The Dawn Conspiracy... at dawn

What a crazy week it has been!  I have been working like the proverbial Trojan (were there any women in that army?) and feel as though I haven't had a minute to reflect.

It is early Saturday morning and I'm up and dresssed - about to go to Weight Watchers... which I have recently joined in an attempt to, once and for all, lose weight!  More about that later...

8 March is International Women's Day and this year, it is the centenary of the event.  I've always been a huge fan of IWD - the marches, the breakfasts, the moment in time to spend a whole day thinking about what it is to be a woman.  I will be attending many events, but want to tell you of a couple over the next few days.

The Dawn Conspiracy is a feminist project that brings 'together performers, writers, poets, musicians, comedians and other thinkers, taking the pulse of feminist culture in our city and finding it in fine form.'  I was approached to make a short video about what it meant for me to be a feminist.  It is a long time since I have used that term to describe myself.  Mea culpa!  With the help of two gorgeous young feminists who understand such technology, I have recorded a piece and will make it available here when I can.  Lets just say that Dame Judy Dench is in no danger of an competition for movie roles!

The Dawn Conspiracy is holding three events this week (two of which I will be attending):

• CherChez La Femme: Feminism and the Brand  Featuring Monica Dux, Chrissie Feagins and Alicia Sometimes, and hosted by Karen Pickering, Cherchez la Femme is a monthly digest of pop culture and current affairs from a feminist perspective. This will be the first show back in 2011 and the opening night of The Dawn Conspiracy. 
  Thursday 3 March, Fox Hotel, 351 Wellington St Collingwood 7-9pm

• The Dawn Conspiracy Variety Night  Hosted by Clem Bastow and featuring Helen Razer, Linda Beatty (The UnEnchanted Princess), Susan Carland (Salam Café), Emilie Zoey Baker and a host of other entertainers in a celebration of feminist thought. This revolution’s telethon will not be televised. Tickets are $15/$10 and all proceeds go to WIRE and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
  Friday 4 March, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Victoria Room, 8-11pm

• HERo: Women as Heroes Hosted by Lyndal Walker.
  Saturday 5 March, Grace Darling Hotel, Smith St Collingwood, 2-12pm

It is interesting the way 'feminism' has morphed - as human structures do (just look at democracy).  In the 80s and 90s, we were lobbying for very different issues (many of which are still outstanding) and struggling with issues of beauty and power and sex.  While young women are probably still struggling with these things, their Buddhist attitude to 'non-labelling' and knowing their core when it comes to feminism is refreshing and inspiring.

I am so looking forward to the Variety Night and Women as Heroes events - another opportunity to listen, watch and learn as a generation of smart, sexy, powerful women move up in the world.