. He would hit me and smash the place up and then afterwards he would be full of apologies and excuses. The police also got involved a few times.

“I was with him for two years but it soon got to the stage where I didn’t want my child growing up in a hostile environment. So I sought refuge.

“I had just had a young baby and had to leave the support of my family and friends. I saw adverts on television, contacted the support lines and was put in touch with Women’s Aid.

“I am in refuge just now and have been since the start of December last year. I can’t go back to the verbal and mental abuse – I had scars on my face and was beaten until I was black and blue.”

Sharon said she couldn’t have managed without Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid.
“It has been a fantastic support,” she explained. “The workers have provided a safe environment for me and my baby as well as peace of mind.

“But it’s not only that – they have given me someone to speak to, offering good advice and they listen without judgement when I speak.

They also help you to arrange things like doctors appointments and to get in touch with a lawyer.

“If it hadn’t been for them, I would still be living in a state of fear and alarm. Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid has been a lifeline for me.”

Sharon advises anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse to seek help: “It is a difficult step to take but you have to break the cycle of violence, especially if you have kids. Do it for them.

“I grew up in a hostile environment and didn’t want that for my baby. Women’s Aid helps you to get your confidence and your independence back without someone scrutinising your every move. There is no looking back for me now.”

Family support worker Janette Bellesini has been with Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid for the past 16 years. She said they help women of all social classes from the age of 16 to 80.

“We provide advice and assistance, refuge and outreach services for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. We have seen a lot more women coming forward in the current economic climate because it is a stressful time. The last few weeks have been manic.”

Janette said the women usually come into refuge for a short period of time, approximately a year and a half, although this depends on individual circumstances.

The women are interviewed and then referred to Fife Council for inclusion on the list for homeless accommodation.

She said: “It is very hard for them because they are leaving everything familiar – their family, their home. The men promise the abuse will stop, that everything will get better. But the reality of the situation is that it’s not going to get better.

“You just have to look at the statistics to see how many women are affected. While we realise we can’t eradicate domestic abuse, we endeavour to provide the best service for women and children in our care.”

Janette said they don’t tell abused women to leave their partners – that decision has to be made by the women themselves.

She said: “When they come to us, their self esteem has gone. They feel worthless and have no confidence. The women say this can be harder to deal with than physical abuse because bruises can heal quickly, but it takes longer for emotional scars.

“We don’t take over their lives – we just help them to make decisions or arrange appointments. They have to learn to be independent.”

She also thanked the public for providing donations of money, food and clothes as this goes straight to women in refuge.

Anyone wanting to provide a donation should contact Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid at 15 Nicol Street, by e-mail at kdywa@tiscali.co.uk or call (01592) 261008.

Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid started in the early 70s. A woman whose daughter had been abused got together with a group of like-minded women and Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid was born. These women campaigned relentlessly for recognition and for safe houses to house women and their children when fleeing abuse.

The very first refuge was opened up in Hunter Street and shortly after, another one was launched in East Wemyss and another in Glenrothes.

By 1989 there was enough money for one full time and one part time worker. The big changes started in 1991 with money from Children In Need followed by money from other agencies.

The organisation continued to grow providing 16 places for mothers and children until in 2003 they were given a custom built refuge providing seven individual spaces for families. Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid only has one shared house, a family house and scattered refuge flats throughout the central belt.

In 2007-08, 107 women and 56 children were supported in refuge while 604 women and 708 children requested the support of Kirkcaldy Women’s Aid.

http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/Women39s-Aid-provides-lifeline-of.5062770.jp

The day is marked around the world on 8 March and this year it is focusing on violence against women.

Ms Sturgeon said Scottish ministers had committed £44m to tackle the problem.

Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie said family should be “on the top of the agenda”. Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman attacked the gender pay gap.

The comments came as politicians marked the day, which is observed by the United Nations, at a series of events.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Sadly, violence is part of too many women’s lives across the world.

“On this day and throughout the year the Scottish Government is determined to tackle the scourge of violence against women and children.”

Ms Goldie drew on the case of Brandon Muir, the Dundee toddler who was killed by his mother’s boyfriend.

“I want today to call on my fellow political leaders in Scotland – let’s put family back at the top of the agenda, let’s have the debate about how we put family back at the heart of society and how we support the family,” she said.

Ms Harman told delegates at Scottish Labour’s annual conference in Dundee that bank bosses topped the list of treating female employees unfairly.

She said: “The gender pay gap in financial services is worse than in most other sectors.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7930526.stm

sunday 8th march 1.30pm

a herstory tour of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh

FREE

meet outside the camera obscura

7th March 2009 at 14:45
Doors open 14:45 with programme starting 15:00
Thomas Morton Hall, Ferry Road (Nr Ocean Terminal), Edinburgh, EH6 4AE

A multicultural event to celebrate the diversity of women with an international fashion show, live singing, dance and food from around the world.

Organised by Muslim Womens Association of Edinburgh and Womens Federation for World Peace to promote the best interest of women and children in the Edinburgh and to promote good relations between families and communities

See their web site at http://www.mwae.org.uk/events.htm

Women@Work (W@W) is celebrating International Womens’ Day in Inverness and Argyll this year!

Saturday, 7th March, Inverness – A Home in the Highlands.

W@W, Highland One World Group, Oxfam and Highland Council join together to celebrate International Women’s Day at Merkinch Community Centre in Inverness!

We will look at:
* Women as home makers and artists
* Women feeling ‘at home’ in a new place
* Why do people move?

Activities include:
* Sharing craft skills – local and global
* Performance: music, dance, stories
* Women at home with themselves, health & beauty
* The diversity of food
* Sisters on the planet: workshop with Oxfam in Scotland to challenge us to think about the impact of climate change on homes around the world.

For further information contact WEA on 01463 710577 or Merkinch Community Centre on 01463 239 563.

Sunday, 8th March, Kilmartin – W@W and Kilmartin House Museum celebrate International Women’s Day

2-3pm: Help us to create artwork which tells the story of women in the Glen – past, present & future

3-3:45: The Sedona technique, with Lilia. What is it? How does it work?

4-5pm: Complementary Therapies

6:30-9pm: Dr Sharon Webb will deliver a talk on ‘Warrior Queen or Roundhouse Wife – women in prehistory’, followed by discussion and games. Please bring along a bowl of food to share.

Throughout the day, 2-5pm and 7-9pm: Have you got a story to tell about women in Kilmartin Glen? Perhaps your grandmother or mother passed one down to you?

For information phone 01546 – 510278

http://www.weawomenatwork.org.uk/news.asp

Workshops

Salsa dancing – South American dancing, with Luzma Buckland.

Mixed media art – Create a printed image on paper using a combination of drawn marks and natural objects, with Sarah MacIntyre.

Indian cooking demo – demonstration of Indian cooking, with Archana Pandari.

Kitchen gardening – covering the general points of kitchen gardening in Uist including seed sowing in modules that participants can take away with them and strawberry plant division, with Laura Donkers.

Aromatherapy – use of massage and essential oils, with Sheila Park MacDonald.

Basic car maintenance – information to help the independent woman driver, with Isabel Steele.

Junk fashion demo – fashion show and ideas for revamping old clothes, with Anne
Reid and the Junk Fashion group.

Beauty therapy – practical advice on how to keep yourself looking and feeling beautiful, with Mairi MacPherson.

Boxercise – physical activity session using punch pads, with Marina Murray.

Samba drumming – fun with drums, with Joanne Veverka.

Please contact Kenna Campbell ◊ Health Promotion ◊ 42 Winfield Way ◊ Balivanich ◊ Benbecula ◊ HS7 5LH

Email kenna.campbell@wihb.scot.nhs.uk ◊ Tel. 01870 602 588

Saturday 7 March Elphinstone Community Centre 10am-2:30

A day of FREE workshops, information and activities for women af all ages.

Lunch provided, childcare and transport available

More information 01875 615415 or 01875 614548

Even if you can’t book in advance then please still come along, there will be plenty of activities available in the marketplace and you may still be able to sign up for workshops on the day.

The Market place will be running from 10am with a wide variety of different activities and information available.

• pamper yourself with a mini-manicure
• create your own, personalised dream catcher
• have your tarot cards read
• explore the ‘healthy reading’ selection from Tranent Library
• design greeting cards for friends and family
• add to our ‘Inspiring Women’ art work
• explore the dress-up box
• relax with an Indian head massage
• find relevant health and community information
• look at options for – AIMING HIGH
….or just take a break for a coffee, a cake and a chat!

There will also be a range of different workshops you can participate in.

GET ACTIVE – get your morning started with swing dancing, salsa into lunch or relax with yoga before heading home -these workshops are suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience. (please wear / bring suitable clothing that will allow you to move freely)

GET CREATIVE – by creating unique jewellery or painting your own mini-masterpiece with step-by-step tuition along the way. Join the Big Sing – community singing for all voices, whether you are a karaoke queen or only sing in the shower, singing can make you feel good and lift the spirit.

GET INSPIRED – Would you like fresh herbs on your windowsill or to grow your own vegetables? ‘Grow-it-yourself’ shows just how easy it is! Want to know what colours suit you? Colour with Confidence could get you choosing clothes and make-up to make you look & feel your best and AIM HIGH! -an interactive drop-in space – with activities throughout the day including DVD’s, arts activities, discussions, quizzes, a memory board, photo booth and more all exploring INSPIRING WOMEN.

Or sign up for the workshops –
‘Aim High’ -women achieving remarkable things
‘Inspiring Our-self’ -how do we reach our goals and turn our dreams into
reality

* registration-form- pdf http://edubuzz.org/blogs/careers/files/2009/02/registration-form-pdf.pdf
* iwd-poster http://edubuzz.org/blogs/careers/files/2009/02/iwd-poster.pdf

http://edubuzz.org/blogs/careers/2009/02/10/international-womens-day-2009/

Monday 2nd March 2009

• 10.30 am Paths to Developing Yourself @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.30 pm Creative Thinking Techniques @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 6.00 pm Indoor Climbing @ Avertical World
• 6.30 pm Belly Danicng Workshop Taster @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 7.00 pm Women’s Singing Taster Session – Loadsaweeminsingin @ Dundee Repertory Theatre

Tuesday 3rd March 2009

• 10.00 am Ancrum Plus Day of Events @ Lochee Baptist Church
• 10.00 am Gardening Made Simple @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 10.00 am Personal Safety Workshop @ St Mary’s Community Facility
• 11.00 am Tai Chi @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.00 pm Motivating Yourself to Achieve More @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.00 pm Why Gender Matters @ Cairn Centre
• 5.00 pm Body Combat, Fitness and Fun @ Salvation Army Gymnasium
• 7.00 pm Islam, Women and Violence Presentation by Amina @ Dundee International Women’s Centre

Wednesday 4th March 2009

• 10.00 am Ladies Badminton @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 12.30 pm Dundee Desperate Howffwives Revisited @ Howff Graveyard
• 1.00 pm The Poles are Here @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 1.30 pm Health and Safety – Your Questions Answered @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 2.00 pm Walkabout Coldside Green Spaces @ Coldside Community Library
• 4.30 pm Anti-Pornography Presentation and Discussion @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 6.00 pm Night Biking at Clatto Country Park @ Clatto Country Park
• 6.00 pm Rape Crisis Scotland – Dundee Domestic Abuse Forum @ Dundee Contemporary Arts
• 7.00 pm Women Aloud! @ Little Theatre
• 8.30 pm Women Learning To Disco Dance @ Menziehill Community Centre

Thursday 5th March 2009

• 9.00 am World Book Day – Spread the Word @ Central Library
• 10.00 am Personal Safety Workshop @ Ardler Complex
• 12.00 pm Shop For Health @ Wellgate Shopping Centre
• 12.30 pm Employability Unit @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.00 pm Archivist Talk – Lunchtime Talk @ Glassite Hall
• 6.00 pm What Are Your Islamic Rights – Part 1 @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 10.30 pm Shazia Mirza @ Dundee Repertory Theatre

Friday 6th March 2009

• 10.00 am Women’s Personal Safety Workshop @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 12.30 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 3.30 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 3.30 pm Women Carers – Their Experience @ Dundee Voluntary Action
• 5.30 pm Women’s Wellbeing Evening @ Dundee International Women’s Centre

Saturday 7th March 2009

• 9.00 am Saturday Sci-orama (Films) @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 9.00 am Saturday Sci-orama (Workshops) @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 12.00 pm Silent Peace Vigil – Women in Black @ City Centre
• 2.00 pm Nablus Souk – A Palestinian Market, a Dundee Experience @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 8.00 pm Diversitay / Out-Skirts Disco @ Braes

Sunday 8th March 2009

• 10.00 am Sensational Woman in Science @ Sensation
• 8.00 pm Girls Only Night @ Factory Skatepark

Monday 9th March 2009

• 10.30 am Paths to Developing Yourself @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 12.30 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay Dundee
• 1.00 pm Tastes of the World – India / Pakistan @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 1.30 pm Insights Into Self-Harm @ Whitfield Community Centre
• 1.30 pm Managing Your Mental Health and Wellbeing @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.30 pm Personal Safety Workshop @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 4.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 7.00 pm The Poles are Here @ Dundee International Women’s Centre

Tuesday 10th March 2009

• 10.00 am Gardening Made Simple @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 10.00 am Insights into Self-Harm @ Lochee Baptist Church
• 10.00 am Women’s Personal Safety Workshop @ Brooksbank Centre
• 11.00 am Women in Science @ Scottish Crop Institute (SCRI)
• 12.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 12.30 pm Dundee Women’s Trail – Only Men Get Statues @ Venues Vary
• 1.00 pm The Suffragettes and British Citizenship @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 4.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 7.00 pm Personal Safety Workshop @ Dundee International Women’s Centre

Wednesday 11th March 2009

• 10.00 am Ladies Badminton @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 10.00 am Suffragette Banner Project @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 11.00 am Body Positive @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 12.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 1.00 pm Shop for Help – Breast Cancer Care Team @ Asda, Kirkton
• 1.00 pm Tastes of the World – Middle East @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 4.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 6.00 pm Dry Slope Skiing @ Ancrum Outdoor Education Centre
• 6.00 pm High Heels and Hot Pants @ Dundee Contemporary Arts
• 7.00 pm Storms From The Sun @ University of Dundee, D’Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre
• 7.00 pm The Rights of Women in Islam – Open Discussion @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 8.30 pm Women Learning To Disco Dance @ Menziehill Community Centre

Thursday 12th March 2009

• 11.00 am Women’s Personal Safety Workshop @ Finmill Centre
• 12.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 12.00 pm Shop For Health @ Wellgate Shopping Centre
• 12.30 pm Dundee Women’s Trail – Only Men Get Statues @ Venues Vary
• 12.30 pm Women in Employment @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.00 pm Anti-Pornography Presentation and Discussion @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 3.30 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 6.00 pm What Are Your Islamic Rights – Part 2 @ Dundee International Women’s Centre
• 6.00 pm Women’s Double Bill @ Dundee Contemporary Arts Cinema

Friday 13th March 2009

• 12.00 pm Science Chicks in Science Flicks @ University of Abertay, Hannah MacLure Centre
• 12.30 pm Dundee Desperate Howffwives Revisited @ Howff Graveyard

Saturday 14th March 2009

• 10.00 am Creative Writing – Women in Books @ Dundee Contemporary Arts
• 10.00 am Elie Chain Walk, Cliffs of Elie @ Venues Vary
• 10.00 am How Mum’s Love Builds Baby’s Brain @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 1.00 pm Samba Drumming Workshop @ Menziehill Community Centre
• 7.30 pm Mamma Mia Social and Disco Night @ Menziehill Community Centre

Sunday 15th March 2009

• 8.00 pm Girls Only Night @ Factory Skatepark

Download Dundee Women’s Festival Programme http://www.engender.org.uk/UserFiles/File/news/Dundeewomenfestival.pdf

Has the situation in Palestine affected the status of women and children?

Dundee Quakers and Dundee Nablus Twinning Association invite you to this event.
Come and meet Shaden and Souad, our guests coming all the way from Nablus.

They will talk about their work with the “Family Defence Society” and how this organisation set up one of the first women shelter in the Arab world.

We will also be serving delicious Palestinian food.

ALL WELCOME

Friends Meeting House 7 Whitehall Crescent Dundee DD1 4AR
Tickets are £5 in advance from Andree at 01382 550210 or tayportturtle@yahoo.com

Gude Cause, the group who are organising the re-enactment of the 1909 Edinburgh Suffrage March, are celebrating International Women’s Day and raising funds with a concert at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar on 8th March at 6pm.

Tickets are £6/£4 from the Peace and Justice Centre on 0131 229 0993 or email gudecause@peaceandjustice.org.uk

See flyer for event here http://www.engender.org.uk/UserFiles/File/news/Gude%20Cause%20Concert%20Flyer_2.pdf