WAND (Women’s Action Network Dorset) are excited to announce that this year they are promoting a whole week of activities created with local women in mind as part of celebrations to mark International Women’s Day this March.
Running from 6th March – 14th March events include:
· A free talk entitled “Rwanda’s Women – Stories of Courage, Forgiveness and Resilience during the Genocide & the Journey of Rebuilding”. The talk is taking place on Friday 6 March at the West Dorset District Council offices in Dorchester. The speaker, activist and humanitarian, Carl Wilkens, will share his experiences of remaining in Rwanda during the genocide of 1994. WAND are also happy to offer a free buffet from 12.30pm-1pm. The talk itself is taking place from 1pm-2pm – Booking is essential – see below
· In the evening of the 6 March WAND arehosting a Question Time style debate with key parliamentary candidates standing to represent West Dorset. The event is being held at the Town Hall in Dorchester from 8pm-9pm (doors open 7.30pm). The audience will be able to put their questions to candidates so that they can explain what they’re planning on doing for women in Dorset around topics such as equal pay, women’s representation, childcare and health. The debate will be chaired by BBC Radio Solent’s afternoon show presenter Katie Martin. Again booking is essential and questions must be submitted in advance via email or the website.
· Other Dorset Women’s Week events include some wonderful performances and activities taking place in Bridport hosted by local group Bridfem. Plus there are some fantastic offers to try something new at a local leisure centre. Also there is an uplifting nature inspired talk on offer from the RSPB showing how the organisation was set up by a group of women in 1889 as well as the chance to try out a very relaxing and creative movement and yoga session known as Shakti Dance. Plus there will be free goody bags available throughout the week – but you will have to read the programme to find out where from!
· Dorset Women’s Week culminates with the 10th annual Dorset Women’s Day to be hosted by WAND! This will take place at the Dorford Centre Dorchester on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 3.30pm. Regular attenders of the event will know that it offers something for everyone and this year is no exception. The day will be packed with a varied and exciting range of workshops and performances including: crochet, jewellery making, self empowerment techniques and creative writing. Plus WAND are offering a delicious cookery demonstration that will teach you how to make authentic Italian style bread and home made ravioli.
There will also be a range of stallholders promoting everything relating to womanhood with the opportunity to find some wonderful hand made items.
And following the success of last year, the RUMMAGE ROOM is back again! This is an opportunity for people to donate any unwanted woman’s clothes, accessorises and books (all clean and in good condition) and pick up something new to you. Proceeds will go to WAND to support other events.
Admission to Dorset Women’s Day is free and is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. Free crèche facilities will be available together with the opportunity to purchase delicious home-made cakes and refreshments lovingly prepared by WAND volunteers. On the day there will be more goodies available so the whole day will feel like a treat!
· WAND patron Tracey West – broadcaster and author says ‘as a proud Patron of WAND I am thrilled that this year, in partnership with other local organisations such as Bridfem, they are offering a whole week of activities and generous offers. From serious talks to sport, from performances to nature, Dorset Women’s Week is a great way to try something new or do more of the things you already enjoy with truly something for everyone – and for all ages too!’
· You can find the full programme for all of the Dorset Women’s Week activities on the WAND website at www.wandwomen.org.uk
· To book the Carl Wilkins talk or the Parliamentary question time or to request a copy of the programme please email [email protected] or call 01305 252204 or go directly to the WAND website.
· For other Dorset Women’s Week activities please check the programme and contact the organisers directly.
Please note that free hard copies of the programme will also be available from the following locations:
· Bridport, Dorchester, Sherborne and other local Libraries
· Bridport, Dorchester and Sherborne Tourist Information Centres
· Bridport Arts Centre
· Dorchester Town Council
· Bridport Town Council
· West Dorset District Council
· Sherborne Town Council
· Oxley Sports Centre – Sherborne
· Gryphon Sports Centre – Sherborne
· Naturalife – Antelope Walk, Dorchester
· Waterstones – Dorchester
· Local Village Halls
