Palestine takes centre stage at regional celebrations of International Women’s Day 2014, with a theme of Resistance, Survival and Identity.
Women from across the Northern region are invited to take part in a series of events which celebrate Palestinian hospitality and culture, encouraging people to a deeper understanding of the impact of the politics of the region on the lives of real women and their families.
The main event will take place in Sheffield on International Women’s Day ~ Saturday 8th March at St Mary’s Church, Bramall Lane, Sheffield S2 4QT starting at 1pm. This free event, just for women, will include a cookery demonstration by the internationally acclaimed Palestinian singer Reem Kelani. Reem has performed across the globe, singing both traditional Arabic music and modern jazz. On this occasion, Reem turns her hand to cookery- another passion of hers.
The Sheffield event will premier a specially commissioned film from a women’s cooperative in Gaza, Jameela’s Kitchen, showing how women work to sustain themselves and their communities. There will also be photographs, literature, stalls of Palestinian crafts and workshops to uplift, enlighten and share insights into the lives of Palestinian women living across Palestine where existence itself is a form of resistance.
The International Women’s Day event in Sheffield is one of six across the north of England organised by local women with their own personal experiences of visits to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where friendships have been forged with families living under occupation and siege.
Event co-ordinator Anne O’ Gara said “We staged a similar event for International Women’s Day two years ago, when four young Palestinian women came for a speaking tour, sharing their experiences and political views with us, the reception was tremendous. We hope to engage even more people through this event, strengthening our solidarity and friendship with the people of Palestine. ”
In Sheffield celebrations continue into the evening where both men and women are invited to enjoy a special dinner prepared by the talented women from the community around St Mary’s, while the joint voices of Body of Sound and the Socialist Choir of Sheffield will perform a selection of songs for International Women’s Day and the Palestinian struggle for justice.
Tickets for the evening event are £15 & £10, and early booking is recommended, contact Hilary on 07818 040982
Other events for Palestine will take place in Manchester on the 1st March, Halifax on 2nd with two special events for women refugees & asylum seekers in Manchester on the 3rd & Bury 5th March. Open events continue in Saddleworth on 9th March, York 15th March and Bradford 16th March.
