M A R C H 2 0 1 6

UNISON South East Regional Women’s

Committee Newsletter

CONTENTS Page 2: Amazing Women of the

World Page 3: National Women's

Conference 11-13 February 2016 Page 4 & 5: Mother Earth; Pre and

Post Maternity Experience Around the World

Page 6: TU Bill– How it will disproportionally affect Women

Page 7: There is no Honour in Killing, by Tania McGee

Million Women Rise March Page 8 & 9: Women Courses 2016 Page 10: Women’s Passport Page 11: Education Application

Form Back Page: What’s On in March

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie grew up in Nigeria. Her work has been translated into thirty languages and has appeared in various publications, including The New Yorker, Granta, The O. Henry Prize Stories , the Financial Times, and Zoetrope. She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and Half of a Yellow Sun, which won the Orange Prize and was a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, a New York Times Notable Book, and a People and Black Issues Book Review Best Book of the Year; and the story collection The Thing Around Your Neck. Her latest novel

Americanah, was published around the world in 2013, and has received numerous accolades, including winning the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Fiction; and being named one of The New York Times Ten Best Books of t h e Y e a r . (chimanda.com)

Alice Walker, best known perhaps as the author of The Color Purple, was the eighth child of Georgia sharecroppers. After a childhood accident blinded her in one eye, she went on to become valedictorian of her local school, and attend Spelman College and Sarah Lawrence College on scholarships, graduating in 1965. Alice Walker volunteered in the voter registration drives of the 1960s in Georgia, and went to work after college in the Welfare Department in New York City.

Alice Walker married in 1967 (and divorced in 1976). Her first book of poems came out in 1968 and her first novel just after her daughter's birth in 1970.

Alice Walker's early poems, novels and short stories dealt with themes familiar to readers of her later works: rape, violence, isolation, troubled relationships, multi-generational perspectives, sexism and racism. (womenhistory.com)

Amy Johnson was born in Hull on 1st July 1903, the daughter of John William Johnson, from the family firm of Andrew Johnson, Knudtzon and Company, fish merchants. She was also the grand-daughter of successful mill-owner William Hodge who was Mayor of Hull in 1860. In 1925 after completing a B.A. degree at Sheffield University Amy returned to Hull to undertake a secretarial course at Wood's College. In the spring of 1926 she wrote to a friend “...Mollie and I went up in the aeroplane. We both enjoyed it, but I would have liked to have done some stunts.” The following year she moved to London to pursue a career in advertising. In September 1928, Amy began to take flying lessons at the London

Aeroplane Club. After her first six lessons, she wrote home saying: "I have an immense belief in the future of flying", and from then on it became the most important thing in her life. After gaining her pilot's license, she left her job to work full-time as a mechanic. In December 1929 she became the first woman to qualify as a ground-engineer.

(hullhistorycentre.org.uk)

National Women’s Conference 2016

This year witnessed the largest ever women’s conference with over 600 women delegates in attendance from all over the country, there to debate the issues most affecting UNISON women members and to attend the various workshops, service group meetings, self organised group and fringe meetings. The South East region sent its largest delegation ever – over 75 members, 43 of whom were direct branch delegates. Although there are 115 branches in the region and every branch is entitled to send at least one woman delegate, 43 delegates is a real improvement on previous years where the number of delegates attending has been stuck around the 33 to 35 mark. Women make up 78% of UNISON members and every branch should strive to send at least one delegate so there is still more to be done to encourage higher attendance figures. The theme of women’s conference was education, training and personal development for women. All of the workshops covered the various ways in which UNISON provides the best education opportunities to members through the wide rang-ing and highly acclaimed education and training courses available for members and activists; and also the bursary schemes that are available to members embarking on further and/or higher education courses. Opening Conference, the President Wendy Nicholls and Vice President Liz Cameron gave excellent speeches that highlighted the impact of the government ‘anti’ public service agenda and the ruthless cuts to public services that continue to have a disproportionate impact on women. They spoke of the attacks on trade unions contained in the Trade Union Bill and that “we will continue to recruit and we will continue to organise” and fight against all of these attacks. Women from all over the country moved motions that spoke in greater detail about how the governments’ cuts particularly affect women for example, cuts to services such as sexual abuse and domestic violence services, the rise of pregnancy and maternity discrimination, flexible working requests being turned down much more frequently, the restrictions on women’s access to justice due to the cuts to legal aid and the fact that tribunal fees are the highest for discrimination cases which has led to a 83% drop in the number of sex

discrimination cases being lodged at Tribunals. Delegates discussed the rise in internet abuse and online safety for women in the workplace and asked that UNISON look into devising training for members and stewards. Delegates spoke about how the governments Comprehensive Spending Review last autumn landed a further blow to women’s financial stability and were enraged to note that 20% of the country’s top income homes have £30,000 disposal income – more than many of our members earn in a year. “Watch out Cameron, we’re coming for you” shouted a delegate to great applause and cheering! Three motions were submitted from the South East region, agreed at the yearly event open to all women member in the region i.e., the Regional Women’s Forum (September 2015). 1) Reduction in Tax Credits; 2) Women’s rights are human rights and 3) Pro women-pro choice. The regional representatives - Charlie Dacke and Cathy Roblin did a sterling job in not only moving the motions but in leading the delegation meeting and supporting women members who were new to conference and new to speaking at conference. Throughout the few days at conference delegates

and visitors took part in photo sessions to highlight

the TUC week of #heartunions and there was a

‘whole conference floor’ photo with delegates

holding their #heartUNISON placards. It was a

lively couple of days in Brighton with very

interesting issues being debated – if you haven’t

been to women’s conference, come and join us

next year and have your say!

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Around 130 million babies are born globally each year. Of these 130 million, each one has a mother! Some mothers will have spent months and years, thinking and planning the prospect of bringing a new life

on to this earth. Others will not have had any choice in the matter, and maybe little more than children

themselves, when they are expected to be a mother.

Access to Care in Pregnancy Since 1990 maternal deaths rates worldwide have dropped by 43% (WHO). This improvement is cold comfort for some mothers, those giving birth in Niger, Western Africa, were it is considered the most dangerous place on earth (Save The Children).

In Niger a mother has a 1-in-7 chance of dying during her reproductive years, as a result of pregnancy related complication or

infection, or childbirth injury. Of the children born alive, only 15% reach their first birthday. Of all the births in Niger, only 16% are delivered in a medical environment with a midwife or doctor to attend (Guardian).

Many give birth in rural villages, with the support of a village midwife, who has no medical training and only razor blades to cut the umbilical cord. If women become ill during pregnancy, only the lucky ones may

get medical help, as all medical support has to be paid for. Add to this a cultural attitude were women are supposed to be stoic and carry on as normal in pregnancy, were no sympathy is given for morning sickness and other pregnancy related ailments. Then when women do give birth, tradition is that mothers must do so without making a sound. If they need help to give birth, such as a c-section, they are looked down upon and thought to be less of a woman.

In Sweden the risks to a mother and baby are

miniscule. From the outset mothers are altogether

better off, they live in a wealthy country are well fed

and have free antenatal care. Women are better

educated, use of contraception is widespread and

the average age of childbirth is 29 years. Put this all

together and it means that on average only 1 woman

will die every 7 years, and maybe 2 to 3 babies a year

die due to complications. Compare that to the above

statistics for Niger and that 1 in every 6 babies born

are dead or die soon after, it is very shocking and sad.

Adolescent Pregnancy and Birth Around the world there has been a reduction in the amount of pregnancy and births in adolescent girls, but some 11% of births worldwide are still to girls aged 15-19. Sadly some girls who find themselves pregnant are even younger than 15. Adolescent pregnancy remains a major contributor to maternal and child mortality, and to the cycle of ill-health and poverty (WHO). In Guatemala the legal age of marriage, with the parents consent is 14. In many rural parts, the law is seen more as a guide than a rule to follow. Child brides in Guatemala face harsh consequences, similar to those of child brides in other developing nations. They are withdrawn from their education; were subject to physical and sexual violence; risked dangerous pregnancies and went without crucial medical care. Many aspects of their lives were controlled by older men who considered the girls

little more than sexual and domestic servants. In India marriage of girls is very common throughout the country; one particular story that hit the headlines was that of Rekha Kalindi. Rekha had benefited from schooling provided by a govern-ment initiative supported by UNICEF, where her parents received monetary compensation. Despite this, as a daughter she would always be considered a burden and therefore at just 11 years old, her parents told her it was about time she got married. Marriage was the last thing Rekha wanted, after having nursed her elder sister (who was just 12),

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The issues discussed here are massive, and cannot be fixed overnight. Many organisations such as the World

Health Organisation and Amnesty International are fighting every day to improve the situation

for these women and girls. At a local level raising these issues with friends, colleagues and

loved-ones, supporting and getting involved in UNISON, who lobby government and have

international connections with other unions and charities supporting women and children is a

great way to help women here and around the world. We all need to work together in solidarity

for a better future for all women.

through 4 still births, marriage terrified her. Towards the end of what would have been her schooling career, the Bengal Minister of Labour was in

attendance at her school. In her school assembly she was able to speak to the minister and rest of the school, about the benefits of education. She was then able to go on to talk about her sister’s awful experiences, and how she had refused to marry. Her story

came to the attention of local journalists, she

become a media sensation. Sadly her life at home had become very difficult, her mother beat Rekha badly. She stopped Rekha going to school and se-verely limited her food intake. Only with the inter-vention of a teacher and the assistant to the Minister of Labor could she finally go back to school. Rekha was encouraged by others around India to con-tinue to speak out, Rekha agreed, despite some threats, to write more speeches about child labor, the importance of education about forced marriages. Rekha has continued to speak out and in 2015 released a book about her life called ‘The Strength to Say No’.

Access to safe and legal Abortions Abortion on request is the general rule in most EU countries and the US, however Malta is the only country in the EU country where abortion is prohibited in all circumstances. Of the 180 thousand abortions in the UK every year, about 10 thousand are from other countries like Ireland where it is illegal.

In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise LGBTQ marriage, which was a groundbreaking move. Yet this is the same country that still has it written into law that abortion is illegal.

A loosening in Irish law in 2013 now allows abortions when the mothers life is at threat, or if she is suicidal. Sadly this change only came after a woman lost her life. The mother, whose foetus had been diagnosed as unviable, was denied an abortion because her baby still had a heart beat. The mother died of sepsis, caused by the foetus, this death simply would not have happened in most other EU country where abortion is legal. Sadly, the law does not seem to have helped make it

easier for Irish women to have an abortion, in fact it has become harder. For example one young woman, who was a victim of rape and at risk of suicide, requested an abortion at 8 weeks pregnant. After consistent bureaucratic failures and her deteriorating mental health, she went on hunger strike. 17 weeks after requesting help, she then had a c-section at 25 weeks, at this stage can have massive medical implications for mother and child. Further afield, we have seen mass outrage and condemnation following the news that a 10 year old girl in Paraguay became pregnant after being raped by her step father. The girl was denied an abortion unless her life was directly at risk. Many would argue that simply being pregnant at 10 years old is a massive health risk. Not only to her physical but her mental well being as well, additionally, complications may not arise until the point of birth. At this point, it is too late for mother and child.

Sadly it is the case that even in what many may think is a more equal and progressive world, women and girls rights are still being ignored. In many countries around the world, women’s bodies appear to be simply viewed as vessels.

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The TU Bill: How it will disproportionally affect women Many of you will know about—and have taken part in—the campaign against the Trade Union Bill. We have already won some important changes to the Bill in the House of Commons, but at the time of writing this, we still don’t know whether the Bill will become law or not, or if amendments will make it to the Lords. What we do know is that this government is intent on bringing this Bill in, which will transfer the balance of power from the workplace further towards employers, undermine social partnership in the workplace and restrict the ability of people to work, to organise collectively and make their voice heard. The bill will also massively undermine decades of progress around equal opportunities and will have a massive negative impact on equality. The government thinks that the reduction to worker’s rights will have no effect, but UNISON’s South East Women’s Committee profoundly disagree!

Did you know - Initial TUC research shows that nearly three quarters (73%) of trade union membership is women! The Bills restrictive proposals on striking were they would require a ‘higher ballot threshold for essential services’ are brought into place, will likely have a massive affect women and their rights in the workplace. Did you know – Attacking union member’s ability to strike will result in worsening pay and con-ditions for women workers! Pay and conditions in the public sector is under attack from the current government. Without the ability to take action against employers, women and their families will be significantly affected by job cuts, reduced income and reduction in scales of public services they rely on. Did you know – Unionised workplaces perform better on the gender pay gap! Through successful partnership unions have helped to starkly illustrate the gender pay gap in the public sector, meaning it has consistently performed better than the private sector. Non-discriminatory pay systems in local government and health (where up to 78% of the workforce are women) have meant that the pay gap currently stands at 11%, compared to 17.5% in the private sector. Progress is still slow in this area, and measures that undermine trade union organisation will hinder this process even further. Did you know – Unionised workplaces are more likely family friendly! Workplace benefits, such as flexible working, overtime pay, enhanced maternity pay, flexible approaches to women returning to work after

having children are much more widely available in a unionised workplace. Family friendly policies increase staff productivity and loyalty of staff, this in turn benefits the

employer who will save massively on recruitment costs. Did you know – Unionised workplaces are in the best position to support women!

Unionised workplaces are able to support women in the workplace who are struggling with issues related to pregnancy and maternity, domestic violence and menopause. Facility time enables stewards and activists to support workers, particularly women, around these issues. For example helping employers develop policies, campaigning, and challenging discrimination and were needed taking action. Did you know – Being a member of a union helps challenge inequality and discrimination! UNISON’s

campaign work is funded from membership fees, high profile campaigns like ‘Worth It’

focus around fair pay for all public service staff. We also do all sorts of local projects

and campaigns around issues that affect women. UNISON also works with a range of

external and national causes – including giving grants to anti-racism projects, civil society

groups and community campaigns that challenge discrimination. This includes groups such as HOPE not

hate, Gingerbread, Maternity Action and the Fawcett Society.

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There is no honour in killing At UNISON’s 2015 Black members conference motion 29 on honour killing was carried and conference resolved to raise awareness of the continued use of honour killings. Tania McGee, National Black members’ committee and South East Regional Women’s Committee writes for Black Action and gives permission for the article to be reprinted here. Honour Killings should be known as Patriarchal killings as there is no honour in killing. One of the main goals of this article is to dissociate honour killings from a particular religious belief system and locate it on a continuum of patriarchal patterns of violence against women. However, it should be noted that this has also been associated with men being killed. Honour killing is simply put - the murder of a person accused of "bringing shame" upon their family. Honour violence is based on the belief that women are objects responsible for upholding the family honour. Families believe that they have to preserve their ‘honour’ by punishing the woman who acted ‘dishonourably.’ Honour violence occurs in patriarchal communities where male status and family status are prioritised above all else. Victims have been killed for refusing to enter a marriage, committing adultery or being in a relationship that displeased their relatives. In many instances, the crimes are committed by family members against a female relative. More cases have reached the UK courts in recent years but a number of crimes still remain unresolved or undetected. In some parts of the world, women who have been raped have also been murdered for the 'dishonour' of being a victim and the 'disgrace' it brings to their family.

In the UK murders have sometimes taken place after a family reacted violently to their son or daughter adopting the trappings of western culture. It's thought that up to 12 honour killings happen every year in the UK. One of the most well-known cases is that of Banaz Mahmod, from Surrey, whose murder in 2006 was organised by her father and uncle. The police were criticised for mis-handling Ms Mahmod's situation when she contacted them on a number of occasions before her death. Laws to prevent forced marriages and provide a way out for those already in unconsented unions were introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in November 2008. Anybody convicted of trying to force someone into a marriage could be jailed for up to two years. Within the first year, 86 Forced Marriage Protection Orders were implemented. Honour violence occurs worldwide, from South America to Asia but the exact figures of how many men and women have been killed in the name of ‘honour’ are unknown. The tougher punishments may have also inadvertently contributed to more female suicides occurring at the instigation of men who want to avoid longer imprisonments. None of the world's major religions condone honour violence or killings although perpetrators have sometimes tried to justify their actions on religious grounds. UNISON has made contact with Karma Nirvana and you can visit their website for more information and further advice and support.

JOIN US FOR THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL MARCH OF WOMEN AND GIRLS AGAINST MALE VIOLENCE IN ALL ITS FORMS

Million Women Rise March—Saturday 5 March MEET from 12PM

CENTRAL LONDON IN DUKE ST (next to Selfridges)

MARCH sets off 1.15pm along Oxford St

RALLY IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE 3pm

http://www.millionwomenrise.com/

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Application form on page 11 for more information please email S.comerford@unison.co.uk, call 01483 406507 or visit unisonsoutheast.org.uk/women

Women’s History Part One 15-17 July (3 days) The View, Eastbourne

This course is open to all women members and/or women activists who want to learn about the history of women’s struggle for equality in all sphere’s of life. As women make up half the population and workplace in the UK, this course focuses on the history of women workers and trade unions and puts into context the relationship between the two, both past and present. BOOKING UP FAST!

Women’s History Part Two, 18-20 March (3 days) The View, Eastbourne

This course is only open to women stewards and members who have completed Part 1. This course will explore in greater detail some of the women’s issues explored in Part 1 and will equip women activists with the knowledge to speak more confidently on women’s discrimination issues. FULLY BOOKED!

Assertiveness Skills Training, 15-17 March (3 day) UNISON, Guildford

Assertiveness is the quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive and is a skill you can learn. This course will focus on behaviour types and body language and you will practice using assertive behaviour during the course. LAST FEW SPACES REMAINING!

Women, Work and Health, 12 & 13 July (2 day) UNISON, Guildford

UNISON recognises that everyone has an equal right to protection from harm at work, but that doesn't mean treating everyone as if they were all the same. This course is aimed at women stewards, branch women officers, and women health and safety reps who would like a broader understanding of women’s health and safety issues.

Women’s Course 2016

Pregnancy and Maternity Rights 10 & 11 May (2 days) UNISON, Guildford

Maternity Rights in the UK can be extremely complicated. It is estimated that approx 30, 000 women are sacked every year for declaring that they are pregnant to their employer. Women also face discrimination on their return from maternity leave. This course will provide information about the current legislation and how trade unions have negotiated improved maternity policies for members over the years. The course if for branch women’s officers and women stewards.

Branch Women’s Officer, 20—22 May (3 days) The View, Eastbourne

This course is for newly elected Branch Women’s Officers. The aim of the course is to provide a brief overview of some of the issues that affect women in the workplace and society and equip you with the knowledge and resources that you need to assist members. By the end of the course you will also have a good knowledge of UNISON structures and principles of proportionality and fair representation.

Sex Discrimination in The Workplace 23 & 24 Feb (2 day) UNISON, Guildford

This course is open to branch women’s officers and women stewards who would like to be familiar with equality legislation, the 4 legal forms of sex discrimination and be confident to support and advise members. FULLY BOOKED!

Domestic Abuse Workplace Policies, 5-7 July (3 day) U N I S O N , B r i g h t o n

Due to popular demand another date added!! The distress from the affects of domestic abuse will affect performance and attendance at work. Domestic abuse is an issue for employers and trade unions. UNISON was one of the first unions to recognise domestic abuse is a trade union issue.

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Women’s Courses 2016 (cont.)

30 Sept—2 October (3 days) The View, Eastbourne The Regional Women’s Forum is an annual event organised by the regional Women’s Committee to give women members and women stewards the opportunity to meet each other, network and share experiences. With 1 million women members in UNISON, this event inspires, informs and builds the confidence of women to become active in their branches and raise awareness of issues that affect women in the workplace and society. If you have ever thought about getting involved in the union and making a difference then come along to the Women’s Forum and learn about ’Women In UNISON’ and how we work together to campaign for change. The forum is open to all women members.

Domestic Abuse Workplace Policies, 4 –6 October (3 day) U N I S O N , G u i l d f o r d

The distress from the affects of domestic abuse will affect performance and attendance at work. Domestic abuse is an issue for employers and trade unions. UNISON was one of the first unions to recognise domestic abuse is a trade union issue.

Equal Pay Briefing 21 September (1 day) UNISON, Guildford

The first time equal pay was raised as an issue for women was during the industrial revolution in the 1830’s! Over 140 years later the Equal Pay Act (1970) came into force and yet still we have inequality. This course will help you identifying pay inequalities in pay and grading structures and advising members of their rights.

Women’s Forum 2016

Application form on page 11, for more information please email S.comerford@unison.co.uk, call 01483 406507 or visit unisonsoutheast.org.uk/women

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PASSPORT TO WOMEN’S OFFICER TRAINING— Courses to change your life!!

Women’s Officer Passport If you have recently been elected as the Branch Women’s Officer, you might be wondering what will be expected of you and how you will carry out your new role in your branch. UNISON has a proud history of providing quality education and training courses for all elected branch officers and also for members. We have put together a programme of training which we recommend for all new Branch Women’s Officers, to help you understand your role and help you acquire the knowledge and skills to support and advise members and your branch on women’s rights issues.

Module 1 should be completed first but after that, you can chose to study Module 2 to 7 in whatever order that suits you. There are no deadlines for completion therefore you can study over a period of time that fits in with your life. On completion of the above modules your course tutor will sign off your Passport and when all 7 modules are signed, you will receive your Passport Award.

Module 1—Branch Women’s Officer Course (3 days)

Module 2 —Women’s History Part 1 (3 days)

Module 3—Pregnancy, Maternity & Parental Rights (2 days)

Module 4—Domestic Abuse (3 days)

Module 5—Equal Pay (1 day)

Module 6—Sex Discrimination in the Workplace (2 days)

Are you interested in becoming more active in UNISON?

There are a variety of ways you can help support members in the workplace – such as a steward or health and safety rep to name just two. Getting involved in your trade union can be a very fulfilling experience. UNISON is committed to providing development and support, to enable you to do your role. We also have a vast amount of materials available (some our excellent women’s resources are listed below and on the opposite page), to support you.

There are 1.3 million members in UNISON and a million of those are women so it is really important that there are plenty of women stewards and branch officers to help represent the majority of the membership and to lead on issues relevant to our women members, whether in you workplace, your local branch or at regional and national level.

If you would like more information about what is involved, please contact Sam Comerford, at s.comerford@unison.co.uk Please provide an up to date email address as this helps us to keep you up to date with women’s training courses and women’s events in UNISON.

Application form on page 11, for more information please email S.comerford@unison.co.uk, call 01483 406507 or visit unisonsoutheast.org.uk/women

Course details Course date

Course title

Course code (if known)

Closing date for the course

Your details

Male Female

Surname

First name

Membership no.

Branch

Service group (e.g Health, Local Gov)

Address for correspondence

Contact no.

Mobile

If you would prefer joining instructions to be sent by email, please provide your email

address below:

Email

Facilities Do you have special dietary needs? Yes / No

Do you have any access needs? Yes / No

Do you need assistance with child/dependent care to attend this course? Yes / No

If you have answered yes to any of the above please give details:

_______________________________________

PLACES ON COURSES CANNOT BE GUARANTEED THEREFORE YOU ARE ADVISED NOT TO MAKE TRAVEL/HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL A PLACE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED

Monitoring To help us work towards fair representation, please answer the following questions: Do you identify yourself as being:

White British

Irish

Any other White background Mixed race White & Black Caribbean

White & Asian

Any other Mixed background Asian or Indian

Asian British Pakistani Any other Asian background

Black & Caribbean

Black British African

Any other Black background

Chinese or Chinese

other ethnic Any other ethnic background

group

Are you disabled? Yes / No

All applications must ask their Branch Secretary/Branch Education Officer to complete this sec-tion. Any problems should be referred to the Re-gional Education Officer on 01483 406511 The cost of this non-residential course to the branch is £55.00 per person, plus any travelling and out of pocket expenses This application is supported by the Branch Signed Date Branch position

Return to: Sam Comerford, UNISON South East, Ranger House, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey , GU1 4UL or fax to: 01483 570271 Email to: s.comerford@unison.co.uk

Application Form

Event: WOW– Women of the World Festival—Cambridge, 1—7 March 2016 About: http://www.wowcambridge.cam.ac.uk/ Venue: University of Cambridge Info: Talks, workshops and performances celebrating women

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Event: Wonder Women, 1—13 March 2016 About: www.creativetourist.com Venue: Various events around Manchester Info: Art, film, exhibitions, debate, guided walks, fashion, and much more.

Many more events are being held throughout the South East region and country, to find out more visit http://www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp

Event: International Women’s Day Brighton and Hove, 5 March 2016 Time: 10-4pm About: Special day packed with events and activities Venue: Brighton Dome, Church St, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UE

Event: WOW—Women of The World Festival, 8– 13 March 2016 About: http://wow.southbankcentre.co.uk/ Venue: Southbank Centre, London Info: Talks, workshops and performances celebrating women

Event: Oxford International Women’s Festival , 4-14 March 2016 About: www.oxfordinternationalwomensfestival.co.uk Venue: Oxford Info: Various activities and events celebrating women’s achievements and solidarity

Event: A Speech From Voice of African Women's Radio Project (Give your voice) About: Madam Fatmata N'bambay Suma. An Entrepreneur and a key player on the Empowerment of women in Sierra Leone will make a speech on Women's Empowerment for an collective action against Teenage pregnancy and Gender Base Violence against Women in Sierra Leone. (see internationalwomensday.com for more) Venue: Greenwich, London