Women of the World Festival 2012

I caught sight of WOW Market while I was wandering around the Southbank Centre.

I found various organizations: some involved in helping women affected by domestic violence - WOMEN'S AID www.womensaid.org.uk - others, such as the FEMINIST LIBRARY- www.feministlibrary.co.uk- which has been running for over 35 years, looks after everything with regards to the beautiful human called WOMAN.Among other things the Feminist Library was founded to preserve the literature of the Women's Liberation Movement,it also celebrates feminist music-making.

Members of the Feminist Library also endorse “Dyke March London”, which supports Dyke Visibility and celebrates love and passion not only for women but also for bisexuals and transwomen.The next Dyke March London will take place on 31st March 2012 at 5 pm in Soho Square and it will run through Central London.

So all you wonderful ladies out there wear your most comfortable shoes and join the march at the end of March!

Among the artists I also noticed, sitting in a small corner, a lovely lady called Marta.She received MA in painting and drawing from University of Warmia and Mazury (Poland). She decided to make beautiful and unique jewellery using her own drawings as a template for the laser cuts.She creates little female and male characters and turns them into small jewellery pieces, combining the old technique of drawing to new age laser cutting. Every single piece has its own story to tell.Marta also designs beautiful earrings.To check the designs and see more of her little creations visit:   www.don-manolo.com

One of Marta's little jewellery piece and fabulous earrings

One particular organization that aroused my interest was VANDANAMU ETHICAL COTTONS.As it states in their advert “99% smiles,1% sweat and 100% cotton”, so it must be ethical.Vandanamu has been run by Abhi Arumbakkam since 2010; before then an elderly couple, whose main aim was to provide a relief to those affected by the tsunami that hit India, Sri Lanka and other neighbouring countries, ran the company.This organization helps to raise awareness about unfair wages being paid to people in Southern India as well as supporting a sewing and printing unit to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to those in need. For more information on Vandanamu Ethical Cottons go to   www.vandanamu.org

Women of the World Market was an interesting place to visit.

Written by Maggie Gogler