Are you a feminist and have something to say? Join us at our Special Centenary Soapbox, 12 March

Published: Thursday, February 11, 2016

Are you a feminist and think you have something to say? NWCI would like to invite members of the public to speak at this year’s Special Centenary Soapbox Event in the Bandstand of Stephen’s Green on the occasion of International Women’s Day. 

Drawing inspiration from many of the early feminists, who began their involvement in political campaigning by speaking out about equality issues on a soapbox on a city centre street,  NWCI has for a number of years marked  March 8th, International Women’s Day, by bringing our custom made Soapbox  to the streets. Women and men, passionate about women’s equality have had their say on burning issues, from childcare to violence against women.

This year NWCI’s Special Centenary Soapbox will take place on Saturday, 12th March from 2.00 – 4.00 pm at the bandstand in St Stephen’s Green Park, Dublin, the location holds special significance as it was held by rebels led by Constance Markievicz in 1916.

NWCI believes the best way to commemorate women’s role in 1916 is to reflect on the key themes of 1916, and whether they are still relevant today. Echoing the seven strands of the official programme and indeed the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation, NWCI plans to examine seven temes which were crucial to the involvement of women: Equality, Politics, Labour, Health, Creativity, Republicanism and Pacifism. Feminism will be a crosscutting element.

Each speaker will provide a short input of about 3-5 minutes on women’s role in 1916.  If you would like to be considered please send us a short 50 word summary of what you would like to speak about to silkep@nwci.ie with NWCISoapBox in the heading by 3 March.

Please feel free to refer to the seven themes that we have outlined above, you can focus on one theme or a number of them - whatever you would like to do.  We have invited all speakers to dress in clothes reflecting 1916 if they so wish.  If chosen, you would be joined by a mix of historians, artists and contemporary trailblazers who will address the relevance of the seven themes to women in 1916, today and into the future. Others will be online talking on #NWCISoapBox.