This year’s Dundee Women’s Festival came to a close at the weekend, with organiser Prue Watson saying it gave women “unable to speak for themselves” a voice.
Among those who had their stories told at the festival were female convicts who were deported from Tayside to Australia for minor crimes, women who spent years in asylums for breaking the moral code of their day and victims of domestic abuse.
Done! #DWF19 Huge thanks to all of our partner org's & everyone who came along to our 60+ events – & our amazingly hardworking committee! We're already thinking about next year so watch this space & get in touch if you'd like to be involved.#HearWomensVoices pic.twitter.com/6HZaEdaFbl
— Dundee Women's Festival (@dundeewomenfest) March 16, 2019
Prue said: “Women who were unable to speak for themselves have had their voices heard during the past two weeks.
“They were all remembered and their stories told to a new generation of women who live in very different times.
“On a more cheerful note we have enabled young artists, researchers, politicians and others to talk about their journeys of discovery and the hurdles they have overcome on the way.
“Above all, most of the events allowed women to use their voices, share their knowledge and join in the discussions.”
Prue was disappointed some people booked a place for various events, but failed to show up.
“The only downside to the festival was the number of people who signed up for events and did not attend. They missed out on masses of interesting material and the comradeship and laughter which all the events generated.”
She thanked the partners — such as Rosa Women, Dundee City Council and the Scottish Government Centenary Fund — who helped fund the programme.
Planning for next year is already under way and the 2020 festival will reflect the fact it is the Year of Coasts and Waters, celebrating the country’s coastline and its related tourism industries.
