International women’s groups from north and south Cumbria are joining forces to put together an online programme of activities for International Women’s Day.
All local women are encouraged to join the celebrations by signing up to one or more zoom events on March 8.
Events include:
- A welcoming coffee morning;
- Interactive world dance and yoga classes;
- Thai cookery demonstration;
- Storytelling for children;
- Singing Tree art workshop;
- Open mic style ‘Ladies night in’ featuring local poets and artists;
- The first screening of a new short film to celebrate the contribution of women from around the world living in the county.
The partners hosting the event include Multicultural Cumbria, Furness Multicultural Community Forum and Carlisle One World Centre.
All those who sign up to participate on the day by March 1 will receive a free wellness pack in the post which will include goodies to eat and drink on the day and some treats to pamper yourselves with.
There will also be packs of cooking ingredients and art materials sent out to those taking part in two specific workshops and Random Act of Kindness card making packs will also be sent out to women who request one.
The organisers will be using the day to launch Cumbria International Women’s Network and they hope that this will be the first of many cross-county collaborations.
Some of the main elements of the day will have follow-up events such as cooking demonstrations and art workshops.
The day is being funded by a National Lottery grant to a group of organisations in Cumbria that support black and brown people and members of minority ethnic groups that have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Same Storm Different Boats project is coordinated by Cumbria Development Education Centre.
Adrienne Gill, development officer with Carlisle One World Centre said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing international women living all over Cumbria together online to celebrate each other and our cultures this International Women’s Day.
“It’s been a real silver lining to the restrictions that we’ve all been facing the last year and I’m looking forward to building on the new connections that have been formed as a result of this project.”
Saj Ghafoor, chief executive officer of Multicultural Cumbria said: “Women have an innate sense of togetherness to connect, care and share. Cumbria International Women’s Network is a result of very committed and hardworking women.
“By working together and pooling skill sets, 2021 International Women’s Day on March 8 will be celebrating all women.”
Lina Harb Tyson from Furness Multicultural Community Forum added: “This is an exceptional opportunity for women across Cumbria to participate in an event that celebrates the diversity and richness of the cultures of Cumbria.
“The sessions have been designed to be inclusive for all women and they will be delivered by talented women. I am looking forward to this fantastic event.”
To sign up for the day and receive the Zoom links email [email protected] or click on https://bit.ly/IWomenDaySignup
