The newly formed Women’s Partnership of Milton Keynes* is inviting you to join them on
Sunday 7 March for a lively mini-festival.
They are putting on a stimulating and entertaining afternoon where the entire focus will be on championing women’s voices. Their patchwork of FREE online events is a perfect introduction to the globally celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th.
So let’s tell you more by starting on Sunday 7th March with an array of panel discussions with local artists and activists, films focused on women, topical talks from NHS workers and other professionals, activities from crafts to yoga, podcasts to accompany you on an energising walk, and spaces to simply relax and enjoy yourself. There is even a special story for children being read by a local author, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Join them, and why not bring the name of a woman who has inspired you during the past year? It could be anyone, from your mum to Kamala Harris, from Greta Thunberg to Dolly Parton. Let’s give them all the honour they deserve.
The festival will end with an evening of friendly open-ended conversations on What Women Want. So … bring a drink, get involved and raise a glass to those splendid women everywhere!
There will be events and activities running from 1:30pm through until 9pm. You can book for as much or as little as you like. Each session below has a series of activities which you can dip in and out of. Please click on the link for more information about the programme and how to register. The afternoon sessions will be recorded and you will be able to watch the sessions on YouTube.
*The Women’s Partnership, includes FawcettMK, SoroptimistsMK, Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service, MK Rape Crisis Centre, MK Act and other groups and individuals. If you would like to find out more or get involved please contact Community Action: MK via email: support@communityactionmk.org.uk or ring 01908 661623. We welcome people of any gender or sex who support female empowerment.
The Programme below is correct at time of publication and may be subject to change. Donations are welcome and will support future projects.
Each session below has a series of activities which you can dip in and out of. Please book for any session you want to attend. We will record the afternoon sessions and these will be available on YouTube. All Free. Donations Welcome.
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Women Creating Community Book Here
- Film: International aid and women’s voices:
- An Introduction to the Fawcett Society Film: Women in Exile and Friends
- Film: The Living Archive: Black Lives Matter Protest in MK
Women‘s Wellbeing: Lotus Leaf Yoga Book via Email Join humanist Yoga practitioner Frances Keeley in a free 75 minute session from Lotus Leaf Yoga. The session in limited to 20 places. Please email frances@lotusleafyoga.net to book. First come first served.
Vagabond Cinema: Salt of the Earth: Book Here
- A tale of Women’s Emancipation from New Mexico – A film way ahead of its time, capturing feminist attention in the 1960s.
Women’s Empowerment Book Here
- Craftivism Activity: Make Pants to promote Smear Testing
- Film: The Fight for Mom’s House: a space for homeless
- Talk: Preventing online grooming of girls in Sri Lanka
- What3Words: A free informative and life saving session presented by Karen Hutchinson of KH First Aid Training
4pm – 6pm
Women Making Places – Book Here
- Housing – Local women reflect: How hard to be heard?
- Talk: Dr Noel James from the City Discovery Centre transports us back in time to hear about Medieval Women in MK Discussion: Milton Keynes Arts Centre presents ‘Women Artists in Lockdown’ Fionnuala Boyd is one half of the artists duo, Boyd & Evans, Ciara Callaghan, Alondene Phillips and Elmira
- The Women Who Made Milton Keynes with archive material from the City Discovery Centre
Women in Nursing and Midwifery Book Here Film: Hear the voice of an ICU Nurse from Willen Hospice Panel and Discussion: 101 Years of Nursing and Midwifery.
Womens Wellbeing Book Here
- Vagabond Cinema: Short Film: ‘Make Lockdown Great Again.’ Hear from two incredible women working with IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. Anna Berry & Ali Pretty in discussion with The Stables & Festival Executive Director Lucy
- Film: Junction 14 share the fun of Women Singing together.
- Talk – MÓTUS Director, Helen Parlor talks about leadership roles for Women in the Dance Industry
- Vagabond Cinema: Short Film: See Saw
- Film: Living Archive Ebony Carr: An MK Athlete
- Storytelling ‘A Knight named Clover’ a tale for 7-11 yr olds
6pm – 8pm
Vagabond Cinema : Sylvia Pankhurst: Everything is Possible, Argentina, Caliban and the Witch
- Sylvia Pankhurst short.
- Argentinian Feminist Demonstration Short.
- Silvia Federici speaks about her book ‘Caliban And The Witch – Women, The Body, and Primitive Accumulation’. Book Here
7pm – 8pm
Vagabond Cinema : The Women’s Strike Continues – Film about the struggle of women who work in municipal kindergartens and nurseries in Poznań (Poland). They fight for living wages and better conditions for themselves and the kids. Book Here
8pm – 9pm
Networking and Discussion: What Women Want Open to all women looking to engage in informal and confidential conversations. Light a candle, bring your glass and “meet” like minded women to discuss what we really want. Book Here