Hey sisters! Here are the eventbrite links to all online workshops for Self-Care Sunday 12th March 2023. Be sure to book your space soon before tickets sell out.
International Women’s Day Derby Festival 2023 will run from Wednesday 8th – Sunday 12th March
Our volunteer-powered programme brings uplifting, diverse and liberating activities – activism, workshops, community connection and creative expression. To donate to help us make it all happen, here’s the link > https://localgiving.org/charity/international-womens-day-iwd-derby/ thanks for your support! Check out the festival programme below…
Wednesday 8th March – ‘The Big Conversation: Fear Is Not Freedom’ – Derby v. Misogyny dialogue and development of a toolkit to equip change-makers; launch of our HERstory animation and documentary film showing. Follow @WomensDayDerby on social media and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensDayDerby
Thursday 9th March: Real Talk host their regular open mic with an IWD theme at Bar Social, Victoria Street with writing workshop 6pm, open mic from 7pm; no bookings, just come along
Saturday 11th March – Big FREE community festivalday with marching for women’s liberation worldwide with our giant protest puppet HERoes (10am at The Spot, heading to the Museum of Making), then drop-in event – arts & crafts, stalls, causes, support, performances, family activities and exhibition, with BSL Interpreter at Museum of Making (Silk Mill) 11am-3pm; stalls can be booked via https://IWDDerby2023Stalls.eventbrite.co.uk
Paid opportunity! Be part of Self-Care Sunday 12th March 2023 as part of International Women’s Day Derby Festival. We are seeking passionate facilitators who can add to our mix of wellbeing related online workshops e.g. yoga, menopause care, nutrition, mindfulness, creative de-stressing, boundaries v. burnout, self-care for empaths – we are open to your ideas; the sessions are for women and girls (please advise of any age appropriate guidelines), of 1 hour each to be delivered online, initially, with our support via our zoom account. In the busy world we live in today we all need to be reminded to pour into our cup of self-care regularly. If you are able to facilitate a session read below for more info and how to apply…
Image description: 3 women, with diverse outfits, hair and skin tones, beneath a banner labelled Self Care; a black woman in the middle has an arm raised with a power fist
Each facilitator will deliver one workshop once, but we may also have opportunities throughout the year. Tickets for the workshops will be sold by via our eventbrite page on a pay if/what you can basis with 50% of proceeds paid to the workshop facilitator/s, so co-promoting pays! If you have a session to propose, please e-mail us the following info by 10th February 2023 to womensdayinderby@gmail.com or contact us if you need help with this:-
* your experience of running similar workshops and the feedback you got, or if you are taking a new step tell us about your skills to make this happen – how would you make it a great session?
* how you will make the session interesting, inspiring, interactive and inclusive e.g. thinking about disability access
* short workshop description Under 60 words), facilitator name/s and a photo/image to promote the session
* links to your relevant website and any social media links e.g. linkedin, facebook, insta etc
* maximum number of participants you would work with (up to 90 max)
* any guidelines on who the session is or is not suitable for e.g. for children of certain ages to join in too
* how you will help to promote the workshop – remember you get 50% of the proceeds!
* any access or individual requirements you need us to arrange – we like to be inclusive good hosts e.g. BSL Interpreter
We are aiming to have a diverse team of facilitators to inspire our diverse participants. Please ensure any content you aim to deliver is respectful and accessible for women of all backgrounds and identities; this means removing barriers and amplifying women facing multiple oppressions, e.g. relating to racism, disability, LGBT, class, and/or age discrimination – so tell us if that’s you and any support you need.
We want a good mix of workshop topics; if we are unable to offer you a slot for the festival we may be able to offer you other opportunities during the year to bring more great events to the women of Derby/shire.
Saturday 26th November 2022: Join the women’s march against misogyny – break the silence – end the violence – feel the power of roaming free from fear. Our collective march represents a lone woman’s journey through the night streets – learn more about the HERstory of Reclaim The Night via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reclaim_the_Night
Part of Vox Feminarum’s local programme for the global #16days of activism to end gender-based violence 25th Nov – 10th Dec.
March, chant, sing, bring banners, whistles / rattles, glow in the dark, speak up, chalk to express yourself, feel the solidarity and uplifting empowerment of joining together on the night streets to demand change.
Join us at any point along the route which is accessible and suitable for anyone using a wheelchair, pushchair, or mobility scooter, and with dropped kerbs at crossings:
7.00pm-7.30pm Gather & Sing at The Spot (Rings Sculpture, where St Peters Street, London Road & Osmaston Road meet) DE1 2NZ speeches, chalking action & Rebel Women’s Choir) before onwards march through city centre heading to > 8.15pm-9.00pm Rally outside the Council House DE1 2FS with inspiring speeches, causes and poems
This women’s march is inclusive of trans sisters; non-binary siblings who feel affinity with the struggle against misogyny are welcome; children of all genders welcome to join marching adults; friendly safety stewards, first aiders & women’s charities/groups will be present to support marchers.
We invite supportive brothers / allies whose presence would not cause discomfort to join a Solidarity Vigil from 8pm outside the Council House clock, supporting without detracting, from a respectful distance, centering sisters’ voices. Men do not march as the whole point of Reclaim The Night is for women to take the journey and to challenge narratives like “why didn’t she have a man escort her home?”
In the build up to the night time march women and children will be banner-making from 1-4pm and warming up voices, practicing chants and protest songs from 5pm at Derby Women’s Centre
Cherish everyone’s lives: please be mindful Covid-19 is still affecting and taking lives – please give people space and consider a mask; please don’t attend if you or someone you have had recent contact with has symptoms or a positive test result.
Please note that photos and films will be taken at this public event and there may be a media presence. If you do not wish to be pictured please inform journalists / stewards.
This is a positive march unified in the beauty of diversity and rising for intersectional liberation; we resist divide-and-rule. Any people/groups trying to hijack our event and unpaid labour for their own divisive agenda / hate speech will not be tolerated – stay away, do your own events (if you really have to).
[event image description: text with event details as above; black background like a night sky with moon and stars; graphics depicting diverse women protesting – women of various ages, cultures, identities – woman with baby, woman with children, two women as a couple, Black women, Asian women, women using wheelchairs, women with a prosthetic leg, woman using a walking cane, woman wearing a headscarf / hijab, woman with a LGBTQ+ rainbow megaphone, women with power fists held up, women holding banners with text – safe streets, my body my rules, no means no, respect your sisters, I want to walk without worry, End V.A.W.G, #MeToo, stop victim blaming, young girl with megaphone]
[image description: ‘International Women’s Day Festival 4-8th March 2022’ (paintbrush style white paint on purple background. FREE / donate if you can. Illustration based on picture of Frida Kahlo with a diversity symbols of LGBT+ flag colours on flowers in her hair and multiple skin tones as a jigsaw, a feminist Venue symbol earring; image of 2 women with feminist fists held up high, one white woman with long dark hair and one Black women with natural Afro-textured hair; BSL logo for Saturday 5th March community event and CC captions logo for online sessions; social media @WomensDayDerby with tickets & listings of programme for each day of the festival available at https://iwdderby.eventbrite.co.uk/ ]
International Women’s Day Derby Festival 2022:
#SpeakOut
4th March: Feminist Friday Open Mic night 7-11pm at The Maypole, Brook street, and online. Join us for powerful poetry, singing and creative expression. Come along on the night (subject to availability) or book tickets to be sure of your seat > Book a place at The Maypole: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/267946052857 Or to join us online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/267938399967
#TakeUpSpace
5th March: Saturday Community Day 11am The Spot, meet us for a women’s rights march with giant puppets of HERoes, heading through the city centre to Derby Museum (Wardwick, former library) 12.30-4.30pm for live music, family fun, crafts, stalls, HERstory Lab & local support services. Drop-in.
#SelfCareSunday
6th March: Self-Care Sunday – online sessions to nurture body, mind and soul and sisterhood >>>
7.30pm – 9pm Wit, Wisdom & Words of Women: Power in Poetry – hosted by WEP (Women’s Equality Party) Derbyshire Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/270003456607
#BreakTheBias #IWD2022
8th March: 6-9pm online Global Sisterhood Panel with inspiring women around the world and Derby women involved in international projects, sharing challenges, solutions and change-making ideas. Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/272061412007
Celebrating with womxn and girls and non-binary allies in the spotlight, and at the mic, with supporters of all genders welcome in solidarity.
[event image description: [purple background] Feminist Friday Open Mic night at the Maypole, date and time as per event info; a fist holds up a microphone; two women, one white woman with long dark hair and one Black woman with natural Afro-textured hair, raised feminist fists; hashtags #SpeakOut #TakeUpSpace #BreakTheBias]
powerful poetry and spoken word from Aoife O’Connor who will also lead a She Speaks UK special featuring local artists with something to say
the mighty vocals of award-winning Donna Briscoe-Greene singing songs in honour of iconic black women in music and hosting an EMBAA (East Midlands Black Arts Associated) showcase
variety acts and performances from local young people and emerging artists hosted by Rebecca Muir of Bex Star Entertainment Productions
liberating lyrics and sing-along with our Rebel Women’s Choir
if you feel like a spot to dance, sing, rap, share a poem or spoken word piece, etc get in touch with any of the programming partners and there may even be some spots available to go for it on the night too
+disco, refreshments on sale at The Maypole with joyful inclusive feminism and good vibes!
Whether you’re at The Maypole or joining us from home online, feel free to dress up or come comfy, treat yourself in radical self-love and be ready to enjoy a much-needed uplifting shared experience.
Programmed by IWD Derby in partnership with She Speaks UK, EMBAA (East Midlands Black Arts Associated) & BexStar Entertainment Productions and with thanks to The Maypole.
Kids welcome accompanied by a responsible adult: The first half is generally family friendly, though some poets etc may explore mature themes – care notes will be announced as necessary; there is a 9pm interval and at 9.15pm it’s the Rebel Women’s Choir great for adults and kids alike; later on there are more mature themes and a body positive burlesque artist; lots for youngsters to be inspired by but you know your kids best.
Access: Auto ‘Live transcript’ captions will be available. We are seeking a BSL Interpreter, subject to their availability, to be confirmed asap.
Financial hardship? Need free tickets? If you can’t spare money to donate at the moment we want to help – free tickets are available via the Register button on eventbrite – we are also issuing free tickets via various local women’s charities as always to reduce barriers to participation. If you are in a position to make a donation this will help us cover the costs of this volunteer-organised non-profit festival, and if you enjoy relative comfort and a good income we hope you’ll be generous, thank you! Love and solidarity x
This event is part of the wider International Women’s Day Derby Festival with events from 4th-8th March 2022, all organised by volunteers, in community spirit, aiming to create an inclusive, supportive and positive atmosphere – anyone who behaves contrary to these values, making the space less safe, will be removed without a refund and may be engaged with for appropriate further action.
Covid Care: Cherish everyone’s lives: Covid is still affecting and taking people’s lives, especially people who are most at risk of the harshest effects. Please be caring at in-person events by using hand sanitiser, wearing masks in reception areas if possible, social distancing and understanding that we will have windows open for ventilation. Please do not attend if you have Covid symptoms, have been advised to isolate, have had a positive test result or recent contact with someone with Covid. We have virtual parts of the festival for you to enjoy if you are isolating or prefer to join in from home. Thank you.
[event image description: [purple background] Feminist Friday Open Mic night at the Maypole, date and time as per event info; a fist holds up a microphone; two women, one white woman with long dark hair and one Black woman with natural Afro-textured hair, raised feminist fists; hashtags #SpeakOut #TakeUpSpace #BreakTheBias]
Join our free family-friendly drop-in workshops during February-March to make giant puppets to celebrate women and girls and our right to #TakeUpSpaceready for International Women’s Day Derby Festival (4th-8th March) – download the flyer and discover all the session dates via eventbrite or listed below…
Join any of our FREE creative community & family drop-in workshops during February-March led by local artists to create five giant protest puppets ready for International Women’s Day Derby Festival (4th-8th March, with the puppet procession and women’s rights march at 11am Saturday 5th March from The Spot).
Women and girls often face pressures and expectations to be small, with a lack of representation in public statues and monuments, but we say we stand on the shoulders of giants, we will not be diminished or erased, #TakeUpSpace and unleash your inner giant!
Five different giant puppets will be made with your help at the various sessions in honour of inspiring women & girls; the puppets will be Derby Suffragist Alice Wheeldon – with artist Elizabeth Blades, eco activist Greta Thunberg and a Pandemic Nurse – with Spiral Arts, a diverse pyramid of Empowerment Dolls – we lift each other up – with Rita Kappia, and a Gulabi Warrior – with Surtal Arts, with thanks to New Art Exchange colleagues in Nottingham for sharing their Gulabi Warrior wicker giants project.
Supporters of all genders, families and communities welcome; under 16’s to be accompanied by a responsible adult. No booking required, just come along.
Venue: Derby Women’s Centre, 4 Leopold Street Derby DE1 2HE – there is pay and display street parking outside, free after 6pm. The venue is close to the city centre and bus routes, with accessible ramp entrance.
The drop-in session dates at Derby Women’s Centre are:
5-8pm Tuesday 15th February
9am – 12pm Friday 18th February
11am – 3pm Saturday 19th February
5pm – 8pm Monday 21st February
5pm – 8pm Thursday 24th February
11am – 3pm Friday 25th February
2.30pm – 5.30pm Saturday 26th February
5pm – 8pm Thursday 3rd March
In addition to the sessions at Derby Women’s Centre, you can also take part in the following sessions:
11am – 3pm Wednesday 23rd February at Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF
11am – 3pm Friday 25th February at Loudon Lodge on Derby Arboretum, Arboretum Square, Rose Hill St, Derby DE23 8FR; there will be puppet making at this site and Derby Women’s Centre at the same time on this day and you are welcome to come to either or pop by both to work on different puppets!
Cherish everyone’s lives: Covid is still affecting and taking people’s lives, especially people who are most at risk of the harshest effects. Please be caring by using hand sanitiser, wearing masks in reception areas if possible, social distancing and understanding that we will have windows open for ventilation. Please do not attend if you have Covid symptoms, have been advised to isolate, have had a positive test result or recent contact with someone with Covid. Thank you.
Image: pictured below – the diverse team of local artists with willow weaved into spheres/heads for puppet making
Image description: diverse team of 8 women, local artists, smiling, holding willow weaved into spheres for puppet heads
We’re getting ready for Derby’s annual celebrations for International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day Derby Festival – the flagship annual local event for women’s rights, with a HERstory of over 100 years. This year’s celebrations will run from 4th-8th March 2022 with an inspiring programme of creative expression, activism, community activities, wellbeing sessions and a global panel. Here’s a flavour of what’s to come; book a stall here.
Friday 4th March: 7-11pm Feminist Friday Open Mic at The Maypole & online empowering poetry, spoken word & our Rebel Women’s Choir – in partnership with She Speaks UK – art is our liberation, BexStar Entertainment Productions and EMBAA (East Midlands Black Arts Associated)
Saturday 5th March: Community Day women’s rights march with giant protest puppets honouring women & girls, Derby city centre; marching from The Spot at 11am then into Derby Museum (old library, Wardwick) drop-in 12.30-4.30pm with inspiring HERstory, stalls, music, support services, activities, crafts, family fun.
Sunday 6th March: Self Care Sunday a variety of virtual wellbeing sessions, with creative outlets, mindfulness and soul soothing
Tuesday 8th March: Soup & Sisterhood Space from Sprout Derby Nourished Café at Staywell Derby CIC and in the evening join us for a global virtual panel – women around the world sharing experiences and change-making projects . Watch this space for more info coming soon: https://womensdayderby.wordpress.com/https://www.facebook.com/WomensDayDerby
Sing up for women’s rights, for your wellbeing, for fun, to lift your spirits! There’s a friendly welcome, liberating lyrics and lots of laughter! And opportunities to sing at International Women’s Day Derby Festival this March. In person or online options. Covid Care & full details below…
No experience required – new/shy singers welcome; you don’t need to read music – just listen & repeat, liberating lyrics sheets also provided. You can take part online from home or book places (limited) at Derby Women’s Centre via the e-mail below. Girls 7yrs+ welcome with a responsible adult. LIST OF DATES: Rehearsals are held at Derby Women’s Centre (DWC), 4 Leopold Street, Derby, DE1 2HE and on Zoom at the same time 12.15pm – 1.45pm on the following dates at Derby Women’s Centre and online via zoom (except 12th Feb, see below): Sat 29th Jan: Rehearsal at DWC & on Zoom, 12:15 Sat 5th Feb: Rehearsal at DWC & on Zoom, 12:15 Sat 12th Feb: Rehearsal on Zoom only, as DWC not available Sat 26th Feb: Rehearsal at DWC & on Zoom, 12:15
Fri 4th March: Performance opportunity at International Women’s Day Festival Derby – Speak Up Feminist Friday Open Mic at The Maypole – 7pm – 11pm Sat 5th March: Performance opportunity at International Women’s Day Festival Derby – daytime between 11am – 5pm, more details TBC. You are welcome to the rehearsals even if you don’t want to do the performances.
Book Your Place Please email rwc.register@gmail.com to book your place online, or in person (subject to availability, places limited for Covid Care) Cherish Everyone’s Lives >>> To minimise risk of Covid transmission, we will have windows open for ventilation, limit the number of people in the room, and space chairs further apart. We’ll face the same direction when singing – a bit like when we perform. We’ll clean surfaces before and after the session. Points for in-person singers: – Do not attend in person if you have Covid symptoms, have had a recent positive test result, need to isolate or have been in recent contact with someone with Covid/symptoms – We recommend testing beforehand for peace of mind – you can order free test kits via: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow… – Please help us to reduce risks by using the hand sanitiser at the venue, following signage about hygiene, understanding that we keep windows open for ventilation and trying to give one another some space – Do bring your own drink rather than use the shared kitchen – Do bring personal hand sanitiser and tissues if you wish – You may wish to wear a mask / visor.Optional Donations As always, rehearsals are free to attend but donations appreciated to help us cover costs and keep the choir going. This is completely optional and we never want finance to be a barrier, so please don’t worry if you can’t afford it. If you would like to make a donation to IWD Derby to help continue our work, there are two options to do this below. 1) Paypal: paypal.me/RebelWomensChoir 2) Direct to our bank account – we invite people to put ‘their name + choir’ as a reference. Bank: Cooperative Bank Account name: IWD Derby Account: 6570 2194 Sort code: 08 92 99
Paid Opportunity! Be part of Self-Care Sunday 6th March 2022 as part of International Women’s Day Derby Festival. We are seeking local facilitators who can add to our mix of wellbeing related workshops e.g. yoga, menopause care, nutrition, mindfulness, creative de-stressing – we are open to your ideas; the sessions are for women and/or girls, of 1 hour or 1.5 hours each to be delivered online, initially, with our support via our zoom account. Read below for more info and how to apply…
Image description: 3 women, with diverse outfits, hair and skin tones, beneath a banner labelled Self Care; a black woman in the middle has an arm raised with a power fist
Each facilitator will deliver one workshop once, but we also have opportunities throughout the year. Tickets for the workshops will be sold by us on a pay if/what you can basis with 50% of proceeds paid to the workshop tutor/s, so co-promoting pays! If you have a session to propose, please e-mail us the following info by 21st January to womensdayinderby@gmail.com or contact us if you need help with this:-
* your experience of running similar workshops and the feedback you got or if you are taking a new step tell us about your skills to make this happen – how would you make it a great session?
* how you will make the session interesting, inspiring, interactive and inclusive
* short workshop description, facilitator name/s and a photo/image to promote the session
* links to your relevant website / linkedin / other online content
* maximum number of participants you would work with (up to 90 max) and whether it works as a 1 hour or 1.5 hours option * any guidelines on who the session is or is not suitable for e.g. for children
* any access or individual requirements you need us to arrange – we like to be inclusive good hosts e.g. BSL Interpreter
We are aiming to have a diverse team of facilitators to inspire our diverse participants – that means removing barriers and amplifying women facing multiple underrepresentation and multiple oppressions, e.g. relating to race, disability, LGBT, class, and/or age discrimination – so tell us if that’s you and any support you need and we want a good mix of workshop topics; if we are unable to offer you a slot for the festival we may be able to offer you other opportunities during the year to bring more great events to the women of Derby/shire. We look forward to receiving your ideas!