Wow! What a amazing idea – to unite the creativity of the awesome, inspiring women of Bristol and break down those cultural, racial, age and ability barriers. Conceived and organised by the indomitable Deasy Bamford and Yanni, this project was created to promote projects for the forthcoming International Women’s Day (IWD), to support each other’s projects where relevant and to provide networking opportunities across the goddess-sphere.
Beginning with an introduction to the group and its intentions, we did some ice-breaker games having the chance to meet previously unknown women surprising, interesting and produced some great connections. I was moved by the young woman I met who runs a blog called “letters to our daughters” where she publishes posts from women wishing to pass on their wisdom and knowledge to the younger generation. How cool is that?
WOW intends to raise the profile for International Women’s Day which has seen its participation diminish over the past few years from the thriving event it used to be. Projects proposed include a pop-up shop and cafe.
The meeting was also a useful platform to mention the forthcoming One Billion Rising event on the 14th Feb. This event was created by Eve Ensler author of the Vagina Monologues to raise awareness of violence against women. A dance flash mob across various Bristol locations is being planned and keep watching this space for another possible dance event in the evening.
These are all worthy ideas which in the light of the December gang rape of Jyoti Singh Pandey in Delhi, India, the recent anti-feminist policies touted by the Republican party in the US and the attempted assassination of a 15 year old girl in Pakistan for campaigning for girl’s education are still sadly very much needed.
Other women spoke about projects that would interest the group – supporting charities, art projects, business guidance and the female only festival “This Earth Gathering” taking place on the 5 – 7th July in Somerset. This exciting festival being organised by Paloma Suarez will feature dance, yoga, storytelling, song and healing nurturing “women’s wisdom for a better world”. Ffi: http://www.thisearthgathering.com
The meeting concluded with Yanni demonstrating her colourful and intricately made flag which she designed to symbolize herself and her heritage. At the next meeting on the 9th Feb we will all be making our own flags ready to be flown on College Green for IWD. Flying high and flying free!
A friend of mine just sent me a link today to tell me about the flash mob on Feb 14th. Methinks I need to look into this some more
PS will send you pics requested from work tomorrow x