Women Speak Out is a network of women from all over the UK who
are connected through regular (approx every 4-6 months) gatherings, held so
far in Bristol, Brighton, London and Manchester. These events consist of workshops,
skills sharing sessions, networking, campaign information, development and co-ordination,
and lots of feel-good chow downs, partying and general havoc-causing!
Past discussions have covered:
Fertility awareness - how to non-chemically control your reproductive cycle; self defence - kick arse kung-fu and street-savyness tips; body image - how we view and relate to our physical selves; what factors influence body image? Sexual harassment - violence, misogyny, discrimination, sexism and empowerment; squatters rights (just to dispell some popular myths, it is NOT illegal to squat in this country, it is NOT an offence, and you CANNOT be arrested for attending an event in a squatted space - What is squatting? Who are squatters? And why do people do it? Squatting history, legal advice and reclaiming space); Monogamy and Poly-amorey (being in love and loving two or more people inclusively) - relationship experience exchange, assertiveness, love and sex; sexuality, lesbian strength - coming out, self-empowerment, Queeruption, Mardis Gras -v- La De Dah; capitalism and patriarchy - which came first? Gender commodification, racism, women refugees, the sex trade, prostitute unions and wage labour in general; healing; self-health, herbalism, and gender and mental health; WOMBLES (White Overal Movement Building Libertarian Struggle) tactics and legal knowledge workshops - solidarity and self defence on demonstrations, ways to respond to police harassment, attack and arrest.
Both a network and a forum, Women Speak Out provides an excellent space for not only exploring issues which are women centred but also issues un-related to gender such as sustainable living and ecology, the politics of work/dole, direct action and health.
Women Speak Outs are co-operative, non-hierarchical and relaxed events where everyone can raise debates and generate workshop topics and discussions. Kids space is always provided, as are regular rounds of tasty Vegan nosh and evening entertainment. Cooking, cleaning, childcare and decision-making are collectively undertaken.
Where?
Women Speak Out usually attracts between 50-100 women from all over the UK, and therefore require a large venue to meet workshop space/ accomodation needs. Due to our lack of funds - WSO relies on mostly participant generated voluntary donations - hiring a space large enough is not financially viable, so in a true spirit of DIY autonomy, WSO's take place in squatted buildings, found and checked out by which ever group of women decides to take sorting out accomodation. The result is a free, independent event, creatively and collectively controlled, shaped and shared.
May 2000 - London
February 2001 - Bristol
8th-10th June 2001 - Brighton (Earth First Article)
10th November 2001 - London (pdf publicity leaflet)
International Women's day March 2002 -London - incorporating a demonstration
outside Holloway Prison.
22nd-24th November 2002 - Manchester.
Click here to return to main page.