International Women’s Day in Bodmin: ‘We Choose Our Futures’ Event Announced

A powerful discussion on women’s rights will take place in Bodmin this International Women’s Day, as The Women’s Centre Cornwall hosts We Choose Our Futures, a day-long event exploring gender equality, historical feminist movements, and the impact of global conflicts on women.

Set for Saturday 8th March at The Old Library in Bodmin, the event will bring together leading voices in women’s rights and gender equality, with a panel debate featuring Dr Elif Ceylan Özsoy, a University of Exeter law lecturer from Turkey, Dr Charlotte Patton, a St Austell-based women’s health GP, Olha Popadynets, a gender equality and social inclusion consultant, and Jackie May, CEO of The Women’s Centre Cornwall.

Meet the Speakers

Jackie May has led The Women’s Centre Cornwall as Chief Executive since 2020, overseeing its expansion in supporting survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. With a background spanning the Rape Crisis sector, education, manufacturing, and non-profits, Jackie has driven initiatives such as Sorella Peer Support, the Campfire online peer support app, and the Krefta domestic abuse outreach programme. Under her leadership, the Centre has enhanced services for neurodivergent women, women with learning disabilities, refugees, asylum seekers, and those facing severe disadvantages such as homelessness, addiction, or incarceration.

Dr Elif Ceylan Özsoy is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Exeter, Law School Cornwall, specialising in critical feminist legal scholarship. Her work focuses on the Istanbul Convention, decolonisation of legal studies, and LGBTQ+ legal experiences. She also serves as legal counsel for Kaos GL, a leading LGBTQ+ organisation in Turkey. During the event, she will discuss feminist engagements with the Istanbul Convention in Turkey and the UK.

Dr Charlotte Patton is a St Austell-based Women’s Health GP, a Peninsula Medical School Academic Tutor, and a Guest Lecturer at the University of Exeter. With expertise in contraception, sexual health, and menopause care, she has helped develop a dedicated women’s health service at her practice. Charlotte advocates for body literacy, believing that understanding one’s body leads to better health decisions. Recently, she has explored the connection between art and body confidence as a tool for empowerment.

Olha Popadynets is a gender equality and social inclusion consultant working with organisations such as the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, UNFPA, WHO, and CSA. Currently living in Cornwall under the Homes for Ukraine programme, she continues her work as a trainer and consultant for Ukrainian and international projects.

A Day of Discussion, Culture, and Community

Alongside the panel debate, the event will offer an international food buffet by Coco Bean Cornwall and International Food Festival for Cornwall, as well as stalls, children’s crafts, and storytelling. Visitors can explore HERstory, an exhibition dedicated to women’s rights activists throughout history, or take part in a spindle workshop, henna hand art, and live music.

“When better than International Women’s Day to unite, share experiences, and discuss important issues related to women’s rights?” said Jackie. “This event will be a chance to strengthen connections, gain new knowledge, and expand our community.”

Jackie highlighted the challenges women still face globally, stating:

“Women’s rights remain under threat with progress at a standstill, or declining, in many areas of the world due to conflicts, restrictive laws, and gender-based violence. Although there has been some progress politically and economically, there are still many deep inequalities which impact the lives of women and girls in our community and beyond. We will bring them to the fore this International Women’s Day and ask what needs to be done to accelerate action and achieve gender equality.”

Free Entry for All

The event, which runs from 11am – 4pm, is free to attend and welcomes women, men, and children. It is sponsored by IntoBodmin and supported by local businesses and organisations.

“Join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day and choose our futures together,” added Jackie.

Bookings can be made here or through The Women’s Centre Cornwall’s Instagram and Facebook pages.