International Women’s Day (IWD) was first celebrated in 1911 as a day to recognise women’s role and achievements and to highlight the continued struggle for equal rights. In some countries IWD, every 8th March, is an official holiday. In a build up to the day, various events are taking place around MMU:
Friday 7th March – 12 – 2 pm, New Business School (near the entrance and in room 3.10)
There will be stalls, including information on the University’s Women Entrepreneurs Course and demonstrations from some female students from the School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, of their new computer game which promotes recycling. The game is a free app on both IOS and Android devices to promote recycling for Greater Manchester. The game is called Getting Wasted and takes the user through a typical student flat, getting them to clean the rubbish into appropriate bins. It is a fun, quick play game, that is also educational. For more information, please view this article: http://www.staff.mmu.ac.uk/manmetlife/news/view/game-on-for-students-to-recycle There will be also be a talk by Manchester Rape Crisis and look out for people giving out some ribbons on the day in the colours of the Suffragettes movement.
Wednesday 5th March – 21st Century Feminism
This sold out event organised by the Institute of Humanities and Social Science Research took place this week and was timed to lead up to International Women’s Day. This one-day public forum considered contemporary gender issues and persistent sexism. What does it mean to be a feminist in the 21st century and what are the new challenges facing women in an era marked by on-going global conflict and economic crisis? A panel of internationally renowned feminist thinkers discussed the feminist now and the feminist future, alongside a day of networking opportunities and activities.
For full details see the IHSSR page here http://www.hssr.mmu.ac.uk/hip/21st-century-feminism/ or see the copy of the programme here: 5th March Feminist programme.
Events in Manchester
Manchester International Women’s Day Awards annually recognise women and organisations that have made an important difference within Manchester . As part of these events, MMU is sponsoring these awards. MMU’s Gender Staff Forum Co-Chair, Dr Kate Cook took part in organising the awards dinner and also in judging one of the awards. The details of the finalists are here: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200041/equality_and_diversity/5881/engagement_and_events/2 and the winners are announced at the dinner. For more information on the awards go to http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200041/equality_and_diversity/5881/engagement_and_events/2
For over 25 years Manchester City Council has celebrated the achievements and contribution of women every International Women’s Day. The occasion provides an opportunity for Manchester to inspire and raise the aspirations of women and girls and to make positive steps to address inequality and renew our efforts to challenge the barriers that women and girls face locally and internationally. Manchester City Council’s programme of events for International Woman’s Day: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200041/equality_and_diversity/5881/engagement_and_events
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