International Women’s Day ‘bigger and better than ever’ 

BRISTOL Women’s Voice, and a very dedicated team of volunteers, are shaking off the January blues and working together on the programme for this flagship event.

Not many free events in Bristol attract as many volunteers to support the programme, or as diverse a range of participants. This year’s International Women’s Day event will bring hundreds of women from different communities across Bristol together, to connect, learn and celebrate. More than 100 contributors and partners will be running workshops, performances, exhibitions, activities and talks in and around City Hall. Activity strands include health, nurture, poetry, music, film and photography, dance and visual arts. There is something for everyone, and we can provide support to help you get there via free public transport, a creche and translation services.

This year, the day-long event will also include an evening programme of entertainment, as well as a march through the centre of the city, so that women can show their support for one another and make their voices heard.

There’s a lot people don’t know about this small charity that packs well above its weight. Bristol Women’s Voice is run on a very tight budget by a staff team of five, all part-timers. In building their vision of equality for women in Bristol, the work they do includes working with transport companies and the council to lobby for urgently-needed improvements in women’s safety on public transport in Bristol.

Bristol Women’s Voice holds the police to account and acts as a critical friend via the Women’s Independent Advisory Group. They support and work with women’s organisations, members and other allies across the city to renew and strengthen their call for change. In supporting part of the Council’s answer to the cost-of-living crisis, they hope to mobilise a team of volunteers to run women-only time slots within the 70 city-wide welcoming spaces. The charity is also putting together a directory of all the services for women across Bristol into one place.

If you’d like to find out more or become a member, visit: bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

If you’d like to volunteer your services and help put on the International Women’s Day event, email: VTcoordinator@bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

It’s women like you who make these things happen.

Bristol Women’s Voice

Photo: Mireya Gonzalez