We were honoured to be invited to speak at the IWD event held by York’s Lord Mayor and Sheriff (both women this year). Our focus was on why women’s history matters including: seeing women as a force in history and celebrating their contributions; how herstories of resistance, rebellion and re-invention can link to larger themes and challenge them; helping us to better understand the barriers and obstacles that stood – and still stand – in our way; how social and cultural norms, gender stereotypes, and expectations of what it means to be a woman have changed over time – and will continue to change; and how herstories can offer positive role models for girls and women, impacting on their confidence and life choices.
We’ve been working in partnership with York Mansion House on a public display about some of the inspirational women over the last 300 years who have significantly contributed to civic and public life in York from 1725 (when construction work began on the Mansion House) to those who are making an impact on the city today.