A week-long programme of events will celebrate women across all communities, give a platform to local groups and feature talks from leading figures.
Launched on Saturday 5 March, the week includes interviews with a host of women including Hull MPs Emma Hardy and Dame Diana Johnson, community activist Karen Okra and Deputy Leader of Hull City Council Cllr Hester Bridges.
Councillor Aneesa Akbar, portfolio holder for communities, said: “It’s great that year-on-year Hull Women’s Week shines a light on inspirational women in our communities, triggers important conversations and inspires change.
“There are multiple events taking place across the city and some available online. I would encourage everyone to take part and spread the word.”
International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated as part of the week. 8 March is marked globally as IWD – recognising both the achievements of women and as a call to further accelerate women’s equality. The theme for 2022 is #BreaktheBias – focusing on dismantling conscious and subconscious gender biases, breaking down stereotypes and ending discrimination.
Hull Women’s Week 2022, running from Saturday 5 March until Saturday 13 March, was officially opened by Lord Mayor Councillor Lyn Petrini on Saturday 5 March. Online events and events open to the public begin Monday 7 March.
Running from Monday 7 March until 13 March, there will be ‘Tea Break Talks’ and ‘In Conversations With’ videos released daily on Hull Libraries’ YouTube channel.
On International Women’s Day, Tuesday 8 March, the city will be going purple and everyone is encouraged wear purple in solidarity to women and girls globally. There are also a number of events taking place across the city.
Open to the public to attend, Cllr Anita Harrison and the Lord Mayor, Cllr Lyn Petrini will join residents from 10am to lay a wreath at the Grampion Way Memorial site to celebrating the women who survived the Japanese War Camp, the women of Afghanistan and all the women who are now caught up in the war in Ukraine.
Cllr Hester Bridges will attend Wyke College as a guest speaker at the ‘Women Today Group’ – discussing being a woman in politics and answering questions from the group.
Together Women Project will open its doors to the public from 10am – 3pm, and a number of partner organisations will be onsite and available to speak to, as well as demonstration cookery sessions, art therapy and yoga.
TJ Training and Consultancy will be hosting a round table discussion from 11:30am – 1pm, ‘Women and Society’, which is available to join for free online.
On Thursday 10 March 9:30am Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance are providing one of their Cancer Champion sessions devoted to women’s cancers – which is free to attend online.
On Saturday 12 March, Revolutionary Makers will be hosting a drop-in event where people can craft and join in conversation. There will a panel discussion about spiking and personal safety, and a second event hosted by poet Audrey Dunn & singer-songwriter Carrie Martin. Free to attend in Hull Central Library from 1pm – 4:30pm.
The week will be rounded off on Saturday 12 March with a bazaar event at Welcome House, free for anyone to attend, from 12 midday – 5pm.
Cllr Hester Bridges, Deputy Leader of Hull City Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to celebrate International Women’s Day and it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Hull Women’s Week that it continues to be such a huge success every year.
“The rights of women and girls in the city continue to be a priority for Hull City Council. It is why we have launched such initiatives as Hull Period Dignity – to draw attention to important issues that affect half the population but perhaps have been overlooked in the past. Other campaigns and work that I am proud of are Stop Spiking Hull and White Ribbon Day.
“It is important to keep moving forward towards equality for women. I am proud of the work we do within all our communities, together with our partner organisations, to highlight our commitment and shared vision.”
