Collectivism #13 International Women's Day 2020

COLLECTIViSM #13, March 2020

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EDITION

Lizzie Stuart

MY CITY, MY FUTURE I know every step

Are part of one love –

Down the pavements

Our city, our home.

Of Broad Street –

My city is many things:

Every shop or stall.

Special, unforgettable,

The walk feels like home:

But above all,

An embrace or a dance.

It is home.

Warmth, familiarity

Wolverhampton. Familiar

In every smile.

Like the back of my hand.

The bustle of shoppers

This city, my city –

At Christmastime,

My past, my future.

Lit by lights

I can picture,

In the dark streets.

A few years from now,

I know we’d bleed gold

A new canvas of my life,

If we loved the Wolves more,

Fresh paint of my city.

Every match, every game

They say “this is our love

Is a love that we share.

And it knows no division.”

The singing, the cheers,

So, this is my love

And it knows no limits.

The swarms of fans,

By Elizabeth Stuart

CONTENTS #13, March 2020

5 # 6 # 8 # 10 # 12 # 14 # 16 # 18 # 20 # 21 #

Kate Penman

Editorial Claire Darke

The Women of Wolverhampton Kate Penman and Emma Purshouse

Catching up with Emma Purshouse Helen Babiy and Obaida Ahmed

Women Together Wolverhampton Marie Burrows

Birthing a Feminist Business Dew Harrison

500 words about Wonderful…

Christine McGowan

Because Living Is More Than Surviving Laura Caulfield

Using the Arts to Build Relationships Hannah Boyd

Life Drawing Lessons

24 # 26 # 28 # 30 # 32 # 34 # 36 # 38 # 40 #

Lizzie Stuart

A Walk that Feels Like Home Lindsay Baker

True Reverie Pamela Cole-Hudson

Wanted Becci Bradley

International Women’s Day! Marie Burrows

Empowered Women Empowering Women Damayanthi Muthukumaranage

It's our Right Clare Roberts Molloy

Ctrl+Alt+Del Kelly Walker-Reed

Project Give Fliss Kitson

Making Herstory

Rachael Ward

Intangible Knots

Poem (Opposite Page): ‘My City, My Future’ by Lizzie Stuart. See article: ‘A Walk that Feels Like Home’ on page 26 Cover Image: ‘The Cast’ by Sara Amanda. See Pamela Cole-Hudson's article: 'Wanted’ on page 30 #

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Image: ‘Take a Deep Breath’ by Clare Wassermann

#Editorial

Kate Penman

EDITORiAL COLLECTIViSM cont.. Edition 13

Every edition of COLLECTIViSM is a themed platform for voices to be heard and stories shared. Edition #13 for International Women’s Day celebrates the women impacting our city in art, community and social action. How wonderful that there are too many women to feature, too many female led initiatives that deserve recognition and that this edition is just a glimpse into how women of Wolverhampton are shaping our city.

After over a decade of austerity and cuts in services that disproportionately affect women there has unsurprisingly been a significant rise in persistent female poverty and homelessness. Lotus Sanctuary (pg 10) shares its story of working exclusively with women on the margins of society. Project Give (pg 38) is another of our city’s gems, ensuring that no child misses any school because of period poverty.

As government arts funding decreases, conversely Wolverhampton’s cultural capital increases and it’s the women of our city that are our most valuable assets. We have

COLLECTIViSM

EMAIL: contact@collectivism.org.uk EDITORS: KATE PENMAN, ANNA SMITH

our first Poet Laureate, Emma Purshouse (pg 8). Former Newhampton Arts Centre Manager, Christine McGowan (pg 12) has been awarded the MBE this year for her services to developing the arts in Wolverhampton. Christine’s passion for the arts and most importantly, its accessibility for everyone has left a lasting legacy.

Congratulations Christine!

Professor Lena Dominelli, (Director of the Centre for International, Social and Community Development) in her 2006 book, Women and Community Action, calls women both the mainstay of their communities and the unsung heroes of community action. When I think of my female heros, (my mom and nan first and then the besties), it is the women of this city that inspire me, those that are empowering and connecting people, working to centralize the marginalized.

We haven’t managed to include half the inspirational unsung heroes of Wolverhampton but we salute you.

COLLECTIViSM as always reads as a love letter to Wolverhampton − in this edition it is from its formidable women.

DESIGN: JULIAN GWINNETT

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#The Women of Wolverhampton Claire Darke

LET'S CELEBRATE

THE WOME W O LV E R H A

Claire Darke: Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton

“

I am seeking to raise the profile of Women in all aspects of society by highlighting their excellence and contribution to society and public life.

”

Councillor Claire Darke is the 161st Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton. In her role as Mayor she has created the University of Wolverhampton Alumni Mayoral Scholarship Fund. She supports the Wolverhampton Suicide Prevention Forum and champions the substantial contributions of women in Wolverhampton.

I am honoured to have been asked to write this foreword for Collectivism. Collectivism is more than just a magazine title. It is a way of life where women support one another, help one another and care for one another. This can be hard in a world where competitiveness is becoming endemic, even in the most innocent of activity, where communities are divided due to the limits of funding or the power of ‘Big Boys’ hustling out the community activist or entrepreneur.

One of my main themes for my Mayoral year is the Role of Women in Society. I am seeking to raise the profile of Women in all aspects of society by highlighting their excellence and contribution to society and public life. We are a majority group within society but in many circumstances we are treated as second class citizens in relation to so many aspects of life such as income, pay, opportunities, and obtaining positions of power. Our work is ongoing in solidifying our rights and our status. As only the 10th female Mayor out of over 160 we can clearly see that we have a long way to go to secure true equality and justice in women's worth, standing and reward.

N OF MP TON As many other writers herein have indicated, for example, Professor Dew Harrison, women are proactive in the arts and culture of the City and often in greater numbers than men (pg 28). We can see from all the contributors that women are leading the cultural shifts happening in Wolverhampton either on their own or collectively. It is wonderful to see the range and scope of the work of women across the City of Wolverhampton that is making and changing the lives of all of our citizens. It is inspirational to see how women are not just changing lives in and around Wolverhampton but nationally and internationally (such as Kelly Walker-Reed’s work and article (pg 38) on her visit to The Gambia).

I am proud to be the of Mayor of a multicultural city with multicultural women being at the forefront of affecting change for the greater good. Women are at the core of our City; making our communities safer, stronger and better for all. There can never be too much engagement with all aspects and people in our society. We need to do more especially given the damage to society and our community that men have,

and continue to, make through decisions made that have affected women’s lives without consulting them in any real way. It is an under reported fact that austerity and Conservative government cuts hit women twice as hard as men.

Collectivism is essential to understand how diversity and difference enhance and increase the value of everything. We should be proud and celebrate that very diversity that enables us to thrive. Equally, we should continue to be a more positive force for one another than we are currently.

As a female disability activist once said to me: 'the problem with normal people is that they have yet to realise they do not exist'. There is no ’new normal’; there is only the intrinsic value and beauty of difference. Women are different and that is something to be proud of as it is so much better than just being ’normal’ or ‘ordinary’. Collectivism celebrates our extraordinariness and I am proud of the Women of Wolverhampton and the strength of their Collectivism.

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#Catching up with Emma Purshouse Kate Penman and Emma Purshouse

Image: Emma Purshouse by Nicole Lovell

CATCHING UP WITH

EMMA PURSHOUSE

in her new role as Poet Laureate for the City of Wolverhampton What is a Poet Laureate?

The term really applies to an honorary position where a poet is chosen by the king or queen. Although there aren’t any specific duties it would be expected that the poet would then write verse for national occasions. In more recent times many regions or even cities have appointed their own Poet Laureates. The idea being that their chosen poet will represent and celebrate the place they are connected to by way of their writing.

Wolverhampton has now followed suit, and has just appointed its first Poet Laureate.

I’ve been chosen to take on that job, which I’m over the moon about. The city has also appointed a Young Poet Laureate, Lizzie Stuart, who took on this role just before Christmas 2019 (see article: ‘A Walk that Feels Like Home’ on page 26).

So how were you chosen to become Poet Laureate for the City of Wolverhampton?

I saw an advertisement saying that applications were being invited. The ad said that they wanted somebody with close ties to Wolverhampton, with a track record in poetry who could act as an ambassador for the city. I was born in Wolverhampton, and currently still live here. I make my living from poetry and poetry related activities, and I love Wolverhampton, so it seemed to me that I really should apply.

And what will your role be?

As part of the job I will make appearances

at the city’s literature festival, which takes place annually, usually in late January and early February.

I’ll also be mentoring the Young Poet Laureate. There will be some commissioned poems to write about the city and its people. I’ve already completed a couple of those in conjunction with Wolverhampton Homes. These were to celebrate the centenary of Lloyd George’s famous speech about making Britain a country fit for heroes, which was given in the Grand Theatre.

In addition I’ve set myself the personal task of writing 52 poems about the city.

I’ve asked people on social media about the sort of thing they think deserves a poem, and I’ve had a few suggestions, but I’m happy to take a few more. It’s been really interesting to hear the things people would like poems about, and hopefully I’ll be able to rise to the challenge.

How can we find out about your progress in the role?

I’m blogging about the things I get up to as part of the job, and also posting some of the poems that I create so that people can read them. If you want to have a look at the blog, then it is on my website www.emmapurshouse.co.uk. The website also has information about where I’m performing (whether that be locally or nationally) and the various publications I’m involved with. #

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#Empowered Women Empowering Women Marie Burrows

LE MOP O WTE UR E DSW O MSE NAENM P OCW ETR IUN GAW ORM EYN Marie Burrows: Head of Communications Walking out from the train station, across the flyover at Wolverhampton city centre I am greeted by the familiar huddle of faces: a couple selling jam inside the station foyer, two Jehovah’s Witnesses, wanting to talk about God, a long haired, blond man busking with his acoustic guitar and a couple of dishevelled men with their sleeping bags sitting in a doorway near to Sainsbury’s. Every time I see them I am riddled with guilt if I don’t give them any change, looking to other passers-by as a means of consoling myself with the fact that they too are doing nothing.

The process repeats itself as time goes on.

The same journey from the train station, the same faces, or situations, mirrored continually. Apathy and atrophy start to set in, strangling any compassion. The both real and constructed gulf between us grows. We are not they. But we are. And we could be.

Closer to Home Than We Think One of our residents, a middle aged woman prosecuted for stealing money from her employer to repay her mounting debts divulges, “It can happen quick. It was a year to 18 months from my chap leaving me before ending up in crown court… and I just stood there thinking how am I here? This isn’t me.” Her story of struggle following a break up isn’t uncommon − after splitting with her long term partner she was unable to pay the bills, so she lost her home, and

then ultimately her job after taking the money in a bid to end her struggle and repay the money before anyone noticed it was missing.

She spent months living in her car after staying on a friend’s sofa and feeling like she had outstayed her welcome. She said she felt too ashamed to ask her family for help − “I’ve been independent since 19 − it’s embarrassing to talk about and to find yourself in that situation.”

Thousands of homeless women resort to such ‘sofa surfing’ across the UK – making homelessness a largely hidden demographic. When she visited a local housing authority in Walsall for help after showering at a friend’s house “they nearly laughed me out the door − they said I didn’t look homeless.” It became clear that as a woman over 25 without children she was simply not a priority in terms of housing − the dilemma that most of our residents face.

Long term solutions to complex issues The harsh reality is that the options for homeless women across the Black Country − and indeed the rest of the UK − are severely limited. Although hostels for those without homes exist, they are largely male dominated and are often rife with drink, drugs and exploitation − not conducive to the everyday, let alone the road to recovery. Supported housing that does exist solely for women is also usually

in a hostel like environment, with several women sharing a property − bringing with it a whole multitude of problems. This is the reason that Lotus Sanctuary has adopted an alternative approach where residents are housed with only one other person (and women with children in their own space) − allowing them to really feel at home in their new place and form potential positive bonds with other residents.

Lotus take a radical approach to solving homelessness by providing women with housing before anything else, recognising that having a home is a right we are all entitled to. We believe that having a strong foundation is paramount to any kind of rehabilitation, and our residents agree.

Another of the Lotus ladies who joined us not long after leaving prison shares how living on the streets was exhausting. She said “I couldn’t go to sleep, it wasn’t safe to… I had to stay awake.”

Once our residents have a new home, we implement wraparound care with help from an ongoing support worker, trauma informed therapy and a long-term empowerment plan. Our approach is working towards holistic health with our residents, enabling women to begin a new chapter and walking alongside them every step of the way.

intention of housing and empowering vulnerable women suffering a range of complex issues; a collective of empowered women empowering women.

After the crucial need of safe, secure accommodation has been met and our resident has been rehoused our support is structured around the resident’s core issues and needs. Each resident is assigned a support worker who along with the resident tailors an empowerment plan.

Our holistic approach towards recovery involves physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activities including: yoga, art therapy, regular rambling excursions, cooking, healthy eating classes and CV workshops.

Our hopes and aspirations for our residents is that they recover from the issues that led them to us.

Lotus are currently housing 25 residents across 12 properties in the Black Country, but this number is set to expand rapidly over the next 12 months. If you would like to support us in ending homelessness across the Black Country please contact us. visit: info@lotussanctuary.co.uk and find out more at www.lotussanctuary.co.uk

Lotus Sanctuary CIC is a community interest company with the pure and simple 11

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#Because Living Is More Than Surviving Christine McGowan

Image:Christine McGowan (see page 42)

BECAUSE LIVING IS MORE THAN SURVIVING Christine McGowan MBE

Some years ago, someone asked me what made me get up each morning and go to work as it certainly wasn’t the salary. At the time I was working as manager of the Newhampton Arts Centre and we were working on a survival plan. It took me back to being thirteen and taking part in my first big drama production at school when I discovered the excitement and delight of being on stage and making people laugh. I realised I wanted NAC to be a place where people could discover that delight.

Working in an arts centre is 30% inspiration and 70% hard slog, trying to square the circle and make ends meet. But it was moments of catching that spark that made it worthwhile. Some of the best moments happen when people come together and make them happen.

Fun Palace is an annual celebration of arts and science across the country. Our first Fun Palace at NAC was a leap in the dark.

A free event, run by the community for the community, it relies on the enthusiasm of volunteers. On the day it blossomed into a joyous celebration of creativity and diversity with everything from paper aeroplanes to ukuleles, from embroidery to bike maintenance, with lots of smiling faces.

Like many retirees, I have started dabbling in drawing. Last year I took part in the 5th annual Paint the Day at NAC, based on a

Spanish tradition where people of all ages and abilities go out on one day and paint or draw their neighbourhood. The resulting free exhibition is an intriguing snapshot of Wolverhampton and its local talent with a great community atmosphere, where you can also buy the original art by local artists.

Events like these encourage all sorts of people to take up a pencil or a paint-brush, to join a community choir, play the drums, try embroidery or dust off their ukulele.

We all need the arts. As part of Humans of Wolverhampton (HOW) I am currently setting up a music project for refugees and asylum seekers in Wolverhampton because living has to be about more than just surviving. “A Journey Through Music” aims to give them a voice and encourage them to share skills and music traditions to create a new musical journey.

Everyone has the right to learn, be creative, express themselves, to find and share joy; it’s what makes us human. Spaces where this can happen are priceless and we should value and preserve them.

Christine McGowan was Manager of the Newhampton Arts Centre from 2001 to 2018 and in 2019 was awarded the MBE for services to community arts in Wolverhampton.

For more information on Fun Palace, Paint the Day and other events see: www.newhamptonarts.co.uk Humans of Wolverhampton can be contacted via Facebook.

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# ECOWULF INTERVIEW

BIRTHING A FEMINIST BUSINE Marie Burrows

“Mommy, when I’m 16 can I work here?’’ inquires the wide eyed eight year old, one of three young children following their parents around the EcoWulf shop as they refill their bathroom products. Looking at the bamboo toothbrushes, another one muses, “If we stop using plastic bottles for a year, how many would we save?”

The sign outside informs us that collectively EcoWulf has in fact saved 2752* plastic bottles since opening in August 2019 - indicating that the impact of a family of five over a year could be huge.

This is just one of the many wonderful things about the environmentally friendly refill store - an inclusive attitude that sparks hope instead of apathy, their mission statement is testimony to that.

“We believe that all attempts to help our planet out should be valued, no matter how small. We welcome EVERYONE with love and appreciation and without judgement.”

Born out of a need to provide a more sustainable and plastic free shopping experience in Wolverhampton, local Angie Kijak-Davis first conceived the idea a couple of years ago after the birth of her

second child. Despite initial misgivings about how such an enterprise would be received, and natural trepidation about navigating the challenge with two small children in tow, Angie set about transforming the unit on Chapel Ash into EcoWulf. She reminisces, “When I first got the keys there was no carpet, dust everywhere...but the kids had the best time, having floor picnics, helping me... they really enjoyed making a shop with mummy.”

Environmentally conscious from a young age, “Everyone used to call me a hippie at school!” Angie describes how during her teenage years she floated away from environmental issues before returning full circle after the birth of her own children, realising action needed to be taken to protect their future. Despite this being one of the most obvious catalysts for change for many, Angie acknowledges that not everyone feels the same, or even has the capacity to do so − climate change is not high on the agenda of those struggling to meet the everyday needs of survival. There are also simply those who choose not to care. That said, “There are people that live in Wolverhampton that do really care,” she says, “that care enough to support me and

ESS my business and make those decisions to be more environmental about how they shop.” The steady stream of customers and steadfast community forming around the shop proves this right. There is a definite buzz around EcoWulf since its opening and its continuing growth as it begins to stock more and more products as requested by its customers. EcoWulf frequently hosts a number of pop up events showcasing other local businesses.

Assertive Not Bossy: My Business, My Terms When quizzed on advice for other budding female entrepreneurs keen to start their own initiatives, Angie says to learn by doing, though her main piece of advice is to be assertive: “Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do things because ‘that's not how it’s done’”. And it is this feminist approach to business that we need. An approach which is receptive and responsive to the needs not only of the earth and our community, the collective, but also the individual. Angie shares, “I started to think, do I want my kids running around the shop? Is it professional?

And then remembered it’s my shop and business and on my terms! They love talking to the customers, and lots of the

customers love talking with them. I’ve had grown men crawling on the floor pretending to be dinosaurs!” Perhaps it is this refreshing take on business (and life) that will remedy some of the prehistoric norms still prevalent today.

It is encouraging to hear that on the whole, throughout her venture with EcoWulf thus far, Angie has found people are a lot more understanding than we give them credit for, more sympathetic to the human plight than we've been led to believe. It is this compassion and connection that we need to focus on as we continue to grow as a more conscious collective, learning together on the journey towards a more harmonious relationship with each other and the planet. Here's to trying.

EcoWulf is an environmentally friendly shop where you can refill your own containers with household goods including food, cleaning products and toiletries. Find out more at: https://ecowulf.com/ *Figure at end of February 2020

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#Ctrl+Alt+Del

Clare Roberts Molloy

TEDX WOLVERHAMP TON

C T R L+ A L T+ Clare Roberts Molloy

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TEDlike experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. Clare Roberts Molloy and Saffi Price are the founding members of TEDx Wolverhampton that held its inaugural event in April 2019.

With Wolverhampton often featuring at the top of the worst lists and the bottom of the best lists, by creating TEDx Wolverhampton, I hoped to showcase the city and its people; putting it on the map for all the right reasons. In January 2018 I took the plunge, plucked up the courage and completed the application for the TEDx Wolverhampton licence.

The application process was tough, and I had to jump through several TEDx hoops, re-working my ideas several times until the TEDx team in America, were finally satisfied enough to accept my proposal. Then, the long wait started, and just as I was about to give up, convinced my application had not been accepted, the e-mail finally arrived confirming the licence had been granted.

I shared the excitement with family and friends, with little idea of how I was going

Image: Clare Roberts Molloy taken at TEDx Wolverhampton in April 2019, by Jay Morgan Photography

+DEL to turn TEDx Wolverhampton into reality.

It was not until a passing comment over a coffee with Saffi Price that the wheels were set in motion. Saffi had recently begun co-curating a new platform to support participation in the city, Wolverhampton for Everyone. It was serendipity; it gave everyone involved the opportunity to get behind this exciting event. Saffi put a call out to the partners and they did not need to be asked twice. Within a matter of weeks, the first meeting of the TEDx Wolverhampton executive group took place!

Fast forward 6 months to April 2019 and we had a team of over 70 people and an audience of 100. TEDx Wolverhampton 2019 exceeded all expectations and showed the power of collective action at its best!

Now busily planning TEDx Wolverhampton 2020 on 4th April at the Arena Theatre, myself, Saffi and the rest of the amazing planning team are hoping this year’s event will be even bigger and better! The theme Ctrl+Alt+Del will be exploring ‘control’ within society, ‘alternative ways’ of thinking and ideas, approaches and concepts that have been or need ‘deleting’ to enable us and our communities to grow

and thrive. We have some amazing women speaking. Pamillerin Beckly, a former women’s magazine editor and advocate for women’s rights and the betterment of the girl child, will be delivering a talk on transforming gender norms. Thea Roberts, businesswoman and executive mentor is speaking about ‘the pink ghetto’ and breaking the glass ceiling. With International Women’s Day upon us it is great to have such inspirational women taking the stage at TedX challenging ‘gender norms’ and the ‘pink ghetto’ of limited employment opportunities for women.

Tickets are available at wlv.ticketsolve.com SATURDAY 4TH APRIL, 10AM - 5PM AFTERSHOW PARTY: 6.30PM - 11PM TICKETS £20 Registration opens at 9.30am Join us for our TEDx after-party at the Arena Theatre until 11.00pm

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#True Reverie Lindsay Baker

Image: Lindsay Baker

TRUE REVERIE Lindsay Baker

I specialise in visual identity, branding strategy, print and digital design, working mainly with arts and cultural organisations, charities and start-up brands across the UK. True Reverie was born out of a conversation between myself and my husband Tim. We were talking about how it was a shame that Wolverhampton and the Black Country got put down so much and how the negative press, it unfairly received, really did not reflect what a great area of the UK it is. With 3.7 billion pounds of investment in regeneration projects citywide, Wolverhampton is a city on the up. So we decided to launch a new fashion and apparel brand that would carry a message of positivity for the city and the people who live there.

In January 2019 we launched our first t-shirt design – ‘Good as Gold’, a great phrase which would tell the story behind the city whilst also being a really heart warming message. It was inspired by my dad Bob, who worked at the city’s iconic tyre plant Goodyear for 25 years and, as a lifelong Wolves fan, also worked as a turnstile operator at Wolves’ football ground Molineux for 6 years. The design is also importantly about looking forward and creating a positive message for people to wear.

Following this first design we launched a range of t-shirts inspired by a call out for music memories from the general public which revealed some real gems! From this we decided to launch the Wolverhampton Music Archive, a digital archive to collect

memories of the city’s music scene and document this important musical heritage.

We are proud to be an ethically conscious brand, using only water-based ink on Fair Wear garments, all designed and printed here in Wolverhampton. We also show our commitment to the community by regularly curating unique music and fashion pop-up events in the city, bringing local creatives, designer-makers and musicians together to showcase local talent within independent venues on the high street.

We are also involved in a great event this March which will celebrate International Women’s Day 2020, raising funds for Lotus Sanctuary, a Wolverhampton-based charity which empowers vulnerable women.

Ladyland will take place on Saturday 7th March at Light House in the iconic Chubb Buildings. I will be joining the amazing women who run All Hands Sounds, Bee Yoga and Private Vegan Catering behind the decks for a night of female-led DJ sets.

With True Reverie we want to celebrate our past and revel in our future, and ultimately contribute to making Wolverhampton better. The city means a lot to both of us and if we can make a small difference in helping to improve its image and getting good things to happen here, then it’s all worth it! www.truereverie.co.uk www.sisterminor.co.uk

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#Life Drawing Lessons Hannah Boyd

LIFE DRAWING LESSONS Hannah Boyd

In 2020 artist Hannah Boyd appeared on an episode of BBC1’s Easy Ways to Live Well, a series of programmes where each episode looks at different ways to improve the quality of life we live. The episode investigates the scientific theory that attending regular life drawing classes improves your body confidence. Life drawing is often associated with the male gaze but how does that alter by becoming a female gaze. By drawing real life bodies instead of the perfect body image we are subjected to through social media and television, we are shown that all bodies are different. The importance of creating perfect lines is changed to interesting lumps, bumps and even angles. Through life drawing the importance of image is changed to capturing shape, volume and texture.

As part of the experiment Hannah worked with a mother (who had been on a weight loss journey) and daughter to test if this was true. Both mother and daughter start by attending a private life drawing session drawing plus size model Geeta Von Teese.

The mother and daughter then attended Hannah's regular life drawing classes that run in her studio, the Art Room. It concluded with the mother modelling for one of Hannah's life drawing classes wearing white clothing, with her arms exposed: something she had not been confident to do before.

In a society of over sexualisation of the naked form, life drawing can be the antidote; it can help people build a healthier relationship with body image and

nudity. Throughout history women have been subjected to a society that tells them what beauty should look like, and that body image is more important than many other qualities. In today’s society, with a 24 hour social media and advertising industry, it is ever more pressing for women to look a certain homogenised way. We are bombarded with images that are often photo shopped or tampered with, forcing upon us unrealistic body image goals to aspire to, not only encouraging society to spend millions of pounds on beauty products but also normalising unsafe and expensive surgeries.

“Attending life drawing as a newcomer does take people out of their comfort zones but there are many benefits. It encourages women to review their own understanding of the human form on their own terms. It leads the way to self-acceptance and greater confidence. The Art Room is a safe place to explore how we see ourselves in the real world.”

Hannah hosts regular life drawing classes at Newhampton Arts Centre including the Life Drawing Gymnasia session on March 20th − a multi-model life drawing group which incorporates dance, yoga and dynamic movement to inspire artists.

Hannah Boyd is running a free abstract portrait drawing workshop at the Wolves Women’s Day on March 8th

Image: ‘Life Drawing’ by Hannah Boyd

#Intangible Knots Rachael Ward

INTANGIBLE KNOTS Rachael Ward

A woman’s strength can be defined by her hair. The locks can be a trademark, a form of expression. Some choose to present themselves through this delicate feature, to colour it, cut it, style it. While outward appearances do not define a person, perceptions are often made from what we think a person should look like, although hair is an intimate characteristic, it is also public and desirable. Hair is a truth of identity and equality but when hair is abruptly taken away due to unforeseen health conditions, an essence of susceptibility negatively impacts on selfconfidence and is often mistaken for the worst-case scenario.

I was diagnosed with alopecia totalis at the age of eight; growing up came with hardship and happiness, the same as anyone else with a visible condition. I found photography helped me to accept my appearance and accept the effects that this autoimmune disease has had on me. My practice continues to question the relationship of women and their hair and the social construct of how a woman’s hair should look, developing abstract photographic and cameraless pieces to embrace our impurities.

years I argued with myself, concerned over what other people would say or think but I wanted to strive for change and finally I created a new chapter in my life.

I now wear a wig and the transformation in me is astonishing. Keeping the process of this transition a secret to most, I walked back into the world feeling equal. It was amusing to witness friends and even family members walk past me, seeing me as another stranger. I felt reborn and haven’t looked back since. The wig defined me as an equal amongst others; the vulnerability and feelings of exposure have disappeared.

Cameraless techniques helped rekindle a lost relationship with hair. They explore my urge to build the intimate connection again, and to capture the significant influence of hair as life and self expression.

Rachael Ward is a fine-art, abstract and self-portraiture photographer in her final year at the University of Wolverhampton.

Rachael’s work revolves around exploring her identity and negotiating hair as an abstract. Her work can be seen at the #Each for Equal exhibition at the Light House from March 7th 2020 in the upstairs gallery.

As my hair disappeared, I took to wearing a cap, although wearing this accessory never made me feel connected with others, this was my norm for years until recently when I decided to stand up to alopecia. For many

Image (following page): ‘Intangible Knots’ by Rachael Ward #

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#Using the Arts to Build Relationships Laura Caulfield

U S ING T HE A R T S T O B UIL D R E L AT ION S HIP S Laura Caulfield, TEDx script 6th April 2019 Two years ago I met a woman called Amanda. When I met Amanda she was serving a six month prison sentence.

She had stolen some high value items from her local supermarket. In the two years I’ve known Amanda I’ve watched her leave prison, struggle to find stable accommodation or a job, seen the shame she feels about the stigma of having been in prison and the negative impact of all of this on her mental health.

I’m a psychologist and a researcher and I work with the criminal justice system to work out what is effective in helping people live better lives and move away from crime.

This means − while I work with some people who have done some bad things − I also work with many very vulnerable people, some very unwell people, and many people who have led pretty rubbish lives.

Helping Amanda and others in her situation lead better lives, and not commit crime, is of course good for those individuals, but it’s also good for society as a whole and economically. My work has shown that creative arts programmes can help people in just this way.

The fundamental fact upon which all of this builds is that punishment − in and of itself − does not work, but that rehabilitation (helping give people the skills & desire to lead positive lives in the future), is the only road to successfully reducing risk

of reoffending. But this cannot happen in a vacuum. All of us, including those who have been involved with crime, need relationships to flourish as humans. There are three key messages in this talk, and that was message one: relationships are vital to human flourishing. People can’t lead positive lives without positive relationships.

I’m currently doing research with two music programmes: one is for adult ex-prisoners as they reintegrate back into society.

Over a two year period they work with musicians to form a band, write music, and to perform. The other programme is for children serving community sentences – some of whom might have recently been in young offender institutions. The children attend weekly sessions at a music studio and develop music and production skills, lyric writing, singing, and work towards performing. Working with adults and children, these two music programmes have got some things in common: they engage people, which keeps them away from crime and leads them on to other positive activities; they provide a safe space away from everyday life challenges, something that is missing for many of us, but especially so for those involved with the criminal justice system; they build skills and confidence; they enable individuals to manage their emotions (particularly providing a positive outlet for negative emotions that might – in the past – have

A ND R E DU C E C R IME been channelled into crime); they improve health and wellbeing.

I saw Amanda turn into a shadow of her former self, too anxious to speak to anyone, come alive as she sings, and week-by-week I see her begin to talk and share her experiences.

That was message two: the arts can be a catalyst for positive personal change.

Social support in arts settings is one of the biggest factors that explains the improvements we see in mental health and wellbeing of participants. The relationships built through creative arts programmes are key to their success; in the two programmes I’m working with at the minute, music facilitators provide new role models and ex-prisoners build communication and social skills.

Developing positive relationships are hugely influential in supporting behavioural changes.

My work with prisoners has taught me that engaging in creative arts really does help people to feel better, to feel more connected, and to live more positive lives.

If this can work for people living at the very margins of society, there are important lessons for us all to learn from this. We live in a society where social isolation and loneliness are rife. Loneliness poses a risk to psychological and physical wellbeing

and some researchers and medics are calling current levels of loneliness in modern Western society a ‘public health emergency’. We have a responsibility as individuals, and as a society, to build people up, to form bonds and relationships and to help ourselves and to help others to flourish.

As a psychologist, what I recommend is simple and the third message. Get out there, participate and engage with the arts, and you will see yourself flourish.

Most of the creative arts programmes that exist in criminal justice and community settings are run by charities. They include art, music, drama, – a wide range of experiences and almost every art form you can imagine. You can find many similar projects that you can access running in your own community.

Professor Laura Caulfield PhD is Chair of the Institute for Community Research and Development at the University of Wolverhampton. Laura is a psychologist and criminologist and for the past 18 years her research has focused on rehabilitation in criminal justice. Her work was instrumental in challenging government policy on restrictions to arts activities in prisons, has influenced the practice of arts programmes working in the criminal justice system, and has developed methodological approaches in seeking to evidence the impact of the arts.

Laura is the author of two books. ‘Forensic Psychology’ was published in 2014, and latest book ‘Criminological Skills and Research for Beginners’ was published in 2018.

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#A Walk that Feels Like Home Lizzie Stuart

A WALK THAT FEEL S LIKE HOME Lizzie Stuart: Young Poet Laureate

Becoming Young Poet Laureate for Wolverhampton is a dream come true! I've always loved reading and creative writing, and I really value poetry as a form of self-expression; it’s an exploration of personality, feelings, and opinions through art. This opportunity is so important to me, and I'm thrilled to be able to encourage others to gain confidence in their writing.

Many young people don't share my love for poetry, which is something I'm setting out to change in my role as Young Poet Laureate. Poetry has been shown to improve memory, increase creativity and imagination, benefit your mental health, and make you more able to connect with others. I’ve been really inspired by Jo Shapcott and Nikita Gill, whose incredible poems encouraged me to enter the Young Poet Laureate competition.

I'm lucky enough to be mentored by Emma Purshouse, Poet Laureate (see page 8) for Wolverhampton, which is very exciting.

She's so talented and supportive, having massively helped me gain more confidence with writing poetry. I love representing Wolverhampton

alongside Emma, and I think she's very inspiring. Emma has been an incredible influence on me, giving brilliant feedback on my poetry and helping me get out into the local community to support other young people.

Being a Girls' High girl has supported me to grow to be ambitious and motivated.

Entering the Young Poet Laureate competition was certainly a step outside my comfort zone, but I've loved every minute so far! I'm definitely looking forward to meeting other young people and inspiring them to have confidence in their abilities. I've already been working with local primary schools, and I'm excited to form further links in the community.

The Wolverhampton Literature Festival is a really exciting opportunity and I'm thrilled to be able to perform my poem in Wolverhampton Central Library. My poem, 'My City, My Future' (see page 2), was inspired by my love for Wolverhampton, my hopes for my future in my city, and just a few references to my home football team.

I hope it can inspire young people to love writing and find joy in literature, and that my story of finding my feet and gaining confidence in the world of poetry will encourage others to do what makes them happy.

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Dew Harrison

#500 words about Wonderful…

500 WORDS ABOUT WONDERFUL WOLVERHAMPTON WOMEN AND ART (NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER) Dew Harrison: Professor of Digital Media Art @ University of Wolverhampton I have lived and worked for 12 years now in the city that presents itself as a town.

When I first moved here I couldn’t see it as a happening place and skipped back to a ‘big’ city at the weekends, London perhaps or Bristol, to get my fix of arts and culture.

But I stayed with it, living in Wolverhampton, and it’s paid off. Only through living here can you begin to tap into the quietly understated rich lived experience of the place. Some of the benefits are obvious if surprising, I could actually afford to buy a house here, and there are so many green spaces peppered around – Bantock, West Park, the canals… I can comfortably walk to work in the town centre through one of the most beautiful little parks in the UK, and if I set off from home in the other direction I can walk the same distance to a village green – where else could I do that?

Other benefits are more slowly disclosed, I have a great interest in Arts & Culture where it enriches the personality of a city.

Wolverhampton remained hidden from me for the first few years but now I’ve realised how robust and healthy it is, and unusually, the well-being of the arts in this city is largely due to the women who live in it!

There are islands of cultural highlights to be found when walking around the centre where interesting things happen, the Wolverhampton City Art Gallery, the Light

House Media Centre/Independent cinema, Asylum Art Gallery & Studios, and a little further out Bantock House Museum, and the Newhampton Art Centre (NAC) – all have been/continue to be managed by strong capable innovative women. The majority of the artist studios at the NAC are let to women, who also run series of art classes from them, largely attended by women. The long established Eagle Works studios are diminishing as their building disintegrates around them, women (and men) have had studios there for over 15 years, but watch this space because their tenacity means they will emerge somewhere else.

As for long established artist groups, the Wolverhampton Society of Artists celebrated their Centenary this year with a splendid show at the City Art Gallery, and where women artists were out in force, so different from its male dominated beginnings. Their commemorative book holds the names of 68 women to 42 men, and their committee currently has 9 female members to 6 males. The Painting in Penn group although led by the wonderful Ron Mottram, has mostly women members. The lively and pro-active Arts Society Wolverhampton was founded by a woman, has around 300 members and is largely organised by women with a female Chair and Vice-Chair. Then again, women

are brilliant at organising and creative thinking, there’s a large group of female friends local to me who absolutely exemplify this working together to sort stuff out in a jiffy, kind friendly resourceful amazing women. How could I now live anywhere else?

Image: Dew Harrison #

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#Wanted

Pamela Cole-Hudson

WANTED Pamela Cole-Hudson: CEO & Artistic Director of Gazebo Theatre My name is Pamela Cole-Hudson and I am the CEO & Artistic Director of Wolverhampton’s very own Gazebo Theatre.

I was born and live in Wolverhampton, and have been an active member of the City’s Voluntary, Community and Arts Sector for my whole career. It is an organisation with a rich history of creating innovative arts programmes that educate and tackle a whole range of social issues affecting our communities, we are truly excited to be taking our latest show “WANTED” on tour nationally during Women’s History Month, including 2 nights in our hometown at the Arena Theatre.

This is a passion project - a show born out of a desire for myself, Tonia DaleyCampbell and Therese Collins to work together again as a collective after the huge success of our show “The Sistren” which featured three important players within the fight for women’s rights; Mary Wollstonecraft, Claudia Jones and Emma Sproson. As three creatives, all with writing, directing and acting credits in our own rights, we decided to collaborate on the writing of a new play − a five hander, which would bring to life the lives of some more truly remarkable women − with a twist − women who were wanted by the authorities for one reason or another during their lifetime – all women who fought for social

justice, and a new fictional character representing young people today in 2020.

The truly exciting thing about this project is that we have a powerhouse female creative team on board! As well as a cast of 5 local women − Tonia, Therese and I are joined by Lucky Sanghera and April Nerissa Hudson; we have female designers, animators, videographer, photographer, editor, tour booker and marketer, lighting designer, tech stage manager − the youngest member of team is Amy Taylor, who at only 13 has produced some remarkable anime versions of our characters! We are also thrilled that there will be exhibitions by female artists at some of our shows including at the Arena Theatre on 27th and 28th March.

WANTED tells the stories of Leoni, a young carer and student struggling with anxiety coupled with a desire to make change; British Black Panther and activist for equality and Squatter’s rights, Olive Morris; Dr James Barry, military surgeon in the British Army, in a time before women could practice legally; Irena Sendler who smuggled 2,500 children out of the Warsaw ghetto during the Nazi occupation and India’s Bandit Queen turned MP, Phoolan Devi.

If you enjoy innovative theatre with a filmic edge, great drama, music, spoken word, anime, history, herstory, politics, care about social change, enjoy theatre that has something to say and encourages discussion and debate, and like Bad Ass women − you’ll LOVE this − whatever your gender identity!

Gazebo begin their national tour of WANTED on 4th March in Scotland, with local shows taking place at The Core Theatre, Solihull on 17th March and the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton on 27th and 28th March. Tickets are on sale now: www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk and www.arena.wlv.ac.uk. Be warned though − Gazebo’s last three tour shows were completely sold out locally − so get your tickets fast!

Image: by Sara Amanda

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#Women Together Wolverhampton Helen Babiy and Obaida Ahmed

WOMEN TOGETHER WOLVERHAMPTON Helen Babiy and Obaida Ahmed

Councillor Obaida Ahmed: Women Together Wolverhampton began in 2018 with a blind date of sorts, between three women in a cafe (Ruth Burgess, Transforming Communities Together*, Val Hanna, Mother's Union* and myself).

It was a blessing that Ruth bought us together. Ruth felt that most interfaith work took place between men so she set out to start a social gathering between sisters only, to be held in both churches and mosques. Mother's union were on board from the very beginning and set the underlying tone for the group; where regardless of our differences in faith beliefs, as women, we all have the same interests and goals in life. This was the topic we chose at our first meeting to start the conversations.

When I look back we were worried about how we would fill the time, but in fact the time flies. We talk together, eat together and do craft activities. We bond in so many ways. This shows the strength of relationship and how much we respect each others’ faith and genuinely enjoy learning about each other and our beliefs.

Curate Deacon Helen Babiy: St Chad and St Mark I started to get involved as part of my community outreach work when I was training to be a deacon. It was actually a placement as part of a module but I loved it so much I stayed. There is something really special about women being together.

There’s a different dynamic and I enjoy seeing these strong female characters, particularly the older Christian women, who are very good at opening up discussions

with the younger Muslim women. They're at ease making conversations and connections. It’s not just faith sharing, it’s chatting about all kinds of issues. Moving forward, we would like to open it up and invite women of other faiths.

Alternating the venues has worked really well as it attracts women from that local church or mosque. Interfaith work is not about trying to convert each other, it’s more about sharing our common ground in our faith. It has made me reflect on a lot of things and has influenced my approach to ministry. It’s opened up my view of God and the idea of loving my neighbour. I can see it not just in my faith but how it is lived out in others faiths too. One of the most inspiring talks was Obaida’s Hajj talk at the Church at Perton. During the Hajj presentation I got lots of themed activities for the children to do around the presentation. The children are always really enthusiastic and seem to easily grasp the idea of equality and unity.

During an Eid celebration and before my ordination, I gave a short talk about my faith journey and what it means to be an ordained minister. There were hundreds of women there, predominantly Muslim, and it was overwhelming their interest and support in the talk; they were cheering and so supportive of my ordination. From reflecting on the group sessions and the deepening relationships built there we can address more easily the contentious issues between our faiths that aren’t normally addressed. It’s also about affirming and raising the profile of women of faith and what that can mean when that’s developed properly. It feels like a sisterhood.

*Transforming Communities Together is a joint venture with Church Urban Fund, supporting people and communities to thrive and flourish. *Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation that has been supporting communities worldwide for

For more information on Women Together Wolverhampton please contact shaz.akhtar@ tctogether.co.uk

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#International Women’s Day! Becci Bradley

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY! (A DAY FOR CELEBRATING ALL THINGS FEMALE) Becci Bradley: Bee Yoga

I realised quite early on in life that all my role models, inspirations and heroes were women, whether it was my mom, Blondie on Top of the Pops or powerful looking models in magazines.

Light House on March 7th. Myself, Dawn (The Magnificent 7), Alison (Private Vegan Catering) and Lindsay (Sister Minor pg 18) will be on the decks to raise money for Lotus Sanctuary.

As a yoga instructor and studio owner I am never far away from amazing women − women who fight stereotypes, challenge bias and live their lives with passion and belief.

This charity does amazing things for vulnerable women in Wolverhampton. I follow Lotus Sanctuary on Facebook, and I love reading the stories of how women who have fallen on hard times are turning their lives around with the right support.

It really is an honour to be connected with them. I am delighted (and a little bit nervous) to announce that the LadyLand musical fundraiser for IWD and Lotus Sanctuary is already sold out! It’s not just female djs though on the Saturday night, there is also the launch of an art exhibition featuring all female artists in the upstairs gallery that opens.

Through my studio (which by the way accepts all genders) we focus on empowering each other through our practice, workshops, fundraisers and constant learning.

One of our favourite fundraisers is our ‘swap don’t shop’ event – I am a huge advocate of everything pre-loved, clothing especially. Fashion is definitely a feminist issue – the systems, the policies, the underpaid female garment workers − and don’t even start me on throwaway fashion’s huge environmental impact. At the ‘swap don’t shop’ events we all manage to get new outfits, save money, help the environment and raise money for our chosen charity.

This year the celebrations for International Women’s Day have reached new heights − I am delighted to be joining forces with three formidable, musically minded women to present ‘LadyLand’ a female led evening of tunes, dancing and fundraising at the

The fundraising and celebration continues on Sunday 8th March with a whole day of workshops, talks, live music and stalls − empowered women empowering women. And it’s a free event so no-one is excluded. I will be teaching family yoga on the Sunday and it is shaping up to be a fabulous day.

So here’s to International Women’s Day 2020, time to celebrate the achievements of women, to call out gender inequality and to shout “Watch out world, the women are here!”

Image: Rebecca Bradley photographed by Luca Albanese #

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#It's our Right

Damayanthi Muthukumaranage

Image: 'Disappearances in Sri Lanka' by Damayanthi Muthukumaranage − Damayanthi’s artwork and illustrations can be seen at the International Women’s Day exhibition at the Light House opening from March 7th

IT'S OUR RIGHT Damayanthi Muthukumaranage

Damayanthi Muthukumaranage is a Sri Lankan human rights activist; her dedicated pursuit of social justice for all has seen her start a new life in Wolverhampton as a political refugee. A chance meeting with Damayanthi in 2018 brought about a friendship and creative collaborations with Collectivism. One such collaboration was in 2019 when Damayanthi met with a destitute asylum seeker to illustrate his story of a mother paying smugglers to help her two sons flee ISIS. Both brothers made it safely to England, one was granted asylum and the other brother was refused.

Damayanthi: For more than a decade I have been involved with numerous international projects conducted by UNHCR, UNDP and New South Wales University of Australia. Throughout my career, I have used illustration to bring about ideological changes to our society. Currently I am working as a media consultant for International Movement Against all forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) Asia Committee.

During the last few years of the Sri Lankan civil war 2004-2009, I joined with the media unit of National Anti-War Front and put my life on the line to force the Sri Lankan government towards a peaceful political solution. Many of my cartoons and reports are about post-war crimes, demanding justice for war victims. The events that caused me to seek asylum in the UK are rooted in my work on human rights. For many years I’ve been active in championing human rights, vehemently

opposing the way people are marginalized and ill-treated.

Since I came to the UK in 2017 I’ve been involved with Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary, Mi Friendly Cities, Hope into Action: Black Country, Hope Project and Stand Up to Racism. I am currently working on my own project called “It’s our right” funded by MiFriendly Cities*. The purpose of this project is to design posters, leaflets and booklets with simple text and illustrations to deliver messages on human rights that can be easily understood by all.

I strongly believe that if we really want to empower everyone particularly refugees, the best way to do it is to educate them about their fundamental rights. I believe that I can do this through my illustrations and booklets. I believe this project is very important, personally for myself and my community. This is my first project in the UK and with my experience outside this country; I am looking forward to bringing more diverse ideological changes to our society.

Facebook: @Refugee rights *MiFriendly Cities project, a 3-year initiative that develops innovative, community-led and sustainable approaches to enhancing the contribution of refugees and migrants across the region.

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#Project Give

Kelly Walker-Reed

PROJECT GIVE Kelly Walker-Reed and Kate Penman

Period poverty affects many young people on a daily basis. Plan International (2017) found that in the UK, one in ten girls had been unable to afford sanitary wear. 49% of girls admitted to missing an entire day of school due to their period. It is not just young women who are affected. As the national need for food banks has dramatically risen over the last five years and with a rise in female homelessness, access to free sanitary products should be a dignified given in this day and age.

Project GIVE was the brainchild of Kelly Walker-Reed and Lucy Palin in response to discovering more about the realities of period poverty; beginning with a simple solution to ask people to make donations and then redistribute to schools. Project GIVE launched via Facebook in September 2018. Its mission is to eradicate period poverty within the city of Wolverhampton.

It firmly believes that there should be no reason for young people to miss education in the 21st century. Its objectives are simple: • Grow a network of supportive partners and engage with the local community.

• Inspire young people to be more body aware, confident and to understand their menstrual cycles.

• Value our partners, volunteers, supporters and young people.

• Educate the young people of Wolverhampton about subjects that affect them but rarely get discussed in great detail.

Since its successful launch, over 30,000 sanitary products have been distributed to those who need them the most. It has delivered free education sessions to 3,500 pupils this year, ensuring a stigma free, safe place to ask all questions period.

Making Periods Green On average, a woman will use around 10,000 single use sanitary products in their lifetime. The average single use sanitary pad contains at least 4 carrier bags worth of plastic. That means that there's roughly an extra 40,000 carrier bags worth of plastic ending up in landfills or the ocean for every person using these products. Through successful fundraising, we’ve been able to offer free menstrual cups and instructions on how to use them and free non-plastic and eco-friendly sanitary products to young women.

Kelly describes their recent work in Gambia as being a real eye opener and an absolute privilege. “Visiting Gambia was incredibly emotional and we witnessed real poverty first hand. The women were wonderful and so open with us. It’s just not a done thing there for periods and menstrual hygiene to be discussed but as we shared, they shared and it was incredibly moving. We had to ensure that what we offered could be sustainable so we gave re-useable pads and left the patterns so the women could easily make their own pads. It was all about women empowering women and I’m so grateful that Project Gambia gave us this opportunity to visit these amazing women.”

Project GIVE has a stall and will be giving a talk on sustainable periods on Sunday 8th March at the Wolves’ Women’s Day at the Light House (See page 42)

Image: Kelly Walker-Reed photographed during Project Gambia by Lucy Palin #

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#Making Herstory Fliss Kitson

MAKING HERSTORY Fliss Kitson of the Nightingales How did your music career begin?

I met some like-minded girls at school who were keen to make music, which was spurred along by our eagerness to beat the boys in a local battle of the bands contest. Two of us from that band, Violet Violet, were wholeheartedly dedicated to pushing things forward and following in the footsteps of the musicians we looked up to. We played gigs up and down the country, found a label who supported what we were doing and had the time of our lives.

The Nightingales then invited us to support them.

For those not yet in the know, who are the Nightingales? And what is the reality of being in a critically acclaimed band?

The Nightingales are post punk stalwarts, whose career kicked off in 1979 with the John Peel sessions. They’re now a contemporary band with no desire for nostalgia. Not long after Violet Violet ended I became their drummer. I’m pretty much the booker, artworker, marketing manager and all round boss, I suppose! I’m the happiest when I’m dancing behind the drum kit and I couldn’t be more dedicated to the band.

It doesn’t come without its downfalls, the industry is tough and we are very

Stewart Lee and director Michael Cumming (Brass Eye) have been making a documentary about Robert Lloyd & The Nightingales, shining a light on the life of an underdog band that they believe in. It’s been pretty surreal!

‘uncommercial’.

Everyday sexism is still rife in the industry: from the guy in a music shop asking me if I want him to put my snare drum skin on (despite my delicate female hands, I can manage mate!) to the assumption I’m the girlfriend of the band.

I have now found my voice and don’t let these comments go unnoticed anymore.

We have a very busy year ahead though, and things are looking up. Comedian

Who do you look to for inspiration?

I’m inspired by every woman I‘m close to.

From my former band mate Cheri, who is KILLING it as a journalist and is truly the most selfless person I’ve ever met to my Wolvo best, Bree who came to Wolves from Australia for love and oozes kindness. She actually listens to what people are talking about (when did that become so hard to come by?). I’m inspired by every band I go see − especially the women tearing up the stage and the female sound engineers owning that desk. The Nightingales always seek to support women in music, with our tour support, which is more than Reading & Leeds can muster. This year we have the brilliant Kamura Obscura [ex Frank Chickens] supporting us on our Spring UK tour.

The Nightingales have a new album out 08.05.20 ‘Four Against Fate’ with a large UK tour to celebrate − playing Birmingham, Hare & Hounds April 28th. www.thenightingales.org.uk Image: Kate Jackson

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WOLVES WOMEN’S DAY Sunday 8th March | 10am-5pm

Light House Media Centre, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT

#EACH FOR EQUAL EXHIBITION LAUNCH

Saturday 7th March | 7.30

Light House Media Centre, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT The fact that we need to have a day to remind us to respect and celebrate half the population can be thoroughly depressing.

It is almost a token gesture, but it is at least something − a step in the right direction. Implementing change can feel overwhelming but we can all facilitate change, starting by looking at the way we treat ourselves and the women and girls around us – this is what really counts. With this in mind Lotus Sanctuary has created Wolves Women’s Day 2020 − a day to empower women through shared learning, new connections and celebration of all it means to be a woman.

Taking place on Sunday 8th March from 10am-5pm at Light House, Wolverhampton, Wolves Women’s Day 2020 will feature a whole program of inspirational talks and workshops by women for everyone.

Throughout the day the main courtyard at the Light House will transform into a buzzing hub with the opportunity to make lots of new connections within the city.

Also we are delighted to be showcasing lots of local female talent with live music, spoken word and dance.

Please note, this is an inclusive free event for all the family celebrating women of all ages and backgrounds.

Collectivism art exhibition, #Each For Equal launches 7.30 pm Saturday 7th March.

All funds raised go to Lotus Sanctuary, a non profit CIC, supporting homeless women across the Black Country through supported housing alongside holistic therapy and support.

As well as the WWD talks and workshops, we're excited to have a fantastic line up of stalls in the main courtyard area where you can get some retail therapy (eg Vintage Fashion, Jewellery, Décor, Raw Chocolate) whilst supporting local womenled businesses!

Image: ‘I Am’ by Kanj Nicholas

UPCOMiNG EVENTS SIX: An international sell out musical − the six wives of Henry VIII finally take to the mic to tell their tales Tuesday 10 th – Thursday 12th March | 8.00pm; Friday 13th March | 6.00pm/8.30pm; Saturday 14th March | 4.00pm/8.00pm 〉 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Lichfield St, Wolverhampton WV1 1DE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: ACCESS TO BUSINESS − An event to support women into work or business Thursday 12th March | 10.00am -12.00pm 〉 the Mayor’s Parlour Civic Centre WV1 1SH − Free tickets available via eventbrite LANTERN PARADE: Come along and join in the parade or volunteer to marshal or carry a lantern Saturday 14th March | 6.00-9.00pm 〉 Gatis Community Space Gatis St, Wolverhampton WV6 0ET LIFE DRAWING GYMNASIA: Opportunity to draw life models in dynamic poses Friday 20 th March | afternoon and evening session 〉 NAC Dunkley St, Wolverhampton WV1 4AN #WEMAKEOURCITYFEST: A festival in the city centre where people come together to create and lead on small, playful and connecting activities.www.wolverhamptonforeveryone.org Saturday 21st-Friday 27th March 〉 Queen Square and Mander Centre Arcade, Wolverhampton City Centre MOTHER’S DAY CREAM TEA: With showing of Judy / standard ticket price Sunday 22nd March | 2.50 pm 〉 Light House Fryer Street Wolverhampton WV1 1 HT VINTAGE AND VINYL FAIR: Perfect combination of Vintage & Vinyl together Sunday 22nd March | 10.30am-4.30pm 〉 Bantock House Finchfield Rd, Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ WANTED: Live theatre exploring the stories of 5 extraordinary women Friday 27th-Saturday 28th March | 7.30pm 〉 Arena Theatre, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE TEDX: Exploring control within society / Tickets £20 Saturday 4th April | 10:00am – 5:00pm 〉 Arena Theatre Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE SUSTAINABLE BABY: clothes swap and cloth nappy workshop / www.ecowulf.com Sunday 26th April | TBC 〉 Ecowulf 20 Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton WV3 0TN THE NIGHTINGALES: Support Pete Astor, Kamura Obscura − doors Open 7.30 / Tickets £8.00 Tuesday 28th April | 7:30pm 〉 Hare & Hounds 106 High St, King's Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ KANJ NICHOLAS: Room to Grow, art exhibition Saturday 2nd May | 2.00pm 〉 Museum of Cannock Chase Valley Rd, Hednesford, Cannock WS12 1TD