#SheInspiresMe Live Feminist Festival 2018
#SheInspiresMe Live
Our First Ever Feminist Festival - in partnership with Refinery29
We assembled a dream team of feminists – from seasoned campaigners to up-and-coming young voices in the fight for gender equality.
Speakers shared their personal experiences from the frontlines of fighting the patriarchy, the essential tools in their activist toolkit, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Speakers included: Amna Akhtar, Nimco Ali, Kelly Anna, Alison Baskerville, Munroe Bergdorf, David Brockway, Jane Cordell, Charlie Craggs, Emma Gannon, Amika George, Rahila Gupta, Lydia Ibrahim, Mariah Idrissi, Harnaam Kaur, Kiran Kaur, Anna Kessel, Basma Khalifa, Hannah Little, Catherine Mayer, Jennifer Nadel, Hannah Price, Sarah Raphael, June Sarpong, Brita Fernandez Schmidt and Jude Wanga.
What was it all about?
This year's #SheInspiresMe LIVE Feminist Festival was filled with inspiring talks and hands-on workshops from our amazing speakers energising a new generation of feminist changemakers. Guests came away with a set of practical skills, a network of allies and mentors, and a plan of action to make 2018 the most feminist year yet!
-
“I have listened to some really inspiring speakers who have motivated me to take action and speak out about my views,” shared a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“Brilliant range of different voices, was amazing to hear from women at different stages in their careers/activism and to have the opportunity to ask questions and reflect in between,” wrote a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“I think every single girl should experience what we experienced today. That kind of ‘empowerment’ (or solidarity) is unique," shared a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“There was a great deal of sincerity displayed by the host and speakers which set a transparent tone," said a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“It was so uplifting and inspiring. I loved the diversity of voices and the emphasis on mental health. This day has educated and given me feminist tools,” commented a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“A great community spirit, with an excellent range of speakers from different perspectives,” wrote a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“It was everything I hoped it would be and more – honestly have never been so inspired!” Commented a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi -
“Blew me away. Amazing speakers and topics!” Said a #SheInspiresMe LIVE attendee. Photo: Steve Murigi
Meet our speakers
Alison Baskerville
subtitle:
After serving in the UK Armed Forces for 12 years, Alison is helping female identifying people become more emotionally and physically resilient.
Amna Akhtar
subtitle:
Co-founder of GirlDreamer, Amna grew up in one of Birmingham's most inner-city areas where she dreamed of a life creating real change.
Anna Kessel
subtitle:
Anna is a sports journalist, acclaimed author and vocal campaigner for equality in sport. She has covered Olympic Games and World Championships.
Brita Fernandez Schmidt
subtitle:
Brita is the Executive Director of Women for Women International - UK and is a dedicated advocate and promoter of women’s empowerment, rights and equality.
Catherine Mayer
subtitle:
Catherine is an award-winning journalist, author, and co-founder and president of the Women’s Equality Party.
Charlie Craggs
subtitle:
Charlie is a trans activist, founder of Nail Transphobia and author of To My Trans Sisters. In 2016 Charlie topped The Observer's New Radicals list of social innovators in Britain.
David Brockway
subtitle:
David manages the Great Men project and has worked with thousands of boys and young men, to discuss what masculinity and "being a man" means to them.
Emma Gannon
subtitle:
Emma is a writer, broadcaster, podcast host and guest digital lecturer at Condé Nast College since 2014.
We chose three broad themes representing important components of becoming a successful changemaker. All our speakers talked about their personal feminist activist journey and their particular area of work in relation to these themes.
Hannah Little
subtitle:
Hannah is a passionate advocate for a woman’s right to choice, she co-founded the London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign.
Hannah Price
subtitle:
Hannah Price is the founder of Revolt Sexual Assault, a national campaign working to expose the real nature and extent of sexual violence and harassment at universities.
Harnaam Kaur
subtitle:
Harnaam is a body positivity warrior, model, world record holder, and activist who inspires people across the globe to embrace their beauty, whatever form it comes in.
Jane Cordell
subtitle:
A musician and teacher, Jane supports disability equality and helps people to achieve their full potential.
Jennifer Nadel
subtitle:
Jennifer is a qualified barrister, author, speaker and an award-winning journalist. She has reported for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITN from around the world.
Kiran Kaur
subtitle:
Co-founder and CEO of GirlDreamer, Kiran, is bettering a new generation of girls.
Mariah Idrissi
subtitle:
The first hijab wearing model to be featured in an international fashion campaign for H&M, Mariah is a voice for her community.
Munroe Bergdorf
subtitle:
Munroe was the first transgender model to be selected to take part in a national beauty campaign, a project that promoted diversity and inclusiveness.
Rahila Gupta
subtitle:
Rahila Gupta is a freelance journalist, writer, activist and longstanding member of Southall Black Sisters, founded in 1979 to highlight and challenge all forms of violence against minority women.
Sarah Raphael
subtitle:
Sarah is Editor-at-Large of Refinery29, the leading digital media company for women. She has written for numerous publications including The Guardian, Elle magazine and Vice.
Building your toolkit
Globally, we’re at a watershed moment for feminism. Women are breaking their silence about harassment and abuse, they are collectively harnessing their outrage, and they are using their voices to demand change. Men are realising that gender equality is not just a ‘women’s issue’ and getting behind the cause.
We’ve seen millions taking to the streets in Women’s Marches, whilst the rise of digital activism is making it quicker and easier than ever to ignite a global movement. There’s never been a more important time to step up and get involved.
Our goal was that everyone who attended left feeling more confident in their ability to make a difference, equipped with tools and resources to tackle an issue they're passionate about. Check out social posts from our attendees below to see whether we succeeded!
Find Your Voice
Be Resilient
Build Alliances
Why Now?
Why is this relevant in 2018?
Globally, we’re at a watershed moment for feminism. Women are breaking their silence about harassment and abuse, they are collectively harnessing their outrage, and they are using their voices to demand change. Men are realising that gender equality is not just a ‘women’s issue’ and getting behind the cause.
We’ve seen millions taking to the streets in Women’s Marches, whilst the rise of digital activism is making it quicker and easier than ever to ignite a global movement. There’s never been a more important time to step up and get involved.
Our goal was that everyone who attended left feeling more confident in their ability to make a difference, equipped with tools and resources to tackle an issue they're passionate about. Check out social posts from our attendees below to see whether we succeeded!
Join the sisterhood!
It’s 2018, yet gender discrimination and violence against women are still alive and kicking in the UK.
At Women for Women International, we know that when women have access to skills and resources – including a support network of peers, mentors and role models – they can create the changes they want to see in their communities and societies. We see this in some of the most challenging environments on earth, where conflict and poverty have taken root.
With thanks to our partner
With thanks to our generous event sponsor Samantha Rowe-Beddoe
#SheInspiresMe