INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK
Events in Tower Hamlets 1-9 March 2008
Women and Work is the theme for this year's celebration of International Women's Week in Tower Hamlets. There are over 35 diverse events across the borough demonstrating the contribution of women to the community.
SATURDAY 1 MARCH
WOMEN'S APPRECIATION DAY
Jagonari – W.E.R.C & Elm Women's Link
London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, E1
10.30am – 2.30pm FREE 020 7650 3000/07958 409881
Women & Work – Baroness Pola Uddin and Councillor Denise Jones will speak about their careers, Exhibition depicting women of achievement throughout history, Information stalls by organisations providing support on employment and training, Workshops on environmental issues, Business training advice & support by local business women, Women may advertise their businesses and a Local Beauty Parlour will demonstrate how they train women in health & beauty to gain qualifications leading on to long term employment.
SUNDAY 2 MARCH
WOMEN AND WORK
Kollun, 55 Ben Johnson Road, E1 4SA
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7790 0010/07960 166350
The event will celebrate the diversity of professional women and their non traditional occupations. There will be exhibition demonstrating different jobs and focussing on small businesses and the opportunity to join in discussions with a variety of women workers e.g. actress, journalist, dancer, singer, newscaster, nurse, councillor, teacher, policewoman and volunteer worker.
JOBS FOR THE GIRLS: A Tale of Women's Work in the East End
Raggel School Museum, 46-50 Copperfield Rd, E3 4RR
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 8980 6405
The event will include two performances and a display entitled 'Women and Work in Tower Hamlets' which will consist of a series of interviews with women who live or work in Tower Hamlets of all ages and ethnicity. The first performance at 2.15pm is an interactive workshop for children and families that looks at traditional roles for women over 100 years ago and the expectations for young women and girls in the Victorian East End. The second performance at 3.30pm will be a play (suitable for over 16's) by Chris Bennion exploring women's struggle to break out of a 'traditional role' at the turn of the 20th Century
MONDAY 3 MARCH
OPEN DAY
NEW LINKS Women's Support Group
Bow Methodist Church, 1 Merchant Street, E3 4LY
12noon – 6pm FREE 020 8983 5823/07949 489108
The open day aims to promote self-development, self-esteem and create a place for women and their children to socialise and relax. There will be massage therapy, ear acupuncture for stress release, manicure & pedicure therapy, a laughter workshop, life coaching by inspirational speakers, and stalls promoting healthy eating.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
MARION MOLTENO, South African author, discusses her novel 'A Shield of Coolest Air' (Longstone Books) set among Somali refugees in London.
TUESDAY 4 MARCH
WOMEN'S HEALTH & EDUCATION EVENT
Black Women's Health & Family Support with the Zacchaeus Project
Walter Newby Centre, Bethnal Green Methodist Church,
Approach Rd, E2 9JP
10am – 3pm FREE 020 8980 3503/020 8983 1568
This event will provide educational, health, cultural and entertainment activities for older women and younger women focussing on the benefits of ESOL classes, adult education classes and general health issues. Speakers will give advice and information and celebrate the achievements of individual women. The event takes place in conjuction with Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust.
WOMEN & WORK IN THE ISLE OF DOGS
Island Neighbourhood Project & Docklands Women's Group
Club 55, Stewart Street. E14 3JH
11am – 1.30pm FREE 020 7987 7930
Women will present their work in education, health and crafts and show how through a wide range of activities and training opportunities they can develop their networking, skills and self confidence and open up new chances of employment.
WOMEN'S FILM SCREENING
Women's Health and Family Services
The Brady Arts Centre 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU
6pm – 9pm FREE but donations welcome 020 7377 8725
A Screening of a series of short films on the lives of women around the world focussing on the theme of empowerment, made by the Television Trust for the Environment, followed by discussion and refreshments.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
BRAND Literary Magazine
Nina Rapi, Cherry Smyth, Alev Adil, Caroline Smith and Jennifer Farmer invite you to celebrate BRAND, an exciting new literary magazine that specialises in the short form and strong international voices. They publish stories, plays, poems, non-fiction and art work, see www.brandliterarymagazine.co.uk.
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
GETTING ON – Training for Work Workshop
Poplar Harca, The Linc Centre, 70 Fern Street. E3 3PR
12.30pm – 4.30pm FREE 020 7538 5748
The workshop will help participants to achieve self-confidence and self-esteem. The focus will be to deliver training and motivational guidance for women wishing to return to work and to offer help and support both practical and emotional in the endeavour to gain paid/volunteer/work experience employment.
GIRLS TO WOMEN – WOMEN TO GIRLS – Cubitt Town Youth Project
Island House Community Centre, Roserton Street. E14 3PG
5pm – 8pm £1.00 for raffle ticket 020 7531 0310
Workshops to encourage mothers and daughters to achieve their goals and gain employment, and opportunities to consult a Beauty Therapist, Chiropodist and Social Entrepeneur.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
CUPCAKE BROWN
African American writer Cupcake Brown arrives from the USA to discuss her memoir 'A Piece of Cake' (Transworld Publishers).
Tea and cupcakes will be served.
THURSDAY 6 MARCH
OPENED DOORS
Will Crooks Tenants & Residents Association and Linkage Plus
Community Centre, Wades Place, Poplar, E14 0DB
11am – 2pm FREE 020 7093 3030/020 7515 8906
For several years a very successful ESOL course for women was run in the community centre assisted by Tower Hamlets College. At this event we will invite these women back to share with us the opportunities opened to them through their improved knowledge of the English Language. Local women who need the incentive of others success stories will be also invited.
WOMEN'S WORK FAYRE
Alpha Grove Project, Alpha Grove, E14 8LH
11am – 3pm FREE 020 7538 1714
Alpha Grove and the Bengali Women's Group present a Work Fayre at which local employers will have the opportunity to inform women about work and training opportunities. At the Fayre there will also be refreshments, with entertainment and activities themed to celebrate the role of women in society both in the workplace and at home.
TEA BREAKS
Stitches in Time, Dora Hall, Dora Street. E14
10am – 4pm FREE 020 7987 6164
A display of textile work by Shadwell Women's Group and 5 ESOL groups and 2 elders groups. There will also be a sewing workshop, puppet workshop and show, refreshments and reminiscence recording workshops of the world of women's work from the 1940s to the 1990s.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK CELEBRATION
St Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row. E2 7EY
11am – 2pm FREE 020 7739 8066
The event will include talks and workshops to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage more women to get involved in working in the local community. The talks will be given by our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Coral Rumble author & published poet, & Naseem Khan OBE well known writer & researcher and chair of Friends of Arnold Circus. A workshop for women who would like to set up their own business will be run by a local caterer and professional childminder. Plus information stalls on health, education, training, childcare and employment as well as a free celebratory lunch.
WHAT WOMEN WANT
George Green School, 100 Manchester Road. E14 3DW
4pm – 6pm FREE 020 7987 6032
The Girls and Young Women's Group will hold a Careers & Professionalism event that will focus on the wide range of professions that women in Tower Hamlets currently work in and raise awareness of the opportunities that may be considered as non-traditional occupations. The event will showcase a variety of jobs with special guest speakers, information stalls and interactive workshops.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £7/£5 concs 020 7247 2584
JOOLZ DENBY PLUS
Apples & Snakes present an evening of pithy & thought provoking performance poetry led by JOOLZ DENBY and featuring MAB JONES and REALITIE with MC Steph Hernandez.
FRIDAY 7 MARCH
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Community of Refugees from Vietnam – East London
Dockland Settlement Centre, 197 East Ferry Road, E14 3BA
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 4986
Activities for Vietnamese women and children to promote health and well-being, increasing physical activity, healthy eating, improving oral health and co-ordinating the delivery of effective health trainers and peer education programmes.
WOMEN IN ACTION
Tower Hamlets Sickle Cell and Thallasaemia Centre
St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Rd, E2 9PL
12noon – 4pm FREE 020 8981 9603
The event aims to promote self-employment amongst women. Women who have successfully set up their own businesses will give talks, run workshops, answer questions and motivate other women especially those caring for people with sickle cell and thallassaemia.
MUDCHUTE PAMPER DAY
Mudchute Childrens Centre, Pier St, Isle of Dogs. E14 3HP
10am – 3pm £1.00 020 7531 4334
Highlighting the achievements of women in Alternative Therapy related work by providing a variety of therapies that will allow women taking part to feel 'pampered and special'. Local practitioners will provide Massage and Reike sessions, Reflexology and Relaxation sessions.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2008
Lincoln Area Regeneration Group
The Linc Centre, 70 Fern Street. E3 3PR
10am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 5748
Workshops to discuss potential barriers to women entering & returning back to work. Lone parent advisors offering support & guidance. Henna hand painting. Beauty therapies. Healthy alternative Asian cookery with demonstrations and taster sessions. Advice and guidance on benefits. Sure Start stall. Face painting. Childrens workshops. Puppet making.
WISE WORDS COMEDY NIGHT produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £10/£5 concs 020 7247 2584
NINIA BENJAMIN CHi2 NINA CONTI JO ENRIGHT
SHAPPI KHORSANDI SHAZIA MIRZA
A fantastic line-up of some of the best female comics in the country celebrating comedy writing at it's most crucial and a couple of Chinese violinists.
SATURDAY 8 MARCH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
CULTURE KITCHEN TOWER HAMLETS 2008
Women's Environmental Network
Wapping Women's Centre, Philchurch Place, off Pinchin Street. E1 1PJ
11am – 3pm FREE 020 7481 9004
A networking and information sharing event to celebrate International Women's Day with activities for women and children on plant pot decoration, food growing, real nappies and fruity beauty. The main theme will be food. There will be a Q&A session with expert community food growers Sufia Alam and Lutfun Hussian. A member of the Wapping Women's Centre Business Enterprise Scheme will also give a talk on setting up and running a local business and the girls group will exhibit their photography project. A sumptuous healthy feast from local organic ingredients will be served.
SUPPORTING THE PROCESS
Spread the Word Writing Course
The Women's Library, LMU, Old Castle Street. E1 7NT
8, 15 March, 5, 19 April, 3 May 10.30am – 4pm £80/£50 concs.
This six session course is aimed at women writers of all genres keen to understand the motivational and support frameworks crucial to writing. The course will be run by Jackee Holder, professional Life Coach who will work with a small group discovering new ways to increase creative output. Please apply by sending a short letter explaining why you want to attend and what issues you feel are blocking your writing to Spread the Word, 77 Lambeth Walk, SE11 6DX or email abi@spreadtheword.org.uk by 18 February 08.
ASIATICA
Globe Bengali Mohila Samity, Canal Club, Waterloo Gardens, E2 9HP
11am – 6pm FREE 020 8983 3527
An opportunity for women and girls and families to come together with workshops, arts and crafts stalls, exhibitions, hair and beauty treatments, music and dance. The event will encourage women to develop their skills and build confidence to participate in the community and express themselves.
BE COUNTED
Amaal Girls Group, Brick Lane Youth Development Association
Osmani Youth Centre, Vallance Road. E1 5AB
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 7377 8429
'Be Counted' will feature a 3 hour programme acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of local women in Tower Hamlets. The event will include a presentation by BLYDA & Elite Youth highlighting provisions for women and their achievements, Dance performance by a young woman dance artist, presentations by successful business women, a look at the history of 10 women who took up non-traditional occupations, information and advice stalls around child care, ESOL, job search and training, healthy refreshments and a free health MOT.
CONFERENCE: The Role of Bangladeshi Women in British Society
Bangladesh Mohila Sanstha
Brady Arts Centre, 192 – 196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 7364 7900
The conference aims to identify the overall situation of Bangladeshi women in education & employment, the barriers encountered, and ways to overcome problems. The programme includes talks, workshops, advice sessions & refreshments.
CONCERT: Songs for Women's Rights
Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street. E1 5HU
5pm – 8pm FREE 020 7375 3689/020 7364 7900
Women dancers, singers and writers present a musical performance with songs, poetry & drama to celebrate International Women's Day. An exciting show case of highly talented women and girls.
WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE DAY Showcasing Women in Business
Limehouse Project, LIFRA Hall, Halley Street. E14 7SS
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 0075
Event with speakers and stalls with information in training & support, International Cuisine, Arts and Craft, Fashion & Jewellery, Health, Beauty, Alternative Therapies & Healthy Living. Performance by the Whipper Snappers – all women drum band.
IWD EXTRAVAGANZA
Project Space and New Avenues Youth & Community Project
Swanlea School, Brady Street. E1
3pm – 5pm FREE 07958 503184
Showcase of a variety of performances by girls and young women plus workshops in drama and dance, and stalls exhibiting a wide range of activities. Women of different cultural and religious backgrounds will be celebrating the diverse community of Tower Hamlets.
WISE WORDS MUSIC NIGHT produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £10/£8 concs 020 7247 2584
SARAH JANE MORRIS + La Rouge
A very special celebration concert given by the sensual singer-songwriter SARAH JANE MORRIS who straddles rock, blues, jazz and soul with a goose-bump raising four octave range that rumbles from the toes of her size nine shoes to the tips of her flame-red mane.
Plus special short set from LA ROUGE. A very young all-girl rock group from East London with an exciting future.
SUNDAY 9 MARCH
ARTISTS TALK: Sanchita Islam
Beside Tower Hamlets Befriending Scheme, 1 Merchant Street, Bow E3 4LY
12.30 – 4pm FREE 020 8980 9787
Sanchita Islam, local resident, talks about her work as a filmmaker, artist and writer. There will be clips from her films and the opportunity to discuss how she has overcome periods of mental distress to become a successful entrepreneur. Refreshments will be served. Event open to men and women from Beside and other services for people recovering from mental illness.
WOMEN'S DAY ON THE FARM
Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street. E1 5AR
12noon – 4pm FREE 020 7247 8762
The annual opportunity to showcase the work of the highly successful Coriander Club; a pioneering women's group which gives socially excluded Bengali women the opportunity to socialise, share recipes and health concerns and grow giant exotic vegetables. The group will be on hand to share their gardening tips, give tours of the Farm and discuss their work. Visitors can learn how to grow tasty vegetables and pick up plants to brighten up their window boxes and balconies.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
BISHWO SHAHITTO KENDRO
TAMIMA ANAM, SHAMIM AZAD, LEESA GAZI, KHADIJA RAHMAN.
Bangladeshi women writers from Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) – the World Literature Centre – discuss Tamima Anam's first novel 'A Golden Age' (John Murray) set in Bangladesh during the War of Independence.
Please note that this programme of events in Tower Hamlets for International Women's Week may be subject to alteration and it is advisable to ring and check beforehand.
Events in Tower Hamlets 1-9 March 2008
Women and Work is the theme for this year's celebration of International Women's Week in Tower Hamlets. There are over 35 diverse events across the borough demonstrating the contribution of women to the community.
SATURDAY 1 MARCH
WOMEN'S APPRECIATION DAY
Jagonari – W.E.R.C & Elm Women's Link
London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, E1
10.30am – 2.30pm FREE 020 7650 3000/07958 409881
Women & Work – Baroness Pola Uddin and Councillor Denise Jones will speak about their careers, Exhibition depicting women of achievement throughout history, Information stalls by organisations providing support on employment and training, Workshops on environmental issues, Business training advice & support by local business women, Women may advertise their businesses and a Local Beauty Parlour will demonstrate how they train women in health & beauty to gain qualifications leading on to long term employment.
SUNDAY 2 MARCH
WOMEN AND WORK
Kollun, 55 Ben Johnson Road, E1 4SA
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7790 0010/07960 166350
The event will celebrate the diversity of professional women and their non traditional occupations. There will be exhibition demonstrating different jobs and focussing on small businesses and the opportunity to join in discussions with a variety of women workers e.g. actress, journalist, dancer, singer, newscaster, nurse, councillor, teacher, policewoman and volunteer worker.
JOBS FOR THE GIRLS: A Tale of Women's Work in the East End
Raggel School Museum, 46-50 Copperfield Rd, E3 4RR
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 8980 6405
The event will include two performances and a display entitled 'Women and Work in Tower Hamlets' which will consist of a series of interviews with women who live or work in Tower Hamlets of all ages and ethnicity. The first performance at 2.15pm is an interactive workshop for children and families that looks at traditional roles for women over 100 years ago and the expectations for young women and girls in the Victorian East End. The second performance at 3.30pm will be a play (suitable for over 16's) by Chris Bennion exploring women's struggle to break out of a 'traditional role' at the turn of the 20th Century
MONDAY 3 MARCH
OPEN DAY
NEW LINKS Women's Support Group
Bow Methodist Church, 1 Merchant Street, E3 4LY
12noon – 6pm FREE 020 8983 5823/07949 489108
The open day aims to promote self-development, self-esteem and create a place for women and their children to socialise and relax. There will be massage therapy, ear acupuncture for stress release, manicure & pedicure therapy, a laughter workshop, life coaching by inspirational speakers, and stalls promoting healthy eating.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
MARION MOLTENO, South African author, discusses her novel 'A Shield of Coolest Air' (Longstone Books) set among Somali refugees in London.
TUESDAY 4 MARCH
WOMEN'S HEALTH & EDUCATION EVENT
Black Women's Health & Family Support with the Zacchaeus Project
Walter Newby Centre, Bethnal Green Methodist Church,
Approach Rd, E2 9JP
10am – 3pm FREE 020 8980 3503/020 8983 1568
This event will provide educational, health, cultural and entertainment activities for older women and younger women focussing on the benefits of ESOL classes, adult education classes and general health issues. Speakers will give advice and information and celebrate the achievements of individual women. The event takes place in conjuction with Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust.
WOMEN & WORK IN THE ISLE OF DOGS
Island Neighbourhood Project & Docklands Women's Group
Club 55, Stewart Street. E14 3JH
11am – 1.30pm FREE 020 7987 7930
Women will present their work in education, health and crafts and show how through a wide range of activities and training opportunities they can develop their networking, skills and self confidence and open up new chances of employment.
WOMEN'S FILM SCREENING
Women's Health and Family Services
The Brady Arts Centre 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU
6pm – 9pm FREE but donations welcome 020 7377 8725
A Screening of a series of short films on the lives of women around the world focussing on the theme of empowerment, made by the Television Trust for the Environment, followed by discussion and refreshments.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
BRAND Literary Magazine
Nina Rapi, Cherry Smyth, Alev Adil, Caroline Smith and Jennifer Farmer invite you to celebrate BRAND, an exciting new literary magazine that specialises in the short form and strong international voices. They publish stories, plays, poems, non-fiction and art work, see www.brandliterarymagazine.co.uk.
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
GETTING ON – Training for Work Workshop
Poplar Harca, The Linc Centre, 70 Fern Street. E3 3PR
12.30pm – 4.30pm FREE 020 7538 5748
The workshop will help participants to achieve self-confidence and self-esteem. The focus will be to deliver training and motivational guidance for women wishing to return to work and to offer help and support both practical and emotional in the endeavour to gain paid/volunteer/work experience employment.
GIRLS TO WOMEN – WOMEN TO GIRLS – Cubitt Town Youth Project
Island House Community Centre, Roserton Street. E14 3PG
5pm – 8pm £1.00 for raffle ticket 020 7531 0310
Workshops to encourage mothers and daughters to achieve their goals and gain employment, and opportunities to consult a Beauty Therapist, Chiropodist and Social Entrepeneur.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
CUPCAKE BROWN
African American writer Cupcake Brown arrives from the USA to discuss her memoir 'A Piece of Cake' (Transworld Publishers).
Tea and cupcakes will be served.
THURSDAY 6 MARCH
OPENED DOORS
Will Crooks Tenants & Residents Association and Linkage Plus
Community Centre, Wades Place, Poplar, E14 0DB
11am – 2pm FREE 020 7093 3030/020 7515 8906
For several years a very successful ESOL course for women was run in the community centre assisted by Tower Hamlets College. At this event we will invite these women back to share with us the opportunities opened to them through their improved knowledge of the English Language. Local women who need the incentive of others success stories will be also invited.
WOMEN'S WORK FAYRE
Alpha Grove Project, Alpha Grove, E14 8LH
11am – 3pm FREE 020 7538 1714
Alpha Grove and the Bengali Women's Group present a Work Fayre at which local employers will have the opportunity to inform women about work and training opportunities. At the Fayre there will also be refreshments, with entertainment and activities themed to celebrate the role of women in society both in the workplace and at home.
TEA BREAKS
Stitches in Time, Dora Hall, Dora Street. E14
10am – 4pm FREE 020 7987 6164
A display of textile work by Shadwell Women's Group and 5 ESOL groups and 2 elders groups. There will also be a sewing workshop, puppet workshop and show, refreshments and reminiscence recording workshops of the world of women's work from the 1940s to the 1990s.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK CELEBRATION
St Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row. E2 7EY
11am – 2pm FREE 020 7739 8066
The event will include talks and workshops to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage more women to get involved in working in the local community. The talks will be given by our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Coral Rumble author & published poet, & Naseem Khan OBE well known writer & researcher and chair of Friends of Arnold Circus. A workshop for women who would like to set up their own business will be run by a local caterer and professional childminder. Plus information stalls on health, education, training, childcare and employment as well as a free celebratory lunch.
WHAT WOMEN WANT
George Green School, 100 Manchester Road. E14 3DW
4pm – 6pm FREE 020 7987 6032
The Girls and Young Women's Group will hold a Careers & Professionalism event that will focus on the wide range of professions that women in Tower Hamlets currently work in and raise awareness of the opportunities that may be considered as non-traditional occupations. The event will showcase a variety of jobs with special guest speakers, information stalls and interactive workshops.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £7/£5 concs 020 7247 2584
JOOLZ DENBY PLUS
Apples & Snakes present an evening of pithy & thought provoking performance poetry led by JOOLZ DENBY and featuring MAB JONES and REALITIE with MC Steph Hernandez.
FRIDAY 7 MARCH
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
Community of Refugees from Vietnam – East London
Dockland Settlement Centre, 197 East Ferry Road, E14 3BA
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 4986
Activities for Vietnamese women and children to promote health and well-being, increasing physical activity, healthy eating, improving oral health and co-ordinating the delivery of effective health trainers and peer education programmes.
WOMEN IN ACTION
Tower Hamlets Sickle Cell and Thallasaemia Centre
St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Rd, E2 9PL
12noon – 4pm FREE 020 8981 9603
The event aims to promote self-employment amongst women. Women who have successfully set up their own businesses will give talks, run workshops, answer questions and motivate other women especially those caring for people with sickle cell and thallassaemia.
MUDCHUTE PAMPER DAY
Mudchute Childrens Centre, Pier St, Isle of Dogs. E14 3HP
10am – 3pm £1.00 020 7531 4334
Highlighting the achievements of women in Alternative Therapy related work by providing a variety of therapies that will allow women taking part to feel 'pampered and special'. Local practitioners will provide Massage and Reike sessions, Reflexology and Relaxation sessions.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2008
Lincoln Area Regeneration Group
The Linc Centre, 70 Fern Street. E3 3PR
10am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 5748
Workshops to discuss potential barriers to women entering & returning back to work. Lone parent advisors offering support & guidance. Henna hand painting. Beauty therapies. Healthy alternative Asian cookery with demonstrations and taster sessions. Advice and guidance on benefits. Sure Start stall. Face painting. Childrens workshops. Puppet making.
WISE WORDS COMEDY NIGHT produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £10/£5 concs 020 7247 2584
NINIA BENJAMIN CHi2 NINA CONTI JO ENRIGHT
SHAPPI KHORSANDI SHAZIA MIRZA
A fantastic line-up of some of the best female comics in the country celebrating comedy writing at it's most crucial and a couple of Chinese violinists.
SATURDAY 8 MARCH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
CULTURE KITCHEN TOWER HAMLETS 2008
Women's Environmental Network
Wapping Women's Centre, Philchurch Place, off Pinchin Street. E1 1PJ
11am – 3pm FREE 020 7481 9004
A networking and information sharing event to celebrate International Women's Day with activities for women and children on plant pot decoration, food growing, real nappies and fruity beauty. The main theme will be food. There will be a Q&A session with expert community food growers Sufia Alam and Lutfun Hussian. A member of the Wapping Women's Centre Business Enterprise Scheme will also give a talk on setting up and running a local business and the girls group will exhibit their photography project. A sumptuous healthy feast from local organic ingredients will be served.
SUPPORTING THE PROCESS
Spread the Word Writing Course
The Women's Library, LMU, Old Castle Street. E1 7NT
8, 15 March, 5, 19 April, 3 May 10.30am – 4pm £80/£50 concs.
This six session course is aimed at women writers of all genres keen to understand the motivational and support frameworks crucial to writing. The course will be run by Jackee Holder, professional Life Coach who will work with a small group discovering new ways to increase creative output. Please apply by sending a short letter explaining why you want to attend and what issues you feel are blocking your writing to Spread the Word, 77 Lambeth Walk, SE11 6DX or email abi@spreadtheword.org.uk by 18 February 08.
ASIATICA
Globe Bengali Mohila Samity, Canal Club, Waterloo Gardens, E2 9HP
11am – 6pm FREE 020 8983 3527
An opportunity for women and girls and families to come together with workshops, arts and crafts stalls, exhibitions, hair and beauty treatments, music and dance. The event will encourage women to develop their skills and build confidence to participate in the community and express themselves.
BE COUNTED
Amaal Girls Group, Brick Lane Youth Development Association
Osmani Youth Centre, Vallance Road. E1 5AB
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 7377 8429
'Be Counted' will feature a 3 hour programme acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of local women in Tower Hamlets. The event will include a presentation by BLYDA & Elite Youth highlighting provisions for women and their achievements, Dance performance by a young woman dance artist, presentations by successful business women, a look at the history of 10 women who took up non-traditional occupations, information and advice stalls around child care, ESOL, job search and training, healthy refreshments and a free health MOT.
CONFERENCE: The Role of Bangladeshi Women in British Society
Bangladesh Mohila Sanstha
Brady Arts Centre, 192 – 196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU
2pm – 5pm FREE 020 7364 7900
The conference aims to identify the overall situation of Bangladeshi women in education & employment, the barriers encountered, and ways to overcome problems. The programme includes talks, workshops, advice sessions & refreshments.
CONCERT: Songs for Women's Rights
Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street. E1 5HU
5pm – 8pm FREE 020 7375 3689/020 7364 7900
Women dancers, singers and writers present a musical performance with songs, poetry & drama to celebrate International Women's Day. An exciting show case of highly talented women and girls.
WOMEN'S ENTERPRISE DAY Showcasing Women in Business
Limehouse Project, LIFRA Hall, Halley Street. E14 7SS
11am – 4pm FREE 020 7538 0075
Event with speakers and stalls with information in training & support, International Cuisine, Arts and Craft, Fashion & Jewellery, Health, Beauty, Alternative Therapies & Healthy Living. Performance by the Whipper Snappers – all women drum band.
IWD EXTRAVAGANZA
Project Space and New Avenues Youth & Community Project
Swanlea School, Brady Street. E1
3pm – 5pm FREE 07958 503184
Showcase of a variety of performances by girls and young women plus workshops in drama and dance, and stalls exhibiting a wide range of activities. Women of different cultural and religious backgrounds will be celebrating the diverse community of Tower Hamlets.
WISE WORDS MUSIC NIGHT produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road. E1 6LA
8.30pm Tickets £10/£8 concs 020 7247 2584
SARAH JANE MORRIS + La Rouge
A very special celebration concert given by the sensual singer-songwriter SARAH JANE MORRIS who straddles rock, blues, jazz and soul with a goose-bump raising four octave range that rumbles from the toes of her size nine shoes to the tips of her flame-red mane.
Plus special short set from LA ROUGE. A very young all-girl rock group from East London with an exciting future.
SUNDAY 9 MARCH
ARTISTS TALK: Sanchita Islam
Beside Tower Hamlets Befriending Scheme, 1 Merchant Street, Bow E3 4LY
12.30 – 4pm FREE 020 8980 9787
Sanchita Islam, local resident, talks about her work as a filmmaker, artist and writer. There will be clips from her films and the opportunity to discuss how she has overcome periods of mental distress to become a successful entrepreneur. Refreshments will be served. Event open to men and women from Beside and other services for people recovering from mental illness.
WOMEN'S DAY ON THE FARM
Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street. E1 5AR
12noon – 4pm FREE 020 7247 8762
The annual opportunity to showcase the work of the highly successful Coriander Club; a pioneering women's group which gives socially excluded Bengali women the opportunity to socialise, share recipes and health concerns and grow giant exotic vegetables. The group will be on hand to share their gardening tips, give tours of the Farm and discuss their work. Visitors can learn how to grow tasty vegetables and pick up plants to brighten up their window boxes and balconies.
WISE WORDS produced by Alternative Arts
Rich Mix 35-47 Bethnal Green Road. E1 6LA
6.30pm FREE 020 7247 2584
BISHWO SHAHITTO KENDRO
TAMIMA ANAM, SHAMIM AZAD, LEESA GAZI, KHADIJA RAHMAN.
Bangladeshi women writers from Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) – the World Literature Centre – discuss Tamima Anam's first novel 'A Golden Age' (John Murray) set in Bangladesh during the War of Independence.
Please note that this programme of events in Tower Hamlets for International Women's Week may be subject to alteration and it is advisable to ring and check beforehand.