Celebrating the world of women at Oxford International Women's Festival

There have been plenty of changes since Oxford International Women’s Festival began 25 years ago but its aims remain the same.

“The aim is always to promote and celebrate the successes and achievements of women whilst still highlighting the fact that we still have a long way to go before total equality exists, abuse of women and girls is no longer and the patriarchal power and control is not dominant,” says festival coordinator Debbie Hollingsworth.

To that end there is a mix of around 30 events across 10 days – from Wednesday March 5 to Sunday March 16 – in various locations around Oxford and the wider county. H

ighlights include the festival’s Main Event at Oxford Town Hall, which will feature music, dance, poetry and storytelling; the Dorothy Hodgkin Memorial Lecture, celebrating 50 years since she became the only British woman to be awarded a scientific Nobel Prize; and a showcase of female filmmakers from around the world.

International Women’s Day will be also marked on Saturday March 8 and on the previous evening hundreds of women will take to the streets of Oxford for a Reclaim The Night rally and march to raise awareness of violence against women.

The theme of the silver anniversary festival is Changes for Women, Women Making Changes. “Celebrating the achievements of women is a truly inspirational message for our women of the future,” says Debbie. “And I want to pay tribute to all the women who have contributed in any way to the previous festivals because it is only their hard work and commitment that has made our milestone festival possible.” Debbie works for a voluntary sector organisation that provides housing-related support. “My main concern at the moment is the housing crisis and cuts to benefits which is impacting far more on women than men,” she says.

She first became involved with the festival about 10 years ago when she was Student Union Women’s Officer while studying at Ruskin College and put on an event. “The festival has changed over the years; participants, funding, sponsors, types of event and the focus organisers have,” says Debbie. “This reflects changes in society I suppose and what is considered an issue in Oxford, in the UK and internationally.

“The first festival was so successful that the council decided to continue funding it but this relationship was short lived, I assume because the committee was more reflective of non city council workers coupled with the fact that the budget was no longer available.”

The festival is run by volunteers. They are different ages, class, ability and from a variety of cultures, ethnicity and backgrounds,” says Debbie. “Some are students, some work, some are retired and many have caring responsibilities and are involved in other groups/ campaigns.

“Our skill base varies and thankfully all aspects of organising are usually covered.”

Although there have been changes, both to the festival and society in the past 25 years, enthusiasm for the festival hasn’t waned.

“Attendance during the festival is probably fairly similar now as to earlier years, although we are more conscious of ensuring men know they are more than welcome at most events,” says Debbie. “We also encourage organisers to make the events as cost-free as possible for guests and we will signpost struggling groups to avenues of funding.”

Other events this year include a selection of theatre, cabaret, and talks, plus the 25th Anniversary Celebration Dinner.

For more information about the festival visit oxfordinternationalwomensfestival.co.uk