International Women’s Day today is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the progress in women’s rights and to reflect upon what else needs to change.
Yesterday saw over 50 Unite members gather to celebrate the work done by women. Sporting hats related to their workplace, they celebrated the diverse range of work undertaken by women: in the workplace and home. Many had designed their own head- wear, displaying their productivity, personality and creativity.
Women’s Officer Heather Blakey’s hat was all about listening and being a source of support for Unite members. She partnered up with Louise Brown, who as a speech therapist has been helping find their voice for nearly twenty years. Bus driver Tracy Holgate modelled a fetching blue hat, complete with blue Arriva bus. She has been driving buses for 21 years and is proud of her vocation.
Whilst 75% of Unite members are male, the women members are a powerful force. Heather told me that changes in working conditions were often driven by women but welcomed by men. A case in point had been the need for better toilet facilities that had been raised in the Women’s Health and Well Being workshop that morning. Once women bus drivers raised the issue, men were quick to get on board. Working with a full bladder is not good for anyone’s health.
The day gave women who work in male dominated industries a rare opportunity to meet and get support from other women. Transportation, haulage, construction, aerospace and male-dominated chemicals were among the industries represented in small but significant female workforces. The all-women group of diverse workers radiated a sense of strength and achievement.
Events in Leeds on 8th March – International Women’s Day
Events will be taking place across Leeds for International Women’s Day. It is a good time to celebrate women who have contributed to the City. Sarah Statham will be leading a walk for Music Leeds, exploring women’s relationship with music. On Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th, Abbey House Museum will be focusing on the female residents who may have lived there. There will, of course, be a traditional Women’s Day March which assembles outside the Art Gallery at 12.30pm.
A number of cultural events are taking place. The Hyde Park Picture House is showing the film Lionheart, part of the Leeds International African Arts Festival. In Horsforth, St Margaret’s Church will host a concert celebrating women by Leeds Symphony Orchestra. It would be a good time to visit the Animated Activism: Women Empowered at the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery. The exhibition explores the histories of Women’s Aid and the Leeds Animation Workshop through their own archives. Or perhaps you would like to visit Ribbons, celebrating 400 inspirational women. Pippa Hale’s sculpture, championing women’s achievements in Leeds, is located at the top of the gardens between Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus and Leeds Playhouse. It was unveiled in October 2024, so this will be the first International
Women’s Day it has been in show.
Whatever you do on March 8th, take a moment to celebrate women everywhere and especially those who call Leeds their home.
Photography by Debbie Rolls.
