A digital #QuiltOfKindness was created by Islington for Women to mark International Women’s Day today. The quilt was shared early this morning via social media.
Islington for Women is a group that celebrates female experiences in the borough. It was created in 2017 following a report by BBC Radio Four’s Women’s Hour that claimed Islington was the worst place in the country to live as a woman.
Not only did the founders disagree, they established the group to find out what women like about their local area and how they can make a difference.
To make the #QuiltOfKindness, Islington for Women invited women across the community to send a square image on the theme of kindness.
The resulting quilt featured flowers, cake and craftwork. While it is currently virtual, the quilt will be printed out and displayed in the Town Hall for people to enjoy post-lockdown.
Anita Grant, one of Islington for Women’s founders, said the quilt was a “representation of life inside the house”, which is an important part of female experiences and has become more visible during lockdown. “The quilt speaks to Covid,” Grant added, and celebrates “the rich history of women’s craftwork”.
The group are partnering with Islington Council to host an event tomorrow celebrating the achievements of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services.
The event, which promises to be a ‘lively discussion’, will look at the history of these services, their progress so far and their future.
Also on the agenda is a look at the Domestic Abuse Bill, which is being debated in the House of Lords and, if enshrined in law, will establish a Domestic Abuse Commissioner.
“It’s amazing and important that this bill exists, but more work needs to be done,” said Grant, who will host the event. Other speakers include Anil Gokturk, from IMECE Women’s Centre, and Grace Willsher, from Islington-based woman’s charity Solace.
Anyone can join the online event that takes place from 12 to 1:30 pm on Tuesday 9 March.
