‘Feminism is the forgotten frontier in today’s Europe’ the organisers of a conference on feminisim in Wales have said today.
Their comments come before the UK’s referendum on EU membership and the hosting of a European conference on Feminism held in Cardiff this weekend.
Feminism on the Peripheries of Europe is a two-day event which will take place on the 25th to the 26th of June at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff.
Hosted by Plaid Cymru Ifanc / Youth – the youth wing of political party Plaid Cymru, European Free Alliance Youth – youth wing of the European Free Alliance European political party and Centre Maurits Coppieters - a foundation focusing on cultural diversity in Europe, the conference will bring together youth activists, academics, NGOs and women’s/LGBTQIA rights advocates for a series of debates, lectures and workshops.
‘Gender inequality is one of the most important socio-economic issues we face and one of the greatest inequalities that lies at the heart of almost every society.’ said Plaid Ifanc’s Women’s Officer, Angharad Lewis. ‘The aim of the event is to educate and engage young people of Wales and Europe on intersectional feminist issues within a Welsh, European and wider context.’
‘We are thrilled to be hosting this conference’ said Emyr Gruffydd, Plaid Ifanc National Chair, ‘It is a unique opportunity for the young people of Wales and beyond to come together to discuss social issues.’
‘Wales is a progressive, European nation and this conference does well to reflect this.’ he added.
Panellists and speakers will include leader of Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood, Sahar Al Faifi , Assistant Secretary General
of the Muslim Council of Wales, Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru MEP, and distinguished academic Professor Jane Aaron.
The conference will focus on addressing feminism within diverse and complex societies in Europe. Sessions will include workshops and discussions on Welsh and intersectional feminism, everyday sexism, the LGBT+ struggle and screening of the documentary ‘Vessel’ which will raise awareness and demonstrate the nexus between politics, law, feminist activism and women’s autonomy.
‘Considering that all three organisations are engaged in raising awareness and promoting gender equality, human rights, social justice and self-determination rights, the conference is sure to inspire young people to continue advocating feminism in new and innovative ways.’ said Iva Petovic, CMC Project Manager.
Young people will be attending from all over Wales and Europe, including Catalonia, the Basque Country, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Silesia.
The conference takes place following the referendum on the UK’s membership within the European Union but Fflur Arwel, EFAy spokesperson for Gender and LGBT+ issues, insists the conference will be held whatever the result, ‘Plaid Ifanc advocates a ‘Remain’ vote on the 23rd of June.’ said Fflur Arwel, ‘But whatever the result, the conference will still go ahead. The issues are just as relevant no matter what the outcome of the referendum.’
‘The end of sexism and the beginning of gender equality will not be with men’s realisation that women are equal to them. It will happen when those marginalised break down the barriers and the institutions that hold them down.’ she added.
The event will also include an evening gig with successful Welsh-Bajan singer-songwriter Kizzy Crawford and aspiring Rhondda singer, Rachel Stephens, at Nos Da hostel at 8pm on Saturday the 25th of June.
The final conference programme can be found here.
Feminism on the Peripheries of Europe will be held from 10am onwards on the 25th and 26th of June at Chapter Arts Centre in Canton, Cardiff.
Kizzy Crawford will be performing at Nos Da hostel at 8pm onwards on the 25th of June.
