We are excited to announce that the programme for Dorset Women’s Day and Dorset Women’s Day is now available!
For the full list of activities and event download the Full Programme (or you can view a pdf version).
Dorset Women’s Week runs from 6 – 14 March 2015 and includes:
A free talk entitled “Rwanda’s Women – Stories of Courage, Forgiveness and Resilience during the Genocide & the Journey of Rebuilding”. The talk is taking place on Friday 6 March at the West Dorset District Council offices in Dorchester. The speaker, activist and humanitarian, Carl Wilkens, will share his experiences of remaining in Rwanda during the genocide of 1994. We are happy to offer a free buffet from 12.30pm-1pm. The talk itself is taking place from 1pm-2pm. Booking is essential (call 01305 252204 or email wanddorset@gmail.com).
In the evening of the 6 March WAND are hosting a Question Time style debate with key parliamentary candidates standing to represent West Dorset. The Women’s Manifesto event is being held at the Town Hall in Dorchester from 8pm-9pm (doors open 7.30pm). The audience will be able to put their questions to candidates so that they can explain what they’re planning on doing for women in Dorset around topics such as equal pay, women’s representation, childcare and health. The debate will be chaired by BBC Radio Solent’s afternoon show presenter Katie Martin. Again booking is essential and questions must be submitted in advance – click here for more information on how to book and submit a question.
Other Dorset Women’s Week events include some wonderful performances and activities taking place in Bridport hosted by local group Bridfem. Plus there are some fantastic offers to try something new at a local leisure centre. Also there is an uplifting nature inspired talk on offer from the RSPB showing how the organisation was set up by a group of women in 1889 as well as the chance to try out a very relaxing and creative movement and yoga session known as Shakti Dance. Plus there will be free goody bags available throughout the week – but you will have to read the programme to find out where from!
Dorset Women’s Week culminates with the 10th annual Dorset Women’s Day to be hosted by WAND! This will take place at the Dorford Centre Dorchester on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 3.30pm. Regular attenders of the event will know that it offers something for everyone and this year is no exception. The day will be packed with a varied and exciting range of workshops and performances including: crochet, jewellery making, self empowerment techniques and creative writing. Plus we’re offering a delicious cookery demonstration that will teach you how to make authentic Italian style bread and home made ravioli.
There will also be a range of stallholders promoting everything relating to womanhood with the opportunity to find some wonderful hand made items.
And following the success of last year, the RUMMAGE ROOM is back again! This is an opportunity for people to donate any unwanted woman’s clothes, accessorises and books (all clean and in good condition) and pick up something new to you. Proceeds will go to WAND to support other events.
Admission to Dorset Women’s Day is free and is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. Free crèche facilities will be available together with the opportunity to purchase delicious home-made cakes and refreshments lovingly prepared by WAND volunteers. On the day there will be more.
Please note that free hard copies of the programme will also be available from the following locations:
- Bridport, Dorchester, Sherborne and other local Libraries
- Bridport, Dorchester and Sherborne Tourist Information Centres
- Bridport Arts Centre
- Dorchester Town Council
- Bridport Town Council
- West Dorset District Council
- Sherborne Town Council
- Oxley Sports Centre – Sherborne
- Gryphon Sports Centre – Sherborne
- Naturalife – Antelope Walk, Dorchester
- Waterstones – Dorchester
- Local Village Halls
We hope you can join us!