2015 EVENTS
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Saturday 28 February – Saturday 14 March 2015
FULL DETAILS OF ALL EVENTS CAN BE FOUND HERE ON THE 2015 PROGRAMME
Saturday 28 February 12pm approx–1pm
OPENING EVENT: OXFORD INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FESTIVAL presents a special event to mark the opening of the 26th annual festival. Join us for a mini parade accompanied by live music to celebrate this year’s theme, ‘Women Crossing Borders’. Bring banners, flags and whistles!
*Update: Women drivers from Oxford Bus Company will be joining the march to promote a drive to increase the number of women bus drivers employed in Oxford.
where: Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AS. Free
Sunday 1 March Registration 1pm–1.30pm, end time 4.40pm
NO BORDERS FOR BUZZARDS – FUNDRAISING COUNTRY WALK
A gentle 3–4.5-mile walk for families, in memory of Bobby Rowe, resident of South Oxford. The walk starts and ends from the Loyd Lindsay Rooms in the centre of Ardington village. It takes us through community woodland and along bridle paths, returning to the Loyd Lindsay Rooms for tea and homemade cakes. Dogs are welcome and must at times be restrained on their leads.
where: Loyd Lindsay Rooms, High St, Ardington, Nr Wantage, OX12 8PS. Walk and tea inclusive: £10 adults, £5 concessions, children free. Non-walkers, tea only: £3.50.
Christine Eady on 01865 245793 or christine.eadywat@gmail.com
Sunday 1 March 2.00pm–5.00pm
WALK IN THE PARK
Bring your family and join the Oxford Circle for a relaxed stroll in University Parks. Enjoy homemade cakes and live music in the Pavilion afterwards!
where: University Parks, Oxford OX1 3QD. Cost £5
Monday 2 March 6.30pm (film 7pm)–10.00pm
FILM SCREENING: ‘GOING THROUGH THE CHANGE’
An opportunity to watch this great film produced for National Women Against Pit Closures as part of the 30th anniversary of the 1984/1985 Miners’ Strike. Followed by ‘discussion time’ with contributions from local women actively involved in supporting the miners strikes.
where: Ruskin College, Dunstan Road, Oxford OX3 9BZ. Donation
Thursday 5 March 10.00am–2.30pm
CARE IN DEATH
Morning session Bringing our Dead Home. Introductory talk and shroud demonstration. When a loved one dies it is legal and possible to create a beautiful, personal and affordable home funeral. Afternoon session Death Café. Join us for a lively chat about death and dying, with tea and cake. A chance to reflect and safely share thoughts, feelings and experiences.
where: Eynsham, location to be given on booking. Donation. Bring veg. lunch to share. Tel: 01865 362984
Thursday 5 March 12 noon–7.00pm
WOMEN’S HEALTH, WELLBEING AND HUMAN RIGHTS FAIR
This event is running for the fifth year and is organised by community groups including Refugee Resource Women’s Group, Oxfordshire-Mind, CCG, Oxford City Amnesty Group and others. Highlights include free refreshment, stalls, exhibition, dance, women’s wellbeing workshops, children’s activities and cultural celebration.
where: Cowley Wellbeing Centre, 26 Between Towns Road, Oxford OX4 3LZ. Free.
Thursday 5 March 6.00pm–8.00pm
CROSSING THE BARRIERS WITHIN
A creative exploration of the inner barriers, mental and emotional blocks we face when making choices and changes in our lives, be they big or small. The evening will include conversation, reflection, creative activities, meditation and light refreshments.
where: Inner Space, 21 Broad Street, Oxford. Free.
Thursday 5 March 7.00pm–10.00pm
‘BORDERS’ THEMED QUIZ NIGHT
Test your knowledge of all things BORDERS to raise money for the Oxford branch of Women for Women International. There will also be a raffle with some exciting prizes to be won! (Maximum six people per quiz team).
where: Pembroke College Bar, Pembroke College, Oxford, OX1 1DW. Cost £3 per person if entering quiz.
Thursday 5 March 7.30pm
GINA YASHERE
Making a rare UK performance, multi award-winning comedian Gina Yashere returns to Oxford with her hilarious new live show Laugh Riot. Gina has performed sell-out shows around the world, appearing on popular TV programmes, including Mock the Week.
Where: Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford 0X1 2LW. Entrance £18.50, concessions £16.
Thursday 5 March 7.30pm–9.00pm
OPEN SCREEN – WOMEN FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE
Come to Open Screen to be inspired and entertained by a showcase of films made by local women filmmakers. The event includes the premiere of the film made on the Reel Women course at Film Oxford in March.
where: Film Oxford, 54 Catherine Street, Oxford OX4 3AH. Free.
Friday 6 March 5.30pm–7.30pm (mingling and open discussion afterwards)
Festival Main Event WOMEN CROSSING BORDERS – PANEL DISCUSSION
A diverse panel of speakers will each share their experiences and what ‘Women Crossing Borders’ means to them. After hearing their thoughts and experiences we will follow with questions from the audience and an open forum for further discussion. This event is co- organised with OxFEST (Oxford Females in Engineering Science and Technology), a student-run society that aims to support and inspire women in STEM fields. They are hosting their annual conference 7–8 March and would love you to join them.
where: Oxford Town Hall. FREE. ALL WELCOME
Saturday 7 March 12 noon–2.00pm
FREEDOM FROM TORTURE – WOMEN SURVIVORS WRITE TO LIFE
Jade Amoli-Jackson (Ugandan poet) and Faryad (writer of prose and poetry), members of Freedom from Torture’s Write to Life group, will read from their work, about leaving their home countries and their experience as refugees seeking asylum here. Organised by Freedom From Torture’s Write To Life Group.
where: Ruskin College, Dunstan Road, Oxford OX3 9BZ. Cost £8, conc £7
Saturday 7 March 2.00pm–4.00pm
FASHION REVOLUTION
Creators of Peace brings together women to explore their role in building active peace. This event will focus on women who have brought positive change through fashion and textiles. Join us for an afternoon of inspiring stories, discussions, products and food.
where: Hatch, 37/38 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford OX1 2HF (next to Mortons). Donations welcome.
Saturday 7 and Thursday 12 March (two-part event) 2.00pm–5.00pm
CONTESTATIONS AROUND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN THE UK AND ELSEWHERE
7 March – Roundtables and presentations by well-known activists/academics in the field of FGM
12 March – Roundtable, film and exhibition.
In the UK and abroad, debates abound around the practice of Female Genital Mutilation. This thought-provoking event will provide space for nuanced debates about FGM featuring the expertise of Afrocentric and black feminist analyses.
where: Talbot Hall, Lady Margaret Hall, Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6QA. Free.
Saturday 7 March 7.00pm–8.30pm
WOMEN AND EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE
An hour-long talk with questions and wine to finish. Learn how the global organisation ‘The Cochrane Collaboration’ seeks to improve healthcare with high quality systematic reviews; and an emphasis on women’s health. Associated ‘Anne Anderson Award’ assists women from low-resource settings with Cochrane activities.
where: The Missing Bean, Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DQ. Entrance £4 / £3
Saturday 7 March, 7-9pm
LET’S CELEBRATE WOMEN AND CYCLING
Join Team Beryl at Zappi’s Cafe on Saturday 7th March from 7-9pm. We’re chuffed to be hosting three inspiring speakers telling us their awesome tales. All welcome and entrance is free!
Purchase your drinks from the cafe from 7pm and doors will be closing at 7.30pm for the talks to start.
Organisers: Broken Spoke Bike Coop
Entry: Free, all welcome
Location: Zappi’s Bike Café, St Michael’s Street, Oxford
Saturday 7 March 4.00pm–6.00pm
THIRD ANNUAL NOW LECTURE (WOMEN UNITED FOR PEACE: A HUNDRED YEAR RETROSPECTIVE)
NOW is a diverse network of women campaigning for human rights at a local, national and international level. We meet for discussion, activism and solidarity! The lecture will consider the role of women in peace movements in 1915 and today.
where: Mansfield College, Oxford. Free
*** HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ****
Sunday 8 March 10.00am–12 noon
CAFÉ LEON
Coffee morning to raise funds to help women in our twin city of Leon (Nicaragua) oppose gender discrimination. There will be Nicaraguan coffee and delicious cakes for sale. The event will be part of the South Oxford Farmers’ Market held every Sunday at the SOCC.
where: South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford OX14RP. Free entry but cakes and drinks to buy.
Sunday 8 March 2.30pm–4.30pm
LOVE YOURSELF – WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP
Treat yourself to a nurturing and uplifting afternoon of Nia Movement, Dance Meditation and Simple Yoga/Relaxation. Bring more energy, beauty and positivity in to your life. ENJOY, EXPRESS, EXPLORE, STRETCH, FEEL, HEAL, PLAY, SHARE, CARE, GIVE, LET GO, RELAX AND BE.
where: St Albans Hall, Corner of Charles/Catherine Street, East Oxford OX4 2AJ. Donations £7 – £12. Tel: 07910 531 371
Sunday 8 March 2.00pm–5.30pm
A MIND WITHOUT FRONTIERS – A WORLD WITHOUT FEAR
Imagine a world without borders or frontiers, where the word impossible is incomprehensible. Where fear has no hold because we know it is just an illusion. Imagine then stepping into unlimitedness … If you would like this to be a waking dream in your life, join us for an exploration into an evolution of a world where anything is achievable.
where: The Global Retreat Centre, Nuneham Park, Nuneham Courtenay, Oxon, OX44 9PG. Free. Tel: 01865 343 551
Sunday 8 March 6.30 pm
RECLAIM THE NIGHT
Women will march through Oxford on International Women’s Day 2015 (Sunday 8 March) to ‘Reclaim the Night’ and spaces they may normally be fearful of, or avoid because of fear of violence, sexual harassment or rape. The march aims to raise awareness of the scale of violence against women in our society, the need to prevent it, and the need to ensure women and girls can live free from the fear or violence.
where: East Oxford Community Centre, Cowley Rd, Oxford. Women only for the march.
Monday 9 March 10.00am–3.00pm
INTRODUCTION TO FEMINIST LITERATURE
What is feminist literature trying to achieve? Looking at some examples, exploring what they are saying and how they say it, you will discuss your views and begin to learn how to analyse literature.
where: Grand Jury Room, Oxfordshire County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND. Free.
Tuesday 10 March 6.00pm–9.00pm
AN EVENING FOR WOZA
Formed in 2003, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) is an activist organisation that encourages women to stand up for their rights and freedoms. Its members are regularly harassed and detained. Join Amnesty for a fundraiser, film and (possibly!) a Skype meeting with WOZA members.
where: East Oxford Community Centre (TBC). Donation £3 waged.
Tuesday 10 March 7.00pm – no later than 9pm
OXFORD CIRCLE AUTHOR TALK – VICTORIA HISLOP
Victoria Hislop will be speaking to support the work of Oxfam and the Oxford Circle, an inspiring group of women based in Oxford – the birthplace of Oxfam – who share the same ambition: to support Oxfam’s work with poor and vulnerable women around the world.
where: Blackwell’s Bookshop, 51 Broad St, Oxford. Cost £10. Booking contactoxfordcircle@gmail.com
Tuesday 10 March 7.00pm–9.30pm
THE GLOBAL EDUCATION ‘REFORM’ MOVEMENT: BUILDING RESISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
Privatisation, standardised testing, performance-related pay are changing the nature of education. Our speakers will lead a discussion on the impact of the Global Education ‘Reform’ Movement on women’s work and the opportunities to build resistance and solidarity across borders.
where: Ruskin College, Dunstan Road, Old Headington, Oxford OX3 9BZ. Free.
Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm-9pm
PALESTINE HISTORY TAPESTRY – A TALK BY JAN CHALMERS
Jan Chalmers will introduce the Palestine History Tapestry, a compilation of Palestine’s history in panels, being made by women embroiderers in the West Bank and Gaza. Resembling the Bayeux Tapestry, and the Keiskamma Tapestry which Jan initiated in South Africa, this tapestry will cross borders and enable the Palestinian makers to reach out, even if they are not free to travel and join hands in person.
Venue: Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1BX (Wheelchair access but call Oxford Town Hall 01865 252195 to check lift availability on the day)
Entrance: Free Organiser: Oxford Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Contact jenniestanton@gmail.com Website: oxfordpsc.blogspot.com
Tuesday 10 March 8.00pm–11.00pm
MONTHLY MEETING
Join us at our friendly, welcoming bar night for women of all sexualities and backgrounds who want to meet for entertainment and conversation. Red Box is held on the second Tuesday of every month.
where: Bar Blanco, 213 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1XF. Free.
Wednesday 11 March, 7pm
QUIZTERIOUS GIRLS
Join the Oxford Drunken Knitwits for their 2nd annual charity pub quiz, themed around all things women, in honour of International Women’s Day.
£3 to play, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a blanket hand-knit by the Knitwits themselves. Drinks on the Big Soc for best team name and winning team too!
where: Big Society Pub, 95 Cowley Rd, Oxford. All Welcome
All proceeds go to the Oxford Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre.
Thursday 12 March (Part 2 of this event) 2.00pm–5.00pm
CONTESTATIONS AROUND FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN THE UK AND ELSEWHERE
7 March – Roundtables and presentations by well-known activists/academics in the field of FGM
12 March – WADJDA -a Film Screening and Discussion
Wadjda, a rebellious 10-year-old girl, enters a Koran-reading competition at her madrasa.
She plans to use the prize money to buy herself a bicycle in a culture where girls are not encouraged to cycle.
Middle Eastern Women’s Cinema
In Saudi Arabia,
there are no cinemas, and public spaces are segregated according to gender.
Yet—the first ever feature film entirely shot in Saudia Arabia is written and directed by a woman:
Haifaa Al Mansour.
The film screening will be accompanied by an introduction to gender and Middle Eastern cinema, and will be followed by a Q&A session with Dr Eylem Atakav.
Dr Eylem Atakav is Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at the University of East Anglia and author of Women and Turkish Cinema: Gender Politics, Cultural Identity and Representation (2012) and editor of Directory of World Cinema: Turkey (Intellect, 2013). Her academic interests: Middle Eastern film and television; representation of ‘honour’ crimes in the media, and women’s cinema.
http://www.lmh.ox.ac.uk/IGSC/Home/Activities/OIWF.aspx
where: Talbot Hall, Lady Margaret Hall, Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6QA. Free.
Thursday 12 March 5.00pm–7.00pm
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND AVENUES FOR ACTIVISM
“Female genital mutilation is a global problem that requires a global solution” – Plan UK. A series of short talks from activists and academics will address the origins and causes of FGM, its effects on women’s lives, and how it can be prevented.
where: The Old Dining Room, Harris Manchester College, Mansfield Road, OX1 3TD. Donations welcome
Thursday 12 March 5.00pm (followed by reception at 6.00pm)
DOROTHY HODGKIN MEMORIAL LECTURE
We celebrate the achievements of Dorothy Hodgkin (1910–1994) who solved the structures of penicillin, vitamin B12 and insulin and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1964. She was a supporter of world peace and disarmament and the development of third world countries.
‘ A New Era in Structural Biology ‘
speaker: Professor Petra Fromme, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, US
where: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW. FREE. ALL WELCOME.
Thursday 12 March 6.30pm–8.30pm
GREEN WOMEN CAMPAIGNING AROUND THE GLOBE
Two ‘green’ women describe how they were inspired by green campaigns they have participated in abroad, Green Course and Gewerschafter gegen Atomkraft, and how this led to them campaigning on green issues in this country.
where: Panel Room, Oxford Town Hall. Donations welcome.
Thursday 12 March 7.00pm–9.00pm
AN ELECTION FOR WOMEN – HUSTINGS WITH OXFORD PROSPECTIVE PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
A hustings whereby the prospective parliamentary candidates for the two local constituencies each speak and then the floor is open to questions. The topic is restricted to issues of policy about women and gender for the parliamentary general election of May.
** UPDATED DATE**
where: Ruskin College, Dunstan Rd, Oxford OX3 9BZ. Donations.
Saturday 14 March, from 1pm
HOLI & BASANT 2015: FESTIVAL OF COLOURS AND CELEBRATION OF SPRING
Come and celebrate with authentic home made Indian food stalls, and a variety of dance performances for the audiences to join in with. There will also be henna, facepainting and a range of other stalls.
Enjoy a fun afternoon with music, dance and mouthwatering food!
Organisers: The Hindu Temple Community Project in association with the Asian Cultural Centre
Location: The Asian Cultural Centre, Manzil Way, Cowley
Tickets: FREE!
Saturday 14 March 3.00pm–5.00pm
CHALLENGING THE CROSS-BORDER EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN, A DISCUSSION ON THE REALITIES OF ‘FREE’ MIGRATION
Economically coerced migration, EU legislation, racist attitudes, and trafficking have led to the super exploitation of women. The reality of ‘free’ movement of labour means no employment rights, discrimination, separation from family and, for many women, destitution and sexual slavery.
where: The Council Chamber, Oxford Town Hall. Free
Oxford International Women's Festival 