Celebrating International Women’s Day 2020

Dancing Queer photographed by @LeviticusHinds

A programme of events will take place at Aberystwyth University to mark International Women’s Day 2020.

On Saturday 7 March three workshops for women will take place at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, followed by an evening of talks and live performance.

The events have been organised by Aberystwyth University in partnership with the Women’s Equality Network Wales, Aberration, and Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Our Selfies, Ourselves – Zine-making workshop for women
Fed up with the portrayal of women in the media? We’ll take matters into our own hands as we draw, cut, stick, stamp and collage our very own ‘zines’. 

‘Zines’ (short for ‘magazines’) are hand-made or low-tech booklets and magazines with a creative, DIY feel.

On Saturday 7 March, from 12:30 – 14:30, artist Nicky Arscott will lead a workshop in the Digilab at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, where those attending will create ‘zines’ that reflect the way they think women should be portrayed.

Nicky Arscott specialises in making poetry comics, and has exhibited at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, MOMA Machynlleth and Oriel Davies Newtown. She has an MA in Creative Writing and is one of the directors of Ennyn CIC, which promotes art and creativity in schools and communities.

The workshop is aimed at 16+ women, trans women and non-binary people, and costs £5 (concessions £3). 

Sounding Off! – Theatre workshop for women
Share your experiences and challenges in a participatory workshop.

From 2pm-5pm on Saturday 7 March, Jane Hoy will lead a workshop which invites women to come and share their experiences and challenges in a participatory workshop.

The workshop will involve ‘gamesercises’ to get to know each other and explore people’s stories using some of the techniques from forum and community theatre.

Jane Hoy is one of the organisers of Aberration and runs Living Histories Cymru. Trained in participatory theatre, Jane is a Latin and ballroom dancer, and an inspiring and inclusive workshop leader.

The workshop is aimed at 16+ women, trans women and non-binary people.  No previous experience is necessary and attendees are asked to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to get stuck in.

The workshop takes place in Creative Unit 5/6 at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, and costs £5 (concessions £3). 

Encore! – music workshop for women with The Rock Project
Release your inner rock star! Whatever your age, if you have always dreamt of being in a rock band, Encoreis just what you’ve been waiting for.

This one-off taster workshop starts with a lesson on specific instruments or vocals in small groups. This is followed by a ‘plug and play’ session where attendees will be able to put into practice what they have learnt by playing together as a band.

Instruments are provided and the workshops will be led by Lisa and Liesa, friendly and knowledgeable tutors who also offer longer courses for adults and children with The Rock Project Aberystwyth. 

The workshop is aimed at 16+ women, trans women and non-binary people.  It takes place in the Students’ Union, and costs £5 (£3 concessions).  Taking place from 3pm-5pm, no previous experience is required and beginners are welcome.

Please contact Aberystwyth Arts Centre Box Office on 01970 623232 or e-mail artstaff@aber.ac.uk to choose a session: drums, guitar, bass or vocals.

Our Voices, Our Lives

Celebrate International Women’s Day with an evening of talks and live performance to challenge, dazzle and inspire.

The evening starts with a lively panel discussion on the theme of 'Speak Up'. Activists Shrouk El-Attar, Leena Sarah Farhat and Maria Mesa will throw light on crucial issues affecting women’s lives in Wales and beyond.

After an interval there will be a celebration starring belly dancer Dancing Queer, poet Kittie Belltree and singer Emily Farr. The evening will be hosted by Helen Sandler.

All welcome (age guidance 14+). The event will be mainly in English. Tickets for the evening cost £7 (concessions £5).

Ruth Fowler, Human Resources Equalities and Communications Officer at Aberystwyth University, said: “I'm really excited about this year’s line-up for International Women's Day, which is now part of the annual calendar of events at Aberystwyth. This year’s events will celebrate women’s achievements, experiences, challenges and views in a lively and engaging way, and I would encourage women, trans women and non-binary people from within the University and the wider community to get involved.”

Taking place each year on 8 March, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

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