Pornification, the pay gap, eating disorders…
Where do we go from here?
About 500 came along to join the discussion.
Held in Conway Hall in Holborn, Central London on Saturday 10 October 2009, Feminism in London 09 was the second large scale one-day conference organised by the London Feminist Network.
What they said about Feminism in London 09
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! For the amazing speeches and to the organisers and workshop presenters – I have not had such an inspiring day in a long time and cannot wait for Feminism in London 2010 either!!”
“Thanks and huge congratulations to all who organised yesterday’s phenomenal event. I was at the Women’s Library ‘Ms Understood’ exhibition earlier in the week, looking at photos of the first UK Women’s Liberation Movement conference back in 1970 – so amazing that in the same week I can then attend an event like Feminism in London !”
“Feminism in London 09 blew me away. I’ve never been to such a moving and inspiring event, and never felt before such a real sense of being part of a movement.”
“It was incredibly heartening to hear so many aspects of women’s lives being given a voice.”
Crèche
The London Pro-Feminist Men’s Group ran a creche during the day. Here is a quote from one mother who used it: “[The] crèche was fantastic (my little boy asked me if he can come back tomorrow), small prices for food and entrance means I will not struggle financially through next week and of course workshops and discussions were very interesting. It is good to know that I am not alone.”
Read more about it on the London Pro-Feminist Men’s Group blog >>
The London Pro-Feminist Men’s Group also ran a workshop. They’ve been blogging about that too >>
Women’s Hour Exhibition
There was an exhibition of Isabel Marion’s paintings, some for sale, running in the Brockway room.
Isabel Marion is a London based artist, identifying features of her work are often representations of women’s lives and their experiences.
“My work and ideas are often about women’s lives and their experiences, different strands of unresolved and fragmented histories. I have come to understand more deeply that my paintings are a way of revisiting individuals some now dead, getting to know others, events I can no longer be a part of; a moment captured.
I have called this collection of paintings Women s Hour; included are some observations from life, personal journey’s that have shaped my life and leading and influential women – the Pankhursts, Marie Stopes, Germaine Greer and Dorothy Hughes.” Isabel Marion
Cabaret evening
After Feminism in London 09, we had a fabulous fun-packed feminist cabaret show, downstairs at The Comedy Pub, Oxenden Street, SW1Y 4EE.
The line-up was:
- Chambers and Nettleton the only female double act that regularly performs at comedy clubs across the country, “Divine and very funny”, Time Out
- Abi Roberts, variously described as “the human jukebox” and “the British Bette Midler”, musical comedy. “Fantastic”, 5 stars, The Scotsman
- Katherine Rhodes, magician who once made Marc Almond appear out of an empty coffin…!
- Maria Trevis, Anglo-German old school cabaret singer, critic’s choice “wonderful”, Time Out
- Lheila Olberman as Sylvia, a brand new character from one of the circuits most popular female character acts
- Catherine Stephens, super-new comedienne with bags and bags of potential
- Lily Amber Hogg, “a new songwriter on the block, creating a lush acoustic sound with a cinematic air. Check it out!” – The Windmill, Brixton. “Cinematic acoustica” – Time Out.
- Kate Smurthwaite (MC) “a powerhouse of observational wit” The Spectator, “Comedy that cuts the crap” ThreeWeeks, 5 Stars, Broadway Baby
All the money raised went to help pay for Feminism in London 09.
Credits
Feminism in London 09 was proud to be supported by the Maypole Fund.
Photos by Jess McCabe, Editor at The F Word, Charlotte Cooper, and Amy O’Leary