To celebrate International Women’s day WOW! held an exciting day of events.
Based in Newport, Women On the Wight (WOW!) offers support to and empowers women by offering a safe space for women, girls, and young children – the perfect place to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The days events began at 10 O’clock with the weekly drop in session, Women on the Wight wall hanging, and bread and pizza making.
Women on the Wight wall hanging
With the help and expertise of Shademakers Carnival Company a number of beautiful wall hangings have been created throughout the day to decorate the centres biggest group room. The hangings have been made using the Batik painting method, which uses wax and ink. The finished communal pieces will add some much needed colour to the group room, as well as celebrate the power of women when we come together.
We got involved today because we believe strongly in women’s issues, and we enjoy our link with the WOW! This is a great opportunity to share our skills with women and give them the opportunity to connect creatively to a project and other people.
Bread and Pizza making
Under the guidance of some fabulous volunteers a number of pizzas and breads were created in the WOW! kitchen. I could only enjoy the smell of all the bakes before they we’re eaten or taken home.
The WOW! is a fabulous cause. As women we couldn’t miss the opportunity to share a hobby and skill that we enjoy with others. Bread making gives you a sense of achievement, it’s a very rewarding activity.
Knit and Natter
Knit and Natter was an opportunity to knit in the company of others – whether novice or knitting pro. There were a selection of projects to get started on or the chance to bring your own project to work on in the company of others.
Zest Café – For the young and young at heart
Yesterday was also the exciting launch of the monthly Zest Café for the young and young at heart. To celebrate the launch and International Women’s Day Curve model and Body Confidence Revolution Ambassador Abby Russell gave a short talk on body confidence, and self esteem .
Abby’s main points were; Acceptance of your body, faults and all, embrace who you are, we are all different, and build your self-confidence, being unique is what’s going to take you places.
I believe it’s important to leave your mark, and to make a difference in your community. Coming to the WOW! has been a great way to connect with other women and spread a body confidence message.
It’s especially important on International Women’s day, when we recognise and celebrate women of today and those who have influenced our history. We need to continue to empower our young women!
The WOW! is just at the beginning of its journey but it’s already have a big impact on women’s lives. As it grows so will its reach.
For all of my adult life I have suffered from mental health issues and anxiety. I started volunteering at the WOW! to become more independent and improve my confidence. I believe that what I put into the centre I get out just as much, if not more.
The centre is a safe environment, that is warm and friendly. There is no pressure here, you can be involved in as little or as much as you like with no judgment.
I was referred to the centre for support. I was told it was a place I could go to where I would be welcomed and not judged. And it is. From the moment I stepped through the door I received the warmest of welcomes and I felt safe – I’ve been very isolated lately and WOW! has given me the opportunity and confidence to meet new people.
The centre offers me somewhere to go, it’s bringing me out of my shell and offering me much needed advice and support. It’s what I need at the moment – It’s what’s holding me together.
