International Women’s Day Poetry Workshop

Introduction

Following an experiential exploration of the achievements of three women’s collectives, we’ll lead pupils through a process allowing them to create – and perform – their own celebratory poems. We have a range of poetic approaches to work with, from Soundscapes to Clerihews, and from Personification Poems to Cinquaines – and we’ll help you to choose one that best suits your needs.

We’ve selected three collectives to look at, each of which has had lasting impacts – but please let us know if you have another!

The Dagenham Sewing Machinists took action when they realised they were being paid substantially less than their male colleagues. Their successful refusal to accept discrimination was an important step on the road to equal pay.

Founded by Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy, The Peace People sought to understand the causes of division in Northern Ireland – then tackle those causes and heal society. Within six months of its institution, violence had dropped by an astonishing 70%.

The plans to cut down 2,500 trees in the Reni Forest in North East India would have led to ecological disaster – and whole communities being uprooted. Consisting of local women, The Chipko Movement successfully challenged this through a process of direct but non-violent action – providing a template for community protest across the planet.

Exploring: the power of collective approaches; positive women role models; the causes, course and effects of social and political change.