Page 62 - Spring 2015

International Women’s Day first took place in 1911, and women’s rights have come a long way,
well, in this country anyway. Women have the vote, they can now become Bishops and since
2013 over 40% of panellists on BBC’s Question Time have been female. But look at other
countries that have made less progress, look at the fact that women only make up 22% of the
House of Commons, look at the fact that on average women still earn vastly less than their male
counterparts. Look at all these things and you’ll see there is still a lot of work to do.
The theme for IWD 2015 is ‘Make it Happen’. There’s a number of ways you can get involved.
Join in on social media, #MakeItHappen #IWD2015 #internationalwomensday #PaintItPurple.
You could also dress in or even paint part of your house purple for the day; this is because the
Women’s Social and Political Union have used the colour scheme of purple, white and green
since 1908: purple symbolises justice and dignity and is the ideal colour for IWD. Another way
you can be part of this great day is to attend one or more of the following events. Make some
time, make more friends, Make it Happen.
Alternative Queen of Reading 2015
Friday 6 March 2015 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Olympia Ballroom, Shehnai, 75-77 London
Street, Reading, RG1 4QA
Alternative Queen returns to showcase the
weird, the wonderful and the downright
eccentric side of Reading. The event supports
Berkshire Women’s Aid and SupportU.wing
events.
Alternative Queen of Reading: Inspired by
eccentric sculptor Andrew Logan, founder of
the Alternative Miss World competition, the
Alternative Queen of Reading celebrates the
beauty found in uniqueness.
Spring into Fashion: Amar's Afternoon
Tea and Fashion Show
Sunday 8 March 12:30-4:30pm
The Langham Hotel, London, W1B 1JA
Celebrate International Women’s day with
AMAR at Sumayah Deria’s first London
fashion show with a selection of stalls selling
Middle Eastern crafts and accessories.
The AMAR foundation is a charitable
organisation that aims to build and improve
lives of those affected by conflict and natural
disaster through education and healthcare,
particularly within the Middle East.
International Women's Day at the
Royal Academy
Sunday 8 March 11:00am-5:00pm
The Royal Academy of Arts Burlington House,
Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD
This series of events is a celebration of
International Women’s Day at the Royal
Academy that explores inter-generational
perspectives on women in the arts.
The Royal Academy of Arts is an Academy
that promotes the appreciation and
understanding of art and its practice.
Find out more at: internationalwomensday.com
Make it Happen
Sunday 8th March
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