Tongue Tired - International Women's Day 2023

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Why International Women’s Day Matters

In 1848 two American women, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott gathered together a few hundred women at the USA’s first women’s rights convention in New York after becoming angry about women being barred from speaking at an anti-slavery convention. They demanded civil, social, political and religious rights for women in a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions and thus, a movement was born. 60 years later, on the 28th of February 1909, the first National Women’s day was celebrated in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women gathered and protested against working conditions.

1910- A Women’s Day was established in Copenhagen at The Socialist International. This honoured and pushed for women rights and helped build international support for universal suffrage for women.

19th March 1911- A number of European countries along with the United States observe a women’s day in remembrance and celebration of the 1848 revolution and of the “Commune de Paris”. They demanded the right to vote and hold public office, women’s rights to work, rights to vocational training and an end to workplace discrimination.

1913- On the last Sunday of February, International Women’s day became a method of protesting against WW1, led by the Russian women. A year later on the 8th of March 1914, women across Europe held rallies to express solidarity with other activists and protested the war.

15th April 1915- over 1,300 women from over 12 different countries gathered in The Hague.

8th March 1917- Russian women once again protested for “Bread and Peace”. Less than a week later women were granted the right to vote after the abdication of the Czar.

After WW2 the 8th of March became a celebrated day in many countries. Later in 1975 the United Nations began celebrating the 8th of March as International Women’s Day. Since then the United Nations has worked to ensure world-wide gender equality.

International Women’s Day is still just as important now as it was back then. Across the world women are still subjected to violence, discrimination and inequality in their everyday lives. While in places like Europe and the USA women have been granted freedoms and are protected by discrimination laws, we continue to celebrate this day in support of women elsewhere who still need permission from husbands and village elders to vote, who are blocked from accessing education, who are still subject to violence and discrimination for expressing or holding opinions, who are blocked from opportunities to own property or to earn an equal wage. There are places where women are still forced to become young brides, where women have no sexual and reproductive rights including safe access to contraception and safe abortions. There are places where female genital mutilation, forced pregnancy and forced sterilisation still take place.

We continue to stand in solidarity with our sisters worldwide. In this issue of tongue tired, we are taking the opportunity to celebrate and honour strong, creative women in our community.

Art by Jessica Eleanor Zschorn

Introducing: Alice Isobella

Tell our readers a bit about yourself;

I am Alice Isobella (aiwrawart), a 28 year old Artist, Activist and Mum of two living in Hull. I have predominantly been a Community Artist for the best part of my twenties, running arts & craft workshops and events for all ages, held in different independent venues across Hull. I have also been involved in multiple community based projects and murals around the city; highlighting world problems such as climate change. Although currently I am focusing mostly on my personal artwork, which is generally multimedia drawings & paintings; through pure expression & experimentation- influenced by human anatomy, nature, colours & forms.

What influenced your decision to get into this line of work?

I studied Fine Art at college, which I loved. I have always been creative. Since becoming a Mum I found it difficult holding a 9-5 job and wanted to use my passion for Art, Activism & Creativity in my work life, so I can be flexible at home and have my children able to join me with my work, community holds a big part of my heart! I have also struggled with my mental health over the years, so therefore art has been a huge outlet for me, as an over thinker I try not to overthink my creative process, instead respond emotionally. Combining my love for Arts, Culture and Community, becoming a Community Artist was the answer! How do you avoid burnout in your line of work?

I like to work & create in the moment with little planning. For a workshop planning is essential, so I find the best thing to do for that is have an idea on what the workshop will be based on, plan necessary materials required and then just encourage people to free flow and express themselves; in the moment. Rather than being a teacher, I am a facilitator. When creating my own art, as my studio is currently at home and I have a hectic family life, I have to give myself plenty of time to recover from work head and home head, also I try not to put too much pressure on myself with schedules and planning. Just a little organisation keeps my head above water. I try to make sure I enjoy what I am doing and if I feel I am starting to lose myself, I will stop and wait a few days to start again.

How can our readers find your work?

I confess I am not the best at keeping up to date with my work on social media, but this is certainly a goal for this year! My Instagram is @aiwrawart and my website which I share with my partner is www.suitew.art

What has been your favourite project so far, and what exciting projects do you have lined up for the future?

I loved having a studio in the town centre at Shirethorn House. It was a wonderful community of all kinds of Artists, Creatives and Musicians. There were a lot of opportunities to get involved in different projects. have been involved in collective exhibitions in the past; the last one as part of the Shirethorn Arts Collective on Humber Street. I am really looking forward to my first solo exhibition in mid-May which I am currently working towards; held at Arthouse, Princes Ave. I also manage my 8yr old daughter as she is a self proclaimed singer/songwriter; I arrange gigs for her to attend and perform at and am currently in the process of filming a music video for her latest original song. I am incredibly proud and can’t wait to share what she has been up to this year, with the world.

POVERTY – Emily Edden

It must be easy from the rich kid table

To assume you have all the power With all your breaks and your restful days And your staff and your kitchen maids

It must be easy from the rich kid table

To assume that the normal is ‘less than’ Less than worthy of life or liberty Less than worth of fucking dignity

It must be easy from the rich kid table

To assume everyone deigns to be you With your endless expense account And your fine dining and interior designs

It must be easy from the rich kid table

To destroy the planet’s future

To not give a shit about your kids or ours It’s not like you see them anyway, right?

It must be easy from the rich kid table

To assume we don’t value ourselves either But we do, you assholes, we have worth And we know it with our whole souls

It must be hard from the rich kid table

To see those in poverty rise up To declare our power is greater than yours Of course you stamp us down

It must be hard from the rich kid table

To not realise your security is fleeting That you’re the impoverished one And the future is wholly ours not yours

Introducing: Jessica Eleanor

Zschorn at StuBlu

Tell our readers a bit about yourself.

My name is Jessica Eleanor Zschorn. I’m a gelatinous alien blob monster that absorbs information and makes things look pretty! Only joking, I’d say I’m a hybrid of roles ranging from designer, brander, web developer, photographer, illustrator and UX designer. I just love learning new skills so I tend to naturally span into other industries.

What does being a woman in your industry mean to you?

I think representation and diversity is extremely important in more hierarchical roles in any industry, but I don’t see it as a driving force behind my success. I think that in the advertising and marketing industry, it can be very male dominated. They say that 70% of design students are women but only 5-11% of agency owners are women. The world is becoming (thankfully) more diverse, so all I would say is try and be confident, don’t make yourself small and trust in your own ability work-wise.

What has been your favourite project so far?

Oooh! I really enjoyed working for Freedom Festival Arts Trust, they have amazing projects and deserve all the recognition for it! Nighthawks Wine Bar has also been a pleasure to work on. I also really recently enjoyed learning more about the UX design process for Smashed Crab Softwares “Teamplanner” software last year!

Has your gender ever hindered your work or affected job availability?

Many people have faced sexual exploitation in the workplace, myself included. I believe an employer has an important responsibility to keep things professional. If you face sexual objectification in the workplace from such a figure, this has the potential to be especially disastrous because this person is who finances you and should have a duty of care to you. In all honesty, the clients I work with have not made me feel any different to male colleges, have respected my day rate and have provided a structured and professional working environment. This isn’t an issue I have had to deal with in a many number of years and I really believe the world is changing for the better

Are there environments that limit/enhance your creativity?

I have ADHD and it can be a nightmare when not nurtured – however, when you get your teeth into a new learning curve with something you enjoy, you are unstoppable. I’ve also had to work out what working environment suited my talents best! For example, I work really well in Asana using Kanban boards. I also like blocking out environmental sounds with a good album and some headphones. I think a good employer should support that, especially if it helps you focus and feel calm. Creative art block does strike now and again but I try to support other artists, read comics and absorb beautiful things to keep me inspired!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Finding your way can be difficult for anyone, I didn’t have a lot of confidence when younger (or at least I faked it!), but it didn’t stop me trying different things. I think my younger self would be so proud of where I’m at currently, I’ve been able to work for amazing entities and create fantastic brands for people. I often have to remind myself at 30 to not be so hard on myself, something I imagine many people trying to succeed in this busy, busy world struggle with. Don’t forget to appreciate what you would have found amazing 10 years ago

How can our readers find yourself and your work?

You can find my works and collaborations on the social media handle @STUBLUCreative or studiobluecreative.co.uk for better case studies! Thank you so much for everything!

CONTEMPORARY ARTS GALLERY –NEW EXHIBITIONS

Ann McCall has come to Contemporary Arts Gallery with her new exhibition which is divided into two parts:

Bold Botanicals – A series of oil on canvas paintings which Ann describes as ‘The immersive experience of being surrounded and enveloped in rich and exotic flora and fauna found in a formal botanicalgardens setting’.

Garden Waste Collection – Delicate water colours which Ann put forward to be ‘The hands-on mindfulness of gardening, and the accumulation of garden waste, layer upon layer to create a beautiful history of the passing of both nature and time.

Ann McCall’s exhibition will be displayed in the main gallery area until the 26th of March, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am-4pm.

‘Sophie Hannah Walker is a contemporary abstract artist interested in the themes of energy and emotion. She considers how colour, shape and symbolism can positively affect the mood of the viewer. Sophie creates ‘reminders’ on canvas; pretty elements that might seem invisible in one light and twinkle in another.

Often we fail to notice the art on our walls as it sinks into the everyday surroundings. The embellished canvases are designed to appear differently as the light moves throughout the day and depending on the angle at which they are viewed from. The effect of this aspect of her work has an uplifting effect on the viewer as they sparkle unexpectedly according to the movement of the light.

Sophie has been exhibiting her art since her first exhibition in the old Aldwych tube station in London in 2000 as a recent graduate of the University of Brighton. She lives in Bridlington.’

- Sophie Walker

Sophie Walker’s art will be hosted in the second gallery.

Poster provided by Contemporary Arts Gallery

ARCADE PRESENT: GODDESSES, WITCHES AND QUEENS

ARCADE are celebrating International Women’s Day with a series of performances under the title Goddesses, Witches and Queens. The set of performances is to include spoken word, storytelling, and live music.

The event will first be hosted by award-winning artist Hannah Davies during the performances between 7:30pm-9:45pm.

At 10:00pm local musician Beth Pilling will take over as host for the evening, turning the show into an open mic folk session.

The event is FREE and no bookings are required to attend! Come and celebrate International Women’s Day with an incredible performance put on by both ARCADE and local Bridlington musicians.

ARCADE are a communityfocused company based in Scarborough and Bridlington. They are headed by Rach Drew and Sophie DruryBradey.

Their goals are to enable creative artists and the community to create cultural experiences that aid in positive social change.

To also help children and young people discover themselves through these experiences.

And to inspire working class women into reaching their full potential.

Photo submitted by ARCADE

Stop inviting women into ‘A Man’s World’, the future is a world of “Women’s Work”

by Emily Edden

The first IWD was held in 1911, yet it still took the United Nations until 1975 to officially recognise it. The Convention of Elimination of Discrimination Against Women was adopted by the UN a mere 4 years later (!!), coming into force from 1981. Yup, 6 years of standing up for women and women’s rights while… not actually giving them.

Yet, in the 22 years since making it a human right to not be discriminated against based on gender, we’ve had an International Women’s Day every year. Every year we lift up and raise up women who have been strong, transformational, influential, resilient… Yet despite the overwhelming enthusiasm for one day every year, it’s almost like that’s not enough to drive real change.

Funny that.

It’s undeniable that the current industrialised world is male-driven, male-led, male-focussed. Not everyone is a fan of facts and figures, but it’ll be over quickly so bear with me.

Just 22% of employees in the oil and gas sector are women, and, while a higher number, still only 32% of the renewable energy sector is women.

Unsurprisingly, in a continued theme just 26.8% of government ministers responsible for policies on climate and environment are women.

The converse of this is that almost 73% of workers in the charity sector are women. Perhaps it won’t surprise you to learn that the UN indicates that 80% of people displaced by climate breakdown will also be women.

What does this mean for International Women’s Day (IWD)? More women in STEM careers? Lift up more powerful and inspiring women who’ve paved the way for change, and assimilate them into the existing structure? What if women don’t want that?

When it comes to the climate crisis, we hear lots of ‘solutions’ from (mostly) men, such as carbon stores, ‘green’ fossil fuels like gas (that’s just a lie), and schemes such as the ‘carbon footprint’ which was actually just created by Shell to deflect attention to the consumer about climate impact while they mined our ground and polluted our air.

Our policy makers, meanwhile, continue to give bigger handouts to these industries than to the people. For example, in 2022 the UK Government committed to £5.7 BILLION in tax relief alone to companies investing in oil and gas for the next three years. Yes, that goes to the companies who this year marked record profits while an estimated one third of the population was plunged into fuel poverty.

What kind of policies could we see implemented if, perhaps, the stats were reversed?

Ella’s Law is one such example. In 2013 a 9 year old girl died in London, with air pollution as a cause of death.

It’s estimated over 5% of all deaths in the UK are caused at least in part by air pollution. Ella’s Law (The Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill) seeks to make clean air a human right. A mother, who lost her child to the toxic greed of a male-dominated fossil fuel industry, has fought for change and within 10 years the idea of clean air being a human right is attainable and possible.

It seems from the stats that women see the planet’s future, they see their own future, and they see the future their children will have and they won’t take it any longer. Women are supporting others, creating safe spaces, providing help to the other dismissed and rejected members of society and making real progress, unlike the men.

Women say ‘no more suffering’ while men say ‘but what about profit’.

This International Women’s Day, if you actually want to see women uplifted and seen and heard - if you really want women to have an equal and valid place in this world, then take action on climate change to make the world safe for them (and yourselves). Do it for the 1.2 billion people (80% of whom will likely be women) who will be displaced by climate change in the next 17 years.

Do it because in that world, when it meets us, it will be largely women in the charity and compassionate work sectors who run the world in a humanitarian crisis of a mess. A mess made by mostly men refusing to actually acknowledge the reality of the world we live in, who will likely have no idea how to keep their families alive when there’s no food and the sea levels rise and wipe out our houses, and our children are dying from the toxic air they created, and we can’t grow anything because it’s too hot to grow anything in a perennial drought.

Do it because if men join the world of women, if men join the charity sector and see the future of planet as their problem, too, then perhaps we could go a long way to avoiding that horrifying and bleak world, and we can all have equality within it.

Before we move on to the credits I would like to provide a personal input on this issue of Tongue Tired.

IWD is a day charged with positivity, but there is still an underlining reason that it exists. Not just to celebrate, but to empower and equalise women.

This issue has been put together by Laura Smith and myself.

But the content for it is provided by the voices of people who deserve to have their voices heard; by people who are working to see women in the community realised, and by people who are just trying to live their lives with an enjoyment for what they do, in a world that accepts them.

This is not a political topic.

Human Rights are not political.

Thank you for reading the IWD issue of Tongue Tired. Please continue reading our magazine to see where you can find the amazing voices behind it.

P.S The colours of this issue represent the colours of IWD. Purple represents honour and justice. Green represents optimism. White is debated to represent purity.

CREDITS AND MENTIONS

Joe Kenway –

The graphic designer that made us a selection of fantastic logos. His designs can be found @joe.kenway on Instagram. The logo he created is brilliantly simple and unique, and his other designs are even more incredible.

Photography –

Insta: @Sshutter_upp_photography

Sasha Studio

Insta: @sashas_studio_pottery on Facebook: @sashasstudio

Or visit her website

www.sashastudiopottery.co.uk

Alice Isobella

Insta: @aiwrawart

Website: www.suitew.art

Jessica Eleanor Zschorn

Social Media: @STUBLUCreative

Website: studiobluecreative.co.uk

ARCADE

Facebook: ARCADE_hello

Website: hello-arcade.com