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All the latest from HER-itage and our affiliates

7 November 2014 ~ Mini-Masterpieces Opens! – Fundraiser for Rape Crisis Tyneside – until 2 December 2014

Artists Come Up Trumps Producing Pocket Sized Artworks For Auction
North East Art Collective, Eldon Garden

On 7 November, Newcastle-based charity, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, will launch Mini-Masterpieces, an art exhibition in aid of the charity. Mini-Masterpieces is a collection of over one hundred pieces of postcard sized art, donated from artists across the region and each one can be snapped up by members of the public in a silent auction lasting until 2 December.

The charity, which has been supporting women since 1978, is exhibiting its Mini-Masterpieces at North East Art Collective, an art gallery in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

From Friday 7 November, members of the public are invited to visit the gallery, free of charge, to view the 100+ strong collection of postcards that have been created by the likes of local artists Sharron Blackmore, Mark Taylor-Gregg and critically acclaimed Alexander Millar, as well as those from further afield such as feminist artist Carol Rosetti, guitarist with The Futureheads and accomplished artist Ross Millard and creator of iconic Super Furry Animals album artwork Pete Fowler have all stepped up to create something unique in support of the work the charity does.

The miniature pieces of art will be sold during a silent auction in North East Art Collective at Eldon Garden in Newcastle, with 100% of the proceeds going direct to the charity. Art lovers can view the exhibition, choose their favourite postcard (or postcards!) and put their bid in the box at the gallery, or submit a bid online.

At 36 years old, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland is the oldest Rape Crisis Centre in the United Kingdom. It is a women-only service, providing support, information and counselling to women affected by any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives.

The charity works with women throughout some of the most traumatic times in their lives to support them in moving forward in a positive and healthy way. In 2013/2014, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland offered over 1,000 face-to-face counselling sessions to women in the region.

Mini-Masterpieces opens at North East Art Collective on Friday 7 November and closes on Tuesday 2 December, bids can be placed in the gallery or online at www.rctn.co.uk.

Visit www.rctn.co.uk for more information about Mini-Masterpieces or www.rctn.org.uk for more information about services and support.

Source http://www.rctn.co.uk/news/

October 28, 2014

1 November 2014 ~ Nottingham Women’s Conference Fringe Festival until 29 November 2014

Nottingham Women’s Conference is delighted to present you the fringe festival. During the month of November there will be a host of incredible events, performances and discussions taking place in and around Nottingham. You can find more information here and we hope that you are able to take advantage of the fantastic array of events celebrating women throughout the month.

Please note that some events are open only to some people. If the event does not say anything, then it is open to all. But if in any doubt, please check on the relevant website or with the organiser of the event.

Saturday, 1st Nov - Reclaim the night
18:30 to 20:30 –‐ Meet at Forest Rec at 18.30 for a 19:00 start
A march and rally to challenge male violence against women and girls. www.facebook.com/events/1492910610962477/
This event is open to women only, children welcome
ADDRESS Forest Recreation Ground, NG7 6HB
ORGANISED BY Nottingham Feminist Action Network

Tuesday, 4th Nov - ‘Lad Culture': just a bit of harmless fun?
19:30 –‐ International Community Centre
Discussion on lad culture, victim blaming and sexism in popular culture, looking at how it influences attitudes on sexual abuse and violence against women. www.rapeisnojoke.com
ADDRESS 61B Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FN
ORGANISED BY Rape is No Joke –‐ Becci Heagney becciheagney1@yahoo.co.uk

Tuesday, 4th Nov – East Midlands Radical Feminist Group
18:00 to 19:30 – Fade and the Hard to find Café (room in the back) This month we will be discussing sex and radical feminism.
ADDRESS 171 Mansfield Rd Nottingham NG1 3FR
ORGANISED BY Ruth Greenberg ruth.greenberg@aol.co.uk 01159826952

Friday, 7th Nov – Equality bake sale
TBA – City centre location to be announced @2014NWC
Bake sale to highlight the pay gap between women and men. On average women earn nearly 20 per cent less than men. This baking stall with a difference will demonstrate the disparity with women paying 20 per cent less than men for a biscuit or a slice of cake.
ORGANISED BY Nottingham Women’s Conference organisers nottinghamwomensconference@gmail.com

Saturday, 8th Nov – Page 3 anniversary demonstration
13:00 – Old Market Square in Nottingham
In Nov Page 3 will have been in existence for 44 years too long. Come and help promote the NMP3 campaign and demonstrate against media sexism and objectification. Theme yet to be decided –‐ ideas inc. changes for women in the last 44 years –‐ a timeline showing how things have changed and how ridiculous it is that page 3 still exists. Possibly something to illustrate the context issue –‐ i.e. how out of context a soft porn image is amongst news stories. www.facebook.com/events/292777300921091/

Monday, 10th Nov – Inspirational Women (2) – Linda Farthing talks about her life and work in Latin America
17:00 to 19:00 – Nottingham Women’s Centre
Linda Farthing, American feminist and solidarity activist has 25 years experience of living and working in Latin America. She has worked in grassroots development initiatives in Bolivia and Nepal, edited five books on the Americas, field produced films in Colombia and Bolivia, and taught and administered university–‐level study abroad programs throughout the Americas. She is author of three books on Bolivia, the latest “Evo’s Bolivia: Continuity and Change”.
This event is open to women only.
ORGANISED BY WOW – Women of the World Nottingham Monica Stoppleman monica.stoppleman1@gmail.com

Tuesday, 11th Nov – What is Radical Feminism
19:00 – Nottingham Women’s Centre
A talk and discussion about radical feminism, what it means, as well as exploding some of the myths. All women welcome. www.feministcurrent.com/3130/radical–‐feminism–‐just–‐making–‐it–‐up–‐as–‐we–‐ go–‐along/
This event is open to women only.
ORGANISED BY Ruth Greenberg ruth.greenberg@aol.co.uk 01159826952

Thursday, 13th Nov - Rebel Women – Love Sex Hate Porn
18:00 – Broadway Cinema lounge
Special one off screening of the documentary film Pornland by Gail Dines. Limited numbers, so please book via the Rebel Women facebook page at www.facebook.com/rebelwomennraltd
This documentary includes details about the abuse of women in the porn industry and is very hard hitting.
ORGANISED BY New Rose Associates Ltd, Rebel Women is a new informal learning/support group for women of all ages.
This event is open to women only.
ADDRESS 186 North Sherwood Street
ORGANISED BY Sonia Long sonialong@newroseassociates.co.uk 07771392174

Friday 14th Nov - Zeros and Ones: Empowering women to navigate the digital creative industries
14:00 to 16:30 –‐ Broadway Projector, Broadway’s business support programme presents an inspirational season for women working or looking to work in the creative digital industries in Nottingham. With opportunities to meet industry insiders, learn about how to communicate with clients and pitch your ideas, this *FREE season of events will enable you to gain more knowledge, make new contacts and strengthen your business practice. The season of events starts with a Panel Debate where you’ll hear from a range of passionate women about how to get started in business, discuss potential barriers and challenges for women in the creative and digital sector, and have an opportunity to meet and network after the event with other like minded creative people.
Free but booking essential www.broadway.org.uk
See www.shinewithprojector.org.uk for a full season timetable and more details. * Eligibility criteria apply. Spaces are limited. You will need to be enrolled onto Projector for some activities. Projector is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
ADDRESS 14–‐18 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL
ORGANISED BY Cheryl Gill –‐ Projector at Broadway c.gill@broadway.org.uk 0115 850 7831 www.shinewithprojector.org.uk

Friday 14th Nov - Swan Canaries
19:30 –‐ Newstead Abbey
An award–‐winning show about the women who filled shells in the Chilwell munitions factory during WWI, whose heroism ensured that the factory became known as the VC Factory. Their story was forgotten, partly because women’s stories were not given the same level of importance as men’s at that time. In fact, the explosion at their factory was the biggest loss of civilian life the country has ever known, and their bravery was mentioned in Parliament and commended by Churchill and the King. www.arlettytheatre.co.uk Tickets from the venues and on the door.

Saturday 15th Nov – Million Women Rise fundraiser
19:30 to 24:30 –‐ The Polish Centre Tickets £10/£7/£3 at the door. www.facebook.com/groups/272379992821944/
This event is open to women only.
ADDRESS Clumber Avenue, off Sherwood rise, Nottingham NG56JN

Saturday 15th Nov - Swan canaries
19:30 –‐ Chilwell Rd Methodist Church See Friday 14th November for details. www.arlettytheatre.co.uk

Monday 17th Nov – Reel Equality Film Club presents: Lemon Tree + talk on gender and the Middle East
19:30 –‐ New Art Exchange Film screening + expert talk. Reel Equality, a club for people who love films and hate sexism, presents a powerful, uplifting story of a Palestinian widow in the West Bank fighting to save her orchard from destruction. Introduced by Equation and Dr Amal Treacher Kabesh, challenging Western representations of women from the Middle East and exploring the complexity of female friendships. www.equation.org.uk/reelequality –‐ www.facebook.com/reelequalitynotts
Limited tickets available on the door, advanced ticket recommended from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lemon–‐tree–‐reel–‐equality–‐film–‐club–‐tickets–‐ 13737440053 . £5 general admission, £3 concessions.
ADDRESS 39 –‐ 41 Gregory Blvd, Nottingham NG7 6BE
ORGANISED BY Chloe Cheeseman – Equation (Reel Equality Film Club) chloe@equation.org.uk reel.equality@gmail.com

Tuesday, 18th Nov - Hello I’m Here: readings from POW
19:00 to 20:30 –‐ Five Leaves Bookshop The voice of a much marginalized group within our society, a group who are subjected to abuse and intolerance everyday of their lives because of their lifestyle. These are the words of Nottingham’s prostitutes. Tickets £3 on the door, refreshments available
ADDRESS 14a Long Row Nottingham NG1 2DH 0115 8373097

Wednesday, 19th Nov - SAFE group hair and massage session
10:30 to 12:30 – Nottingham Women’s Centre Survivors and Friendship Empowerment group (SAFE) are holding their second pamper session for women – to empower and build self–‐confidence.

Thursday, 20th Nov - Sojourner Sisters – Relationships, marriage and the expectations on the Black woman
18:00 to 20:00 –‐ Broadway cinema lounge
ORGANISED BY New Rose Associates Ltd, Sojourner’s Sisters is a Nottingham based informal learning/support group for women of Black & Mixed Black Heritage. www.facebook.com/pages/Sojourners–‐Sisters/453927351405906
This event is open to women only.
ORGANISED BY Sonia Long sonialong@newroseassociates.co.uk 07771392174

Friday, 21st Nov - Being and Being Bought – Prostitution, Surrogacy and the Split Self.
19:00 to 20:30 –‐ Nottingham Women’s Centre This is a talk by Kajsa Ekis Ekman’s about her book Being and Being Bought: Prostitution, Surrogacy and the Split Self. “Being and Being Bought is a riveting analysis of prostitution and surrogacy that shatters the great wall of lies about these two institutions. Brilliantly analyzing the parallels, Kajsa Ekis Ekman wages a multi–‐pronged attack on sexism and classism that leaves the reader with hope for change. If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to those who say there are no victims in prostitution or what to say when someone proposes surrogacy as a solution to childlessness –‐ this book is a must–‐read.” This is a free event but a ticket is required.
Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/being–‐and–‐being–‐bought–‐tickets–‐13553754645
This event is open to women only.
ORGANISED BY Ruth Greenberg ruth.greenberg@aol.co.uk 01159826952

Saturday, 22nd Nov - Nottingham Women’s Conference
09:30 to 17:30 – Nottingham Girls High School Nottingham Women’s Conference returns for its second year with a range of speakers and workshops. Themes are feminist mothering, the patriarchy, women fight back, women’s health and male violence against women. More information and tickets –‐ www.nottinghamwomensconference.wordpress.com

Saturday, 22nd Nov - Untangling the politics of black hair
12:00 to 14:00 –‐ NAE How do you wear your hair? Why? Does popular culture propagate an unrealistic, Eurocentric ideal of beauty? What impact is this having on young people today? NAE hosts a panel discussion chaired by Hannah Pool, Chair of UKFeminista, published author and journalist (The Guardian, The Times, Grazia.) Taking the political and cultural significance of black hair as our starting point, the panel – artists, cultural commentators, academics and activists – will discuss the relationship between hair and post–‐colonialist beauty ideals, and the impact this has had on perceptions of identity. Local young people will lead a discussion around how popular culture is influencing the next generation’s sense of self–‐worth. The event will also explore how we can begin to eradicate negative reinforcement and promote positive experiences. Join us to share your views and play a key part in moving the debate forward. www.nae.org.uk/event/untangling–‐the–‐politics–‐of–‐black–‐hair/201

Monday, 24th Nov - Why all men should be feminists.
19:00pm to 21:00 –‐ Rumbletums Café A discussion of the meaning of feminism and why it’s important for men to recognise their significance and role in the struggle for equality. Mainly aimed at men but open to all.
ADDRESS 2a Victoria Street, Kimberley, Nottingham, NG16 2NH
ORGANISED BY Jeff Buck jeff.buck2768@btinternet.com 07848 888897

Tuesday, 25th Nov - Nottinghamshire County Council Libraries present Nicola Monaghan: A Nottingham Writer
14:30 –‐ West Bridgford Library Is a Nottingham writer merely a writer who lives in Nottingham, or is there more to it than that? Award–‐winning author Nicola Monaghan talks about setting her books in the city, and finding inspiration in Nottingham’s literary heritage. www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/westbridgfordlibrary Booking essential. Tickets available at £3 from West Bridgford library
The event is aimed at adults and both men and women
ADDRESS Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6AT

Tuesday, 25th Nov – Screening of Transamerica and discussion about the issues raised
18:00 to 20:30 – Nottingham Women’s Centre Transamerica stars Felicity Huffman as trans woman named Bree. One week before undergoing surgery, Bree learns that she fathered a boy who is now 17 and is in trouble with the law. Bree would like to ignore this information, but is forced to meet the young man, Toby (played by Kevin Zegers), by her analyst Margaret (Elizabeth Peña), who will not allow the surgery to happen unless Bree meets him and confronts this aspect of her past. Although now nearly ten years old, Transamerica is regarded as a film far ahead of its time in the treatment of transgender characters. The film brings up several topics related to transition and there will be an opportunity afterwards to take part in a structured discussion of the issues raised, facilitated by Dr Claire Jenkins. Light refreshments will be provided.
This event is open to women only.

Thursday, 27th Nov - Launch of Nottingham Women’s Centre Library and Radical Readers
17:30 to 19:00 – Nottingham Women’s Centre Special edition of Radical Readers with Q&A session with Kat Banyard and the launch of the feminist library at Nottingham Women’s Centre. Kat Banyard is the author of The Equality Illusion and co–‐director of UK Feminista and will be joining us for the opening of our magical feminist library and to discuss her book. There will be nibbles, a chance to see the library and information on how to become a member! Book for the month: The Equality Illusion by Kat Banyard.
This event is open to women only.
ADDRESS 30 Chaucer Street, NG15LP

Saturday, 29th Nov - 16 Days of Activism to End VAWG Rally
16:00 to 19:00 –‐ Derby City Council Steps DE1 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls Rally. Singing chanting, candle lighting ceremony, speeches. www.voxfeminarum.btck.co.uk

Saturday, 29th Nov – LaDIYfest Sheffield 2014
All day event – Multiple venues Sheffield’s grassroots feminist festival, LaDIYfest, returns for its fourth –‐ and BIGGEST –‐ year this November, hosting a whole day and night of practical activities, discussion workshops and live music. This year’s festival will be on Saturday 29th November and money raised by the event will go to Women in Construction, Arts and Technology (WiCAT), a Sheffield organisation run by and for women to promote and support women in non–‐traditional trades. It would be really great if you could help us to spread the word further about this special event. www.ladiyfestsheffield.wordpress.com/ –‐ www.facebook.com/events/355012897981458

Last week of Nov TBC - Women Leading Learning – Paths, Tales and Exploration
TBA A fun and creative workshop exploring thoughts and feelings about women and learning. We’ll make storyboards, story trails and paths using text, graphics, cut out pics, fabrics and other media to build interactive narratives that weave, change and recreate. How did we learn about life? Tales from your gran or secret chats with schoolmates, that wild adventure that went badly wrong, those wonderful women who gave you hope –‐ remembering and imagining how women learn, how women want to learn. For more information www.womenleadinglearning.wordpress.com

TBC – Launch of Trans Safe Space Guidelines TBC The Trans Safe Feminism project aims to promote safer, more inclusive spaces within feminist action. The Trans Safe Space Guidelines have been developed in conjunction with a number of online facebook transfeminist groups and through consultation with local feminist/trans activists. At the launch there will be a talk on the brief history of this project and an opportunity for feminist groups and organisations to sign up to the guidelines in order to create safer spaces for trans* people. For more information www.transsafefeminism.wordpress.com

Check for updates at http://nottinghamwomensconference.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/fringe-festival/

October 28, 2014

House of Lords: Domestic violence – a serious issue – Women’s Aid and others

The Domestic Violence Law Reform Campaign welcomes the debate in the House of Lords where Peers will discuss domestic violence during the passage of the Serious Crime Bill.

The campaign by Women’s Aid, Paladin and The Sara Charlton Charitable Trust, is calling on peers to consider the patterns of coercive control and psychological abuse which are central to domestic violence when debating the amendment. The organisations are also calling on the Government to consider responses to its consultation on the creation of a new offence of coercive control. The campaign responded to the consultation by proposing a new offence that criminalises the pattern of psychological abuse and coercive control, as well as mandatory training for the Police, the Criminal Justice System and other government agencies.

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid said:

“Domestic violence is serious, so serious that two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner. New legislation to criminalise coercive control, patterns of abuse, and psychological abuse, alongside specialist-led domestic violence training, is needed to equip the police and other agencies to effectively do their job.”

Laura Richards, Chief Executive of Paladin, National Stalking Advocacy Service said:

“The current legislative framework fails to recognise how serious domestic violence is. Change is now vital to close criminalisation gaps. We have campaigned and lobbied hard, as well as produced overwhelming and compelling evidence for criminalising psychological abuse and the pattern of coercively controlling behaviour that so often correlates to escalating risk and lethality.”

Rhea Gargour, Chief Operating Officer for The Sara Charlton Charitable Foundation said:

“One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime in the UK. This figure is unacceptable and our legal system must be fit for purpose so that it can effectively combat this problem. Criminalising coercive control, a pattern of behaviour and psychological abuse is the first step in encouraging victims to come forward and subsequently ensuring that when they do, something tangible can be done.”

The Domestic Violence Law Reform Campaign’s full response to the Home Office’s Strengthening the Law on Domestic Violence consultation can be found here.

Press release at http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-press-information.asp?itemid=3330&itemTitle=House+of+Lords%3A+Domestic+violence+%96+a+serious+issue&section=0001000100150001&sectionTitle=Press+releases

October 28, 2014

1 November 2014 18:30 ~ Reclaim the Night Nottingham

Meet at the Forest Rec Pavilion at 6.30pm for a 7pm start

This is a women only march and rally to challenge male violence against women and girls and specially to challenge a culture of victim blaming and to break the silence around sexual violence and harassment.

Bring any placards, signs, banners, whistles and your voices!

The march will be followed by a rally with speakers and then soup and celebration at Nottingham Women’s Centre.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1492910610962477/?notif_t=plan_user_joined
Twitter: @RTNNottingham #RTNN14

Organised by Nottingham Feminist Action Network (NFAN) and supported by Nottingham Women’s Centre, Nottinghamshire Rape Crisis Centre and Women’s Aid Integrated Services (WAIS).

October 24, 2014

Women’s Aid Northern Ireland statement on Queen’s University Belfast Department of Justice research on prostitution

Women’s Aid is extremely disappointed by the Queen’s University Belfast research published 17 October 2014 on prostitution in Northern Ireland. The research is deeply flawed and lacks a basic understanding of the links between prostitution, human trafficking, and the spectrum of sexual exploitation that is taking place in Northern Ireland.

It is for this reason that Women’s Aid has withdrawn its name from the advisory committee for the research. As acknowledged experts on all forms of violence against women, with direct experience working with those who have been sexually abused and exploited both by strangers and intimate partners, we feel that this research is flawed, limited, and contains judgmental bias.

We are concerned that the research is extremely limited in scale, and cannot present a true or reflective picture of prostitution and its links to sexual exploitation in Northern Ireland. It has roundly failed to gather meaningful data on those working in prostitution in Northern Ireland.

There is already a significant body of international evidence which shows the links between prostitution and sexual exploitation, and the dreadful problems that women in prostitution face. These include violence inflicted against them and severe addiction to alcohol or drugs, which often starts as a means of masking the horror of the life they are forced to live.

Women’s Aid also has concerns about judgmental bias contained within the conclusions in the research. The report fails to recognise prostitution as a serious violation of the human rights of women and girls. Even by the research’s own limited statistics, it is obvious that women are pressured into prostitution when faced with desperate choices based on poverty and survival of their families.

We are also extremely concerns that the report fails to identify certain types of informal prostitution as child sexual exploitation. Where the report acknowledges instances of “young people casually offering sexual services in return for phone credit or drugs”, there is no acknowledgment that such practices are clear evidence of child sexual exploitation.

Overwhelming evidence shows that girls enter prostitution at a young age and are often victims of child sexual exploitation. In light of the recent cases of child sexual exploitation and grooming in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK, it is shocking that this study fails to make those links.

Women’s Aid is opposed to all forms of abuse. We are supported by all major international and local women’s organisations in recognising prostitution as a fundamental abuse of women’s human rights. For this reason we are fully in support of the proposed Trafficking and Exploitation Bill, and Clause 6 which will criminalise those who buy sexual services in Northern Ireland.

This research has nothing to add to the debate – it cements the myths around prostitution as a benign career, and masks the horror of the abuse and degradation which is the reality for many in prostitution.

Statement published at http://www.womensaidni.org/womens-aid-statement-queens-university-belfast-department-justice-research-prostitution/

October 24, 2014