By Lilly Harvey, Bristol Women’s Voice intern
Celebrating Feminist role models and our acts of resistance against the patriarchy
This year’s Bristol Women’s Voice members’ picnic was a lively celebration of feminist unity, featuring fun activities and creative expressions. The picnic brought together a diverse group of women for a day of inspiration, sharing, and reflection.
Members were invited to either bring a photo of a feminist role model or write down details about one, including their background and what makes them inspirational. Next, they engaged in an active listening exercise, where pairs took turns sharing their feminist inspirations. This exchange helped members gain a deeper appreciation of each other’s sources of inspiration.
These stories were then visually celebrated by pinning them to the “Feminist Tree of Resistance,” a symbol of collective strength and individual stories. The tree became a tapestry of personal and historical feminist inspirations.
Acts of Resistance: Celebrating Everyday Defiance
The second half of the picnic turned to a more reflective activity, where members paired up to discuss and answer a set of questions.
These ranged from “What does feminism mean to you?” to “What women’s equality issue has been closest to your heart throughout your life and why?”. These discussions provided a space for women to share their personal journeys and connect on shared values.
The last question in the pack involved women stating their personal acts of resistance against the patriarchy.
Women shared a variety of creative and meaningful acts of defiance, from choosing not to wear bras, makeup, or trousers, to taking the initiative to buy the first drink on a date.
These actions, big and small, were then commemorated in the form of felt pouches, previously made by women from various communities including the Sadaga Arabic-speaking women’s group and Somali Kitchen.
They were then pegged onto the Feminist Tree of Resistance alongside member’s feminist inspirations. This beautiful display symbolised not only the collective resistance against systemic inequalities but also the unity among the BWV members.
The picnic was a reminder of the power of shared experiences and solidarity in the feminist movement. Through storytelling, reflective discussions, and creative expressions, members created a space where women could celebrate their inspirations, affirm their acts of resistance, and strengthen their bonds within the feminist community.
