Herefordshire celebrates its women

11:47am Friday 18th April 2008

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FIRST observed in 1909 in the United States, International Women’s Day followed a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, amid a rapid world industrialisation and economic expansion, that led to protests over working conditions.

But it was not until 1926 that it was celebrated here in Britain.

IWD’s early events were always political as early supporters campaigned for shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. It later honoured the heroism and selflessness of women around the world who achieved so much for the benefit of all.

In the Balkan states, the day has been adopted as a day of celebrating womanhood in general – a reminder to men that, despite their changing status, femininity, womanly wisdom and fragility is to be very much respected.

Lithuania born, Riamonda Aimeida, who lives in Putson said the day is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

“Men give the women in their lives – their mothers, wives, daughters, colleagues – a flower to show they acknowledge and respect all women.

“I have received flowers from a man who couldn’t be with his wife on the day, and she would not have minded it.

“When a man does this, it shows me one who does more than eat, drink, earn money and watch football. He truly appreciates womankind for all they do and is not afraid to speak of it or show it. To me, this is a real man,” she said.

Despite progressing up the hierarchical ladder, cranial-sacral therapist Vivien Ray, who works at Hereford’s Nuffield Hospital, thinks not enough thought was given by the early activisits to cultural re-education.

“Like mammals, we have the flight and fight instincts and still use the primitive brain at times of stress. This produces adrenalin so when we don’t express ourselves, or move when we ought to, it builds up and gets locked into the body, manifesting itself in various ways.

“I see many women who are not able to cope with their lifestyles.

“At the beginning of the last century we lived by rhythms and were guided by nature and woman folklore. We’d measure the length of the field by rhythm, listen to the footfall of the horses hooves and, because rhythm is so very much part of our bodies, when we move away from it we get disjointed.

“I believe we have truly achieved and there’s more to be done, but we need to remember our natural inclinations, too,” she said Today, we can no longer hope for any emancipation through progress as legislation has equalled the balance.

However, legislation alone can’t break down the norms and value systems, women make up the majority of low paid workers and they still have the jobs of mothers and carers. Despite the equal pay act passed 37 years ago, women still earn 20% less than men The launch of the Crown Prosecution Service guidance on domestic violence on IWD, March 8, 2000, meant they could pursue cases if the victims withdrew the complaint but 1 in 4 women still suffer from the hands of abuse and it’s rising.

Elsewhere, women around the world, and particularly those in third world countries are still second class citizens.

The serious struggle will continue for a while yet but looking positively, there are many women who work in a male-dominated industry and who take up technical apprenticeships or women whose lives are dedicated to their profession.

West Mercia Constabulary chief inspector for the Herefordshire division, Sue Thomas holds a unique role and rank as being the most senior female officer in Herefordshire and is also diversity champion. She feels it’s all about engaging with people, recognising how important diversity is and making it an every day priority.

“People are often surprised at how forward thinking the police is and I think it’s because we take every opportunity to get the message out there and then reinforce it.

Proportionally there are more female officers than men joining the force and support networks have been set up to facilitate issues raised and help them fulfill their potential.

“I’ve seen a big step change over the last five to seven years and initially where we had to keep making the point it is now common place in what we do everyday.

“I take every opportunity to raise awareness for diversity and equality,” she said.