Courage Calls! Conference 2019

Not a Fawcett member yet? Claim your discounted Fawcett membership and complimentary ticket here!

Courage Calls! Activism. Power. Change.

History is made when power and courage go hand-in-hand. Join us at our annual conference for a day centred on cultivating courage, expressing power through activism, and creating lasting change for generations to come.

This year we are bringing together inspiring leaders and pioneers from all walks of life, from women reporting at the frontlines of politics to grassroots activists effecting change. We are thrilled to announce a packed programme of empowering discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and an evening reception – the perfect opportunity to celebrate our collective power.

The day will include a welcome address from Fawcett Chief Executive Sam Smethers, and the opportunity to speak with Fawcett Chair Fiona Mactaggart.

Because of concern about the number of women MPs who decided to stand down at this General Election, former Cabinet Minister Amber Rudd will be interviewed by Ayesha Hazarika on her reasons for leaving politics and the toxic political environment for women. She will also take questions from the floor.

Our first panel discussion of the day, 'On the Frontline: Women reporters in the political space', features Editor of the Daily Mirror Alison Phillips, journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, chaired by Fawcett trustee, comedian and commentator Ayesha Hazarika.

Our marketplace will give you the chance to explore feminist literature and merchandise, take action on key Fawcett campaigns and interact with other equality organisations. Your ticket also includes a complimentary drink as a part of a special evening networking reception with like-minded feminists and Fawcett supporters.

We are running a time-limited offer which includes a discounted Fawcett membership rate and a complimentary ticket to our annual conference, saving you over £50! We have a limited number available, so register today to avoid disappointment.

Claim your discounted Fawcett membership and complimentary ticket here

This year we are running a 'Pay It Forward' scheme for the first time, inspired by the incredible Black Girl Festival. This option gives Fawcett members the opportunity to pay for their own ticket as well as covering the cost for another individual who wouldn't be able to afford a ticket otherwise. Fawcett will allocate the extra ticket through our network of women's organisations - all you need to do is buy the ticket and we will sort out the rest!

Over the coming weeks, we will announce a stellar line-up of pioneers, high-profile activists and leaders over the day. Don't miss your chance to be part of this special event. Book today!

Our line-up:

• 9 - 10am: Arrival, registration and networking
• 10 -10.10am - Welcome and introduction Fiona Mactaggart and Sam Smethers
• 10.10 -10.15am - Ayesha Hazarika opening remarks
• 10.15-11am - interview and Q&A with Amber Rudd
  
• 11am - midday - Panel discussion: On The Frontline: Women reporters in the political space panel discussion and Q&A with Editor of the Daily Mirror Alison Phillips, journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, chaired by Fawcett trustee, comedian and commentator Ayesha Hazarika.
  
  
• 12:00 - 14:00pm: Complimentary lunch and feminist marketplace (AGM for Fawcett members will take place from 12:30 - 14:00pm)
• 14:00 - 15:30pm: Breakout session

Breakout session options include: 

Changing the narrative: women and girls of colour in literature

A panel discussion with writer and founder of REWRITE Christina Fonthes, Editorial director of Knights of ‘Inclusive book publishers Eishar Brar, Senior lecturer at UCL research publishing cultures and particularly in YA fiction Melanie Ramdarshan Bold, and Writer and Project Manager at Book Trust Represents Indigo Williams

Courageous Conversations: Having inclusion conversations that matter in the workplace

A workshop led by Fearless Futures to support participants to begin to identify the behaviours that get in the way of courageous conversations, with hearing and learning from those who have struggles you don’t share when you want to be an ally - and give deep insight into why change can be so slow. Participants will leave with greater awareness of what shifts they may need to make to engage in powerful, productive and courageous inclusion conversations

Know Your Worth with Funny Women 

Know your worth in this workshop with Funny Women by telling your own story, creating your own material, interpreting body language, and becoming more confident and memorable. ‘Older’ women have a lifetime’s experience to draw upon so this workshop focuses on how we can tap into this and pay it forward. This workshop will help you to attract opportunities whatever your age and find ways to connect using humour to make you memorable.  Plus, it will help you de-stress in an instant by having some fun! Facilitated by Lynne Parker and Jenny Bolt

Campaigning for better justice for survivors of rape

A panel discussion with Fiona Mackenzie of We Can't Consent To This, Founding Director of the Centre for Women's Justice Harriet Wistrich and Rebecca Hitchen, Campaigns Manager at the End Violence Against Women Coalition. Chaired by Fawcett Society Chief Executive Sam Smethers. 

Community activism to make local Government work for women

What is it like being a woman Councillor? What are the barriers that stop women’s voices from being heard in local government? Local government has a powerful impact on all our lives: it provides vital services such as housing, adult and children’s social care, and domestic abuse services. Yet shockingly only 34% of local councillors in England are women – it’s 2019 and this is not good enough. Attend this workshop run by Fawcett with support from Fawcett Dartford & North Kent to hear directly from women Councillors across parties, and learn about how you can get campaigning in your area to make your council more accessible for women.

Digital self-care and self-defence with Glitch

Join this interactive workshop with Glitch founder and self-care champion Seyi Akiwowo, to take you through the basics of digital self-defence tips and how to effectively document abuse, how to enforce personal self care online, knowing your rights on each platform, and being an active bystander. In this hostile environment for women standing for public office, it's more important than ever that we stand together to reject hate and abuse online. This workshop will give you the tools you need to navigate online spaces armed with the knowledge to stay safe.

• 15:30 - 15:45pm: Break
• 15:45 - 17:15pm: Treading new Territory: Campaigners who inspire us & have driven change panel discussion and Q&A with author, journalist & leader of the Sexism in dictionaries campaign Maria Beatrice Giovanardi, creator of the End Tampon Tax Petition & Author Laura Coryton, author & Sickle Cell Activist Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, writer and upskirting activist Gina Martin, chaired by Fawcett Chair Fiona Mactaggart.      

• 17:15 - 19:00pm: Drinks Reception We are thrilled to be joined by comedian Laura Smyth, winner of the 2019 Funny Women Stage Award, as our headline act. 

We are also delighted to announce that Henny Beaumont, illustrator of Equal to Everything: Judge Brenda and the Supreme Court will be at our conference on 30th November creating a mural of the events of the day

Line-up subject to change

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