A few weeks ago, thinkARK were asked to suggest some ideas for 'inspiring women' to speak at a Cardiff event.
We quickly realised we weren't very knowledgeable about Cardiff's inspiring women, but knew there must be a lot of 'unsung heroines' in the city and around.
Putting our heads together, we came up with the idea that we would look for these women, whether they were forgotten historical figures, women who worked tirelessly in their communities, raised money for charity, or women who were inspiring because of their own personal stories.
Conversations with Cardiff locals immediately highlighted many 'local heroines'. One such story is that of Shirley Bourge, a local Cardiff swimming instructor who lost her decade-long battle with cancer earlier this year. Shirley, who had previously won the Echo's Community Champion award as well as the Echo's Bouquet of the Week, worked vigorously for good causes throughout her illness through local fundraising and teaching.
It also came to thinkARK's attention that Cardiff University appointed Millicent McKenzie as the first female professor in the UK in 1904. We wanted everyone to find out about and celebrate these women who are so important in our communities and have a lot of influence in people's daily lives, so we decided to hold an event for people to tell their stories, celebrate their achievements, and recognise their contributions.
The timing was good for this project – every year in March, women's lives and achievements are celebrated on International Women's Day – and the day also highlights issues that still need to be addressed. The issues of the Western world might include the continuing lack of equal pay and the existence of the 'glass ceiling' in work; domestic violence; support for and access to continuing education; and real support for women with children.
This year, 8 March 2011 sees the centenary of International Women's Day, and people the world over will be enjoying a celebration of women in all walks of life, and raising awareness of issues that affect women. The global theme this year is Education, and Science and Technology – although many different local and national themes will also be used.
Cardiff's social design group, thinkARK holds interactive and inclusive events that strive to make people think. Our 'Inspiring Women' event, which will be held at Chapter Arts Centre on Saturday 5 March, will give everyone the chance to celebrate women in a fun and light-hearted way.
Those who know about the event in advance as well as passers-by are invited to create a 'postcard' for their chosen inspiring women. Pop in from 11am-4pm and draw, paint or write messages and thoughts about women who are inspiring to you, and give us a chance to get to know them too.
The messages and pictures will be displayed as an exhibition in Chapter's foyer from 5 – 12 March. People can call in anytime during the week and contribute to the project, and comments and messages can also be included by emailing, texting or tweeting us.