On International Women's Day, a handmade event called "Women + Festival" is being held in Kyoto, aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse perspectives and reviving past women's movements.
The 'Women + Festival' is taking place on March 8th, International Women's Day, at Wings Kyoto in Nakagyo Ward, where women gather for handmade events. The festival aims to create a space for various individuals to connect and converse through symposiums and workshops. Notably, the event features Mari Ko Saito, a notable translator of Korean literature, as a guest speaker, who will discuss various themes such as feminism in Japan and the challenges faced by women in the labor force.
Historically, similar events were held in Kyoto from 1986 to 1995, specifically timed with International Women's Day, termed the 'Women's Festival.' After a 30-year hiatus, the current organizers aim to revive this initiative to gather women from different backgrounds, including sexual minorities, under the banner 'Women Plus.' This reflects an effort to address the long-standing concerns of marginalized female voices that have often been overlooked.
Committee member Kayoko Eii expresses a strong desire to ensure inclusivity in the event, stating the goal is to address the issues of minority women who have been 'left behind.' By promoting a platform where no one is excluded, the festival aspires to foster a sense of community and collective action among participants. Online registrations are available until the 28th, with a participation fee set at 1,000 yen, alongside a self-discount option for those in need.
