How are heritage sites marking International Women’s Day?
This year’s International Women’s Day coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the passing of the Representation of The People Act 1918, which allowed women over 30 the right to vote and marked a victory for women’s suffrage. We look at how heritage sites around the UK have been celebrating these events.
Heritage sites, including galleries and museums across the UK, have been celebrating International Woman’s Day in a variety of ways today. This year’s message is #PressforProgress, which encourages gender inclusivity in all walks of life. This year also marks the centenary of the Representation of the People Act, which will also be commemorated this year with a brand-new coin design from the Royal Mint. It is therefore unsurprising that many sites have chosen to link these two events in their celebrations today.
Scarborough Museums Trust is hosting a panel of women who will discuss their experiences and issues working for gender equality in the museum sector. The event is titled Glass Ceilings: The Unseen Barrier to Women’s Success and the speakers will explain what the ‘glass ceiling’ means to each of them.
The Woman of the World Festival (WOW) began at London’s Southbank Centre on the 7th and will continue until the 11th, bringing women together to discuss the obstacles still in the way of women and girls today, as well as bringing together artists, writers, activists and more to discuss gender equality.
The Museum of Liverpool allowed free tours of the museum today to look at the Taking Liberties: Woman’s Suffrage display and on 10th March there are events being held to educate about women leaders of the British and American Civil Rights Movement. You can also handle objects from the Museum’s abolition collection and make your own banner to honour female freedom fighters.
These are just a few of the events being held by a small selection of heritage sites across the UK. How did your heritage establishment celebrate International Women’s Day this year?