International Women’s Week 2026: Resistance, Reclamation and Solidarity

Join staff and students at York St John University for a half-day event exploring everyday forms of resistance, reclamation and solidarity practiced by women in territories across the Americas and internationally.
The event will examine the role of film, photography and other artistic practices in navigating social and ecological justice challenges, while shining a light on the grassroots activist movements being led by indigenous women and other marginalised and oppressed communities across the globe.
The programme includes:

· A keynote from (Bournemouth University) on participatory media and socio-environmental educommunication in Indigenous territories in Brazil (in-person only)

· An in-person screening of the film (2022), followed by online Q&A with director,, and producer (hybrid via Zoom, for Q&A only)

· A live panel discussion, with three climate activists (or land defenders) based in Mexico and Central America, co-hosted by from Amos Trust (hybrid via Zoom)

· An interview and Q&A with (Northumbria University), Principal Investigator on the British Academy-funded RECLAMA project: Harnessing Afro-Ecuadorian Women's Heritage (in-person only)

· An exhibition of photography, artwork and short films from the, co-produced and shared by women from the Colectivo Mujeres de Asfalto in Ecuador (in-person only)

This event is a collaboration between colleagues from the YSJ Cinema and Social Justice project and the Teaching and Learning Enhancement team (TLE), supported by and complementing the TLE Discussing Decolonisation series and the
If you have any questions about the event, please contact co-organisers Lucy Potter ([email protected]), Lauren Stephenson ([email protected]) and/or Martin Hall ([email protected]).

The event is free to join and open to all YSJ staff, students and members of the public. Please note that this event is mostly in person, with some hybrid elements, and attendees are welcome to join us for all or just part of the afternoon.

Food and refreshments will be provided for in-person attendees, with thanks to the YSJ Events and Catering teams.

You can read more about each of the speakers and their contributions to the event on our (please note this is a live Word document, and indicative timings may be subject to change).

Photo credit: Jose Manuel Esp (@jmespiga)

A photo of Spanish-language graffiti on the side of a building, which reads: '¡Ni la Tierra ni las Mujeres somos territorio de conquista!' (English translation: 'Neither women nor land are territories of conquest!').

Events Access & Inclusivity

At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.

If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.

If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.

Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.

As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.

We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.

Parking

There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.

We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected].

Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.

Privacy Policy

York St John University will use the data you submit in Eventbrite for the purposes of administering this event. York St John University utilises third party software for data storage, tracking and analysis activity but your details will not be used by any of these third parties in order to contact you Any data you share with us will be used to help us improve your event experience and for event tracking and analysis activity within the University.

We will only send you important information and reminders related to the event you have booked unless you tell us otherwise. During the booking process, if you opt-in to receive emails about the latest events hosted and supported by York St John University, you consent to York St John University contacting you with relevant information.

If you no longer wish to hear from us you can opt-out at any time by changing your contact preferences via the link in emails you receive from us or by emailing [email protected].

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher York St John University