| Year 2007 No. 12, March 8, 2007 | ARCHIVE | HOME | JBBOOKS | SUBSCRIBE |
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Workers' Daily Internet Edition: Article Index :
Salute Women Everywhere Taking Up the Challenges Facing Humanity!
Origins of International Women's Day
After Ipswich: Launch of the Safety First coalition to decriminalise prostitution
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Statement of RCPB(ML), March 8, 2007
On International Women’s Day 2007, the Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist) sends its militant revolutionary greetings to women in England, Scotland and Wales, and around the world. RCPB(ML) salutes women everywhere who are playing a leading role in the struggle to take up the urgent challenges facing humanity and for the affirmation of rights, including the right to be and to affirm one’s identity.
At a time when the British state is playing the most reactionary role nationally and internationally, occupying and subjugating nations and peoples, and attacking and attempting to ghettoise whole sections of society, including women, at the forefront in resisting and planting the alternative have been women.
Women are in the front ranks of the movement to put a stop to the Anglo-US imperialist wars of aggression and occupation and to seek justice for all countries suffering as a result of imperialist blockades, dictate and occupation.
It is crucial that women, who bear the brunt of the neo-liberal, anti-social offensive worldwide and for whom there is no future under the dictate of the monopolies, take the lead in the movement to change society. Women are taking initiatives for people's empowerment and the right to decide the future of society. They are extremely active in the struggle against increasing impoverishment, and opposing all the social inequalities which make women, especially immigrant women, "fair game" at work and in all aspects of life. They are affirming that there is a way out of the crisis and that this lies in taking up the project of the working class to end the government’s programme of paying the rich and cutting social investments.
The origins and history of International Women's Day demonstrate the truth that the emancipation of women is inescapably linked to the emancipation of the working class and stamping on society its values based on abolishing exploitation and oppression and taking up social responsibility.
Women in struggling against the present arrangements are seeking to plant the alternative to the party-dominated system which continues to attack their rights and interests. By fighting to bring about the new arrangements, women are taking up the struggle to ensure their emancipation as human beings and unite all sections of society in solving the problems it is facing.
On this International Women’s Day, we call on women in Britain to strengthen and consolidate their role as second to none in championing progress, enlightenment and a new society. We salute women around the world who are everywhere showing the way in taking up the challenges facing humanity.
No to war and aggression against the peoples of the world!
There is an alternative and we will create it!
Long Live International Women’s Day!
The history of International Women's Day is a testimony to the leading role played by women in the international communist and workers' movement in defending rights and fighting for the new.
1908
In 1908, on the last Sunday in February, 15,000 women marched through New York
City calling for the vote and the political and economic rights of women.
1909
In 1909, 2,000 people attended a Women's Day rally in Manhattan. Women
garment workers staged a general strike. 20-30,000 shirtwaist makers struck for
13 weeks demanding better pay and working conditions.
1910
Following the two major revolts of
US women textile workers against their exploitation, German communist Clara
Zetkin proposed an International Women's Day
at a conference convened by the Second International to honour the women's
rights movement and to build societies in which women stand second to none.
Over 100 women from 17 countries unanimously agreed the proposal.
1917
On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for
"bread and peace" in response to the death over 2 million Russian
soldiers in war. Opposed by political leaders the women continued to strike
until four days later the Czar was forced to
abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The
date the women's strike commenced was Sunday 23 February on the Julian calendar
then in use in Russia. This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was
8 March.
WDIE has received the following press release from the English Collective of Prostitutes
The tragic murders of five young women in Ipswich last autumn caused an unprecedented public outcry, bringing some money and resources to the area and a change of policing priorities. For a short time, women’s safety took priority over arresting sex workers. But now that the eyes of the world are no longer on Ipswich, resources are gone and there is talk of re-introducing zero tolerance policing against sex workers.
Yet most people now understand that the criminalisation of consenting sex – sex workers or clients – pushes prostitution further underground, making women more vulnerable to violence, exploitation and even murder. We also know that murderers usually have a history of violence: rape, domestic violence, etc., which they were not arrested or convicted for, and that Suffolk has the second lowest conviction rate for reported rape in the country, 1.6%.
Together with Ipswich residents and others, we are determined that value judgements over the way women live their lives must never again be an excuse to deny protection. Everyone in our community deserves to be safe from attack, regardless of their occupation, sexual preference, race, age, nationality or lifestyle.
The Safety First coalition to decriminalise sex work will look at New Zealand’s successful experience and at viable economic and other alternatives. It will be launched on 10 March at 3pm at the Conference Rape, Race, Prostitution – Campaigning for justice in the 21st century with the English Collective of Prostitutes and US PROS.
Speakers:
A sex worker from Ipswich, her experience of policing & resources
Camille Shah, Ipswich resident
Revd Andrew Dotchin Ipswich vicar, caring for all in Ipswich
Pauline Campbell, mother of Sarah who died I the ‘care’ of HMP Styal
John Furniss, Multiple Choice Rehabilitation Centre, supporting people on drugs
Sian Kilcommon, SWEET, sex worker project, Huddersfield
Revd Paul Nicolson, Zacchaeus 2000 Trust, the poverty & debt behind prostitution
Phillida Bunkle, former New Zealand MP who helped introduce decriminalization
Launch 3pm, Saturday 10 March 2007
At Trinity United Reform Church, Buck Street, London NW1
An International Women’s Day event coordinated by The Global Women’s Strike
Among the events taking place across Britain to mark International Women’s Day are the following:
| Date: |
01 March 2007 |
| Time: |
Monday to Friday, 09:30am to 17:30pm, with late evening opening on Thursday until 20:00pm. Saturdays 10:00am to 16:00pm. |
| Event: |
Prostitution: What's Going On? (Exhibition until 31 March) |
| About: |
A provocative and challenging exhibition exploring the topical and urgent issues of prostitution and trafficking for sexual exploitation, in historical and contemporary context. |
| Venue: |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University, 25 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NT |
| Org'n : |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University: Cultural centre (Library, Museum and Archive) housing the most extensive collection of women's history in the UK. Access is free and open to everyone. |
| Date: |
05 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10:00am - 16:00pm |
| Event: |
Women's Work |
| About: |
Monday 5th - Friday 9th march, exhibition of art by local women artists |
| Venue: |
The Gallery, University of Lincoln, George St. Hull and Hull School of Art and Design, Queen's Gardens, Hull, HU1 |
| Org'n : |
Hull Women's Network: Hull Women's Network brings together five women's organisations in a strategic partnership to benefit the women of Hull |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
19:00 - 23:00 |
| Event: |
Celebrating International Women's Day |
| About: |
Performances by Kiku Day (shakuhachi), Máire Breatnach (fiddle) & Sun Zhuo (guzheng). |
| Venue: |
Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London |
| Org'n : |
The School of Oriental and African Studies, London University: Since its formation in 1916, the School of Oriental and African Studies - or SOAS as it's better known - has built an enviable reputation around the globe for the calibre and quality of its courses, teaching and research. Part of the University of London, and located in the heart of the capital, SOAS continues to enhance its position as the world's leading centre for the study of a highly diverse range of subjects concerned with Asia, Africa and the Middle East |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
8 March 09:00- 20:00; 9 March 08:30- 16:45 |
| Event: |
International Women’s Conference |
| About: |
The National School of Government is hosting an International Women’s Conference on 8-9 March 2007. Coinciding with International Women’s Day, its theme is women’s leadership globally and locally. |
| Venue: |
Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, London |
| Org'n : |
The National School of Government: The National School of Government is the business school for government operating from its heart and dedicated to the public sector |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
8 - 14 March |
| Event: |
Opening Night Gala: International Women's Day |
| About: |
Six days of inspiration and celebration, showcasing the very best work from women filmmakers across the globe, supported by the UK Film Council. For the third year running, Birds Eye View will be presenting a programme of innovative and original events. Screenings, talks and events will be taking place at three leading London film venues: the Institute of Contemporary Art, the National Film Theatre and the Barbican. With UK premieres, baby friendly screenings, masterclasses and special gala presentations, this year promises to be a filmic feast. |
| Venue: |
National Film Theatre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London |
| Org'n : |
Birds Eye View: Film is the most powerful medium of our time, but only 7% of directors are women. In response, Birds Eye View brings you the new generation of talented women filmmakers from across the globe. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
08:30am - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
The Future is Female: Women In Media Conference |
| About: |
This one day conference will examine the unique value that women bring to creative businesses and how to inspire, engage and retain them in greater numbers ensuring future growth, development and innovation in the digital media industry. |
| Venue: |
University of Sussex Conference Centre, Falmer Campus, Brighton |
| Org'n : |
Wired Sussex : Wired Sussex is the business development agency for over a 1,200 digital media companies across Sussex and south east. For more information visit: www.wiredsussex.com. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10:00am - 13:00pm |
| Event: |
Hidden Issues |
| About: |
Sexual Violence continues to be a barrier to women's equality. The conference will explore the new Gender Equality Duty and its impact on sexual crime. |
| Venue: |
Orsett Hall, Grays, Essex |
| Org'n : |
South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre: SERICC is part of National Rape Crisis Network (England & Wales) and the UK End Violence Against Women Coalition. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
08:30am - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
Face the Truth |
| About: |
Retrospective photography exhibition featuring women with whom ActionAid works, taken by photographers including Jenny Matthews and Gideon Mendel. The compelling images are juxtaposed with graphic text revealing the harsh reality of poverty and inequality. |
| Venue: |
Café, London’s City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London |
| Org'n : |
Action Aid: ActionAid is a unique partnership of people who are campaigning for a better world. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
18:00pm - 23:00pm |
| Event: |
Scottish PEN |
| About: |
To celebrate International Women’s Day Word Power Books ( is proud to present Scottish PEN Members reading from their translations of women writers from Scandinavia, Catalonia, France, Switzerland, Bengal and former East Germany. |
| Venue: |
Word Power Books 43-45 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DB |
| Org'n : |
Word Power Books: WPB is a leading quality independent and radical bookshop. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10:00am - 21:00pm |
| Event: |
Barnsley International Womens Day Event |
| About: |
A day packed full of many different sports and activities for women and girls all FREE of charge, so come along and have a go! |
| Venue: |
The METRODOME, Queens Road, Barnsley, S71 1AN |
| Org'n : |
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, PCT, Sport and Activity Forum, Black and Ethnic Minority Group: Partnership between a variety of organisations based in Barnsley aimed at improving the lives of local people |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
08:30am - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
The Future is Female |
| About: |
This one day conference will examine the unique value that women bring to creative business and how to inspire, engage and retain them in greater numbers ensuring future growth, devlopment and innovation in the digital media industry. |
| Venue: |
University of Sussex conference centre, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QU |
| Org'n : |
WomeninMedia : Launched on IWD in 2005, Women in Media aims to inspire, increase and sustain women working in the digital media industry. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
9.30am - 14.00pm |
| Event: |
Seminar UN Resolution 1325 |
| About: |
Half-day seminar to celebrate International Women's Day, entitled: Women, Peace and Security. The discussions will be centered around the UN Security Resolution 1325 adopted in October 2000, which calls on all actors to adopt a gender perspective to promote women's equal participation with men in peacebuilding and all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. This interactive consultation will provide an opportunity for experts from international/regional organisations, national governments and civil society to come together to identify priorities and to discuss practical approaches to developing implementation strategies/action plans on women, peace and security at the national, regional and international levels. |
| Venue: |
Foreign Office, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AH |
| Org'n : |
Foreign & Commonwealth Office: Government department dealing with all the foreign and commonwealth issues. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10:00am - 15:00pm |
| Event: |
Women in Film event |
| About: |
This event questions the scarcity of film material focusing on and recognising the complexity of older women, their lives, concerns and aspirations. The day will include a discussion panel of industry professionals, including Tony Carr from Matcine, a presentation on the history of women in film and a screening of the film Bread & Tulips (2000), directed by Silvio Soldini and starring Licia Maglietta and Bruno Ganz. |
| Venue: |
The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane , London, SW2 1JG |
| Org'n : |
City Screen Limited: Formed in 1989 to challenge the multiplex cinema model and provide cinemas in city centre locations that serve their local communities. Independent (or " arthouse") films have always been core to the Company's profile but each cinema is programmed in response to its local audience and most of the cinemas have at least some mainstream blockbusters in the mix. The Company's first cinema was the Phoenix in Oxford which was bought as a going concern when the previous owners retired. In 1992 the Company opened its first custom built cinema, Clapham Picturehouse and since then the Company has grown steadily through a mixture of new builds and acquisitions, particularly in university cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, London, Brighton and York. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
09:00am - 14:00pm |
| Event: |
Is Anyone Listening conference |
| About: |
Aim: To promote public involvement in improving services related to domestic violence. Main Speaker: Gill Hague, Director of Bristol University's Violence Against Women Research Group |
| Venue: |
Bangor Conference and Corporate Centre, Bangor , BT20 |
| Org'n : |
North Down and Ards Domestic Violence Partnership: Agencies within the Partnership work locally to improve the support and service given to victims of domestic violence |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
12:00 - 14:00pm |
| Event: |
International Woman's Day Lunch |
| About: |
To celebrate International Women’s Day the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Bradford will be hosting a Civic Lunch in City Hall. Our speaker will be Ann Cryer MP Ann’s grandmother was a suffragette and Independent Labour Party member. Ann herself joined CND at the age of 18 and the Labour Party shortly afterwards. In 1997 she was elected as MP for Keighley. In 1999 Ann was the first MP to raise the issue of forced marriages in the House of Commons and has tirelessly campaigned to improve the human rights of women. Tickets are £20. Book by calling 01274 434965 or email to www.lordmayorsappeal.uk.com |
| Venue: |
Bradford City Hall, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1HY |
| Org'n : |
Bradford Metropolitan District Council: The Lord Mayor forms a Committee of volunteers to help raise money and organise events. Individuals, organisations, local schools and the council and local businesses are all encouraged to support the Appeal and organise their own events to raise money. For the charities involved being chosen to benefit from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal can provide a big boost to the annual fundraising target but more importantly it gives them a chance to raise public awareness about the work they do. |
| Date: |
08 March 2007 |
| Time: |
18:00pm - 20:30pm |
| Event: |
TUC International Women's Day Celebration 2007 |
| About: |
Each year, the TUC organises an evening reception to mark International Women’s Day. The opportunity is used to remember our past achievements and reaffirm our commitment to go much further. This year's event assesses the impact of The Millennium Development Goals on working women, with speakers Sophie Tereza Mawanza from the Malawi TUC, Megan Dobney the Regional Secretary of SERTUC, Kathleen Charles, Sierra Leone Teachers Union and others. The evening will have a Brazilian theme and entertainment by Maracatu Estrela do Norte - a north Brazilian music and dance show - and an international buffet and wine. |
| Venue: |
Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS |
| Org'n : |
The TUC: The voice of Britain at work. With 66 affiliated unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, we campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and abroad. We negotiate in Europe, and at home build links with political parties, business, local communities and wider society. |
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Date Thu, 8 Mar 2007 |
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Time to from 18:00 to 20:30 |
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Location Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS |
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Description |
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| Date: |
09 March 2007 |
| Time: |
11:00am - 16:30pm Tuesday to Friday. March 9 - April 2 |
| Event: |
Celebrating Women |
| About: |
To mark IWD, Womankind World is proud to be associated with 'celebrating women' at Hoopers Gallery: An exhibition of photographs by women about women. The photographs will be avaiable for sale, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated by the Hoopers Gallery to Womankind Worldwide |
| Venue: |
Hoopers Gallery, 15 Clerkenwell Road , London, EC1R 0AA |
| Org'n : |
Womankind Worldwide: WOMANKIND Worldwide believes women in developing countries are a powerful force for change. Women have an abundance of practical ideas for improving their own lives and lifting their families and communities out of poverty. But this can only happen if they have the confidence and opportunities to articulate their needs and ideas - and be listened to.WOMANKIND Worldwide is the only UK charity devoted to enabling women to achieve this. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
11:00am - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
A free day out for women |
| About: |
To commemorate 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade, this year's theme for International Womens Day is 'Free Ourselves'. Entertainment, speeches and unsung women's award plus much much more. |
| Venue: |
College of North East London, Tottenham High Road, London , N15 6PP |
| Org'n : |
Haringey Women’s Forum: Offers advice, counselling and housing support for women in crisis. We also present women's issues to the Council and other public sector departments such as the local Health Service. |
An International Women's Week event
Saturday 10 March 2007
Conference - RAPE, RACE and PROSTITUTION: Campaigning for justice in the 21st century
Time: 9.30am to 5pm
Venue:
Trinity United Reform Church
Buck Street
Camden Town
London NW1
Accessible toilets nearby
All Welcome
Entrance fee: £20 funded organizations & professionals; £10 waged;
£5 low waged; £3 unwaged; asylum seekers free. No one turned away for lack of funds.
For more information: 020 7482 2496
Co-ordinated by the Global Women's Strike
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
14:00pm-17:00pm |
| Event: |
Celebration of International Women's Day |
| About: |
Celebration of the history of women's struggles for social and political equality. Speakers, historical displays, refreshments. All welcome. |
| Venue: |
Working Class Movement Library 51 The Crescent , Salford, M5 4WX |
| Org'n : |
Working Class Movement Library: The Library is open to all. It holds books, periodicals, pamphlets, archives and artefacts concerned with activities of the labour movement since the late 1700s. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
11:00am-15:30pm |
| Event: |
Study Day: Women and the Transatlantic Slave Trade |
| About: |
Three lectures: Sara Salih on Mary Price, Clare Midgley on women abolitionists, and Diana Paton on the effect of abolition on enslaved women. Tickets: £20/£15 concessions |
| Venue: |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University, 25 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NT |
| Org'n : |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University: Cultural centre (Library, Museum and Archive) housing the most extensive collection of women's history in the UK. Access is free and open to everyone. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
12:00-13:00pm |
| Event: |
Free Guided Tour of The Women's Library |
| About: |
Find out more about The Women’s Library and get a sense of what’s here on a free taster tour. Free, no booking necessary. |
| Venue: |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University, 25 Old Castle Street, London, E1 7NT |
| Org'n : |
The Women's Library, London Metropolitan University: Cultural centre (Library, Museum and Archive) housing the most extensive collection of women's history in the UK. Access is free and open to everyone. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
13:00 - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
Celebrating Humanity for International Women's Day |
| About: |
Feminenza invites women and men to join them in a free event exploring different expressions of Humanity such as dignity, choice, respect, value, warmth, awe and responsibility. The day will include music, dance, slideshows, film, mini workshops, discussion forums and talks Refreshments available. |
| Venue: |
1 Bath Place , Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 5XE |
| Org'n : |
Feminenza : In the encouragement of every woman's future and working towards a greater mutuality between the genders. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10:30am - 17:00pm |
| Event: |
FEM 07 |
| About: |
FEM 07 is a national feminist conference, featuring inspiring talks, workshops, exhibitions and films. FEM 07 is free and open to all women and men! |
| Venue: |
Sheffield University Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG |
| Org'n : |
FEM Conferences: We are a series of national feminist conferences, coordinated by volunteers, that aim to educate and inspire people to get involved in feminist campaigns. |
| Date: |
10 March 2007 |
| Time: |
14:00pm - 18:00pm |
| Event: |
Bournemouth & Poole Women's Fourm Celebrate International Women's Day |
| About: |
A coming together to celebrate women of different cultures living in one community, to share experiences and explore different values through art, performances and play. |
| Venue: |
Kings Park School, Boscombe, Bournemouth |
| Org'n : |
Bournemouth Borough Council: The local council |
| Date: |
17 March 2007 |
| Time: |
10am - 16:30pm |
| Event: |
Winds of Change - Women and Slavery |
| About: |
Marking the bicentenary of the Abolition of Slavery this conference examines the historical role of free and enslaved women and contemporary issues. £50/£30 (incl. lunch). |
| Venue: |
London Metropolitan Archives 40, Northampton Road, London, EC1R 0HB |
| Org'n : |
London Metropolitan Archives: Holding records dating back nearly a thousand years LMA is the largest local authority archive in western Europe. Maps, photos, prints, plans and documents tell the story of London and Londoners. |