- Mar 5

'International Women's Day' 🌼 8th March

'International Women's Day' is on 8th March. This statement is taken from the website - https://www.internationalwomensday.com

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

“Neither man nor woman is perfect or complete without the other. Thus, no marriage or family, no ward or stake is likely to reach its full potential until husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, men and women work together in unity of purpose, respecting and relying upon each other's strengths.” Sheri L. Dew “A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Eleanor Roosevelt

This CST activities page aims to be a celebration of women and their massive contributions to all our lives (after all we wouldn't be here without them) and society.

REMINISCENCE

Ask members to tell stories about the women who helped shape them. What do they remember of their mothers and grandmothers? Who was their female role model?

Next, ask members to think about who is their heroine - their favourite female singer, movie star, comedian or politician. Perhaps it’s someone they would like to meet, say thank you to or have around for dinner. Ask members why they so admire the person they have named.

My heroine was my mum Yve. She brought six boys up with her husband Terry, despite serious illness which took her away from the family for a time. My nan Dolly and great aunt Alma stepped in to look after us. Despite being a single income household we never went hungry and there was always great happiness at home. How they coped I will never know. But aside from all that she was a great role model and best friend, always encouraging and supporting from the sidelines. She was kindness personified and I miss her dearly.

PS I'm the youngest in this photo.

IDIOMS

Next, ask members to complete these idioms and proverbs concerning women and discuss their meanings. Note how dated they are, in terms of stereotyping. - Adam and EVE - A woman's place is in the HOME/KITCHEN - A woman of SUBSTANCE - A scarlet WOMAN - A woman's work is never DONE - Don't teach your grandmother to suck EGGS - A woman of her WORD - A woman of MEANS - The world and his WIFE - Tied to your mother's apron STRINGS - Mummy’s BOY - A woman of few WORDS - Old wives' TALE - Woman of ill REPUTE - A woman after one's own HEART - A woman of the WORLD - Hell hath no fury like a woman SCORNED - A fine figure of a WOMAN - Mother EARTH - Mother TONGUE - Mother NATURE - Watch with MOTHER - Mothering SUNDAY (Coming up on 27th March)

- Wonder WOMAN

SONG. 'Woman', John Lennon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhfWiU8wGCc

What was John Lennon's wife's name?

MUSIC & PICTURE QUIZ

Picture Round: Ask members to identify the famous faces of women, both modern and historical figures. With each photo there is a description of the person and a meaningful quotation.

NB. You could print off the pictures for the tables, read the quotes and give first names to help members with identification.

ROUND 1. Heroines

First reflect on the quotes.

Then name the heroines & answer the questions. Here are some clues ...

This English social reformer and statistician was the founder of modern nursing (in the Crimean War). She died 13th August 1910, aged 90.

What was her nickname?

This Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She died 4th June 1934, aged 66 (of radiation poisoning).

What is the symbol of the cancer charity established in her name?

This political activist was leader of the British Suffragette Movement, which helped women win the right to vote. She died 14th June 1928, aged 69. (It was Emily Wilding Davison who was killed in June 1913 when she ran under the King's horse at Epsom and not this lady.)

Nearest guess. What year did women aged over 30 become eligible to vote in general elections?

This German-born Diarist and Holocaust victim wrote a diary in the attic where her family hid during the 'Secret Annex'. She died 12th March 1945, aged 15. (A museum in her name can be visited today in Amsterdam.)

Nearest guess. How long were she and her family in hiding before being discovered by the Nazis?

This Civil Rights Activist played a pivotal role in the 1955 Montgomery anti-apartheid bus boycott. She died 4th October 2005, aged 92. She was known as 'The First Lady Of Civil Rights'.

Nearest guess. What year was slavery abolished in the USA?

This Saint was a Roman Catholic nun who established her mission in the slums of Calcutta in India. She died 5th September 1997, aged 87.

The international airport in her home country is named after her? Which country was she born and raised in?

Former Member Of The British Royal Family, AIDS champion, landmine campaigner. She died in Paris on 31st August 1997, aged 36.

What was her family name?

She is an American attorney and author who was the first black First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is still living, aged 58 (born 17th January 1964).

What is her husband's name?

Born 12th July 1997, this Pakistani activist for female education is the youngest holder of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, winning the accolade in 2018.

Which group shot her in the head in 2012?

Born 3rd January 2003, this Swedish environmental activist is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation.

Her campaign 'Fridays For Future' involved encouraging which group of people to take climate strike action?

She was the longest serving Monarch of Great Britain and Head of the Commonwealth. Born 21st April 1926, she died 8th September 2022 aged 96.

How long was her reign?

SONG BREAK. 'Pretty Woman', Roy Orbison - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KFvoDDs0XM

Which two actors starred in the 1990 movie 'Pretty Woman'?

🌼

ROUND 2. Actresses

First reflect on the quotes.

Then name the actresses & answer the questions. Here are some clues ...

This renowned actress and singer died 22nd June 1969, aged 47. Her most famous films included 'The Wizard Of Oz', 1939; 'A Star Is Born', 1954 & 'Meet Me In St. Louis', 1944.

What are the names of her two daughters?

'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' Song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxmZmBfnU

This former actress and Princess Consort of Monaco died 14th September 1982, aged 52. Her most famous films included 'Rear Window', 1954; 'To Catch A Thief', 1955 & 'High Society', 1956.

Who co-starred with her in the 1954 Hitchcock movie 'Rear Window'?

This Hollywood actress died 29th June 2003 aged 96. Her movies included 'Bringing Up Baby', 1938, 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner', 1968 & 'On Golden Pond', 1982.

Which actor was she famously in love with?

This Swedish born actress died 29th August 1982, aged 67. Her most famous films included 'Casablanca', 1942; 'Anastasia', 1956 & 'Gaslight', 1944.

Who co-starred with her in the 1942 movie 'Casablanca'?

'As Time Goes By' Song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vThuwa5RZU&t=111s

This British actress and humanitarian died 20th January 1993, aged 63. Her most famous films included 'Breakfast At Tiffany's', 1961; 'My Fair Lady', 1964 & 'Roman Holiday', 1953.

What was her character's name in the 1961 movie 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'?

'Moon River' Song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uirBWk-qd9A&t=54s

This British born actress died 27th February 2011 aged 79. She began her career as a child actress in the early 1940s and became the world's highest paid movie star in the 1960s. She was also a philanthropist and HIV-AIDS champion. Her movies included 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof', 1959, 'Cleopatra', 1963 & 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf', 1967.

Which Welsh actor did she famously marry, twice?

This actress, famous for playing "Blonde Bombshell" characters, died 5th August 1962, aged 36. Her most famous films included 'The Seven Year Itch', 1955; 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 1953 & 'Some Like It Hot', 1959.

Which cross-dressing pair starred alongside her in the 1959 movie 'Some Like It Hot'?

'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend' Song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfsnebJd-BI&t=64s

Born 20th September 1934 (age 88 years) this Italian-French actress was named by the 'American Film Institute' as one of the greatest stars of Classical Hollywood cinema and as of 2023, is one of the last surviving major stars from the era. Her movies included 'Houseboat', 1958, 'It Started In Naples', 1960 & 'The Cassandra Crossing', 1976.

With which Hollywood co-star, 20 years her senior, did she have a torrid love affair?

This Dame (born 1st October 1935) is an English actress, singer, and author. With a career spanning seven decades, she has been the recipient of several accolades, including one British Academy Film Award for the 1965 movie 'Mary Poppins'.

Who was her co-star in the 1966 movie 'The Sound Of Music'?

Here are some song clips from that movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncBUz8UpHA8

Born 22nd June 1949 (age 73 years) this American actress is often described as "the best actress of her generation". She is particularly known for her versatility and accent adaptability. Her movies have included 'Kramer vs Kramer', 1980,'Sophie's Choice', 1982 & 'The Iron Lady', 2012.

Which 2008 musical movie did she star in?

Song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unfzfe8f9NI

Born 28th October 1967 (age 55 years), this American actress is known for her leading roles in films encompassing a variety of genres. She has received multiple accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Who was her co-star in the 1999 movie 'Notting Hill'?

SONG BREAK. 'Candle In The Wind', Elton John - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK1XlMsTgmM

ROUND 3. Dames

First reflect on the quotes.

Then name the actresses & answer the questions. Here are some clues ...

This Dame (born 16th October 1925) is a British-American actress who has played many theatre, television, and film roles. Her career has spanned almost eight decades, much of it in the United States.

Complete the title of her popular TV detective series, 'Murder *** *****'?

This Dame (born 28th December 1934) is an English actress. She has had an extensive career on stage, film, and television, which began in the mid-1950s. She has appeared in more than 60 films and over 70 plays, and is one of Britain's most recognisable actresses.

Which part did she play in 'Downtown Abbey'?

This Dame (born 9th December 1934) is a British actress, who made her professional debut on stage in 1957 at 'The Old Vic'. Among her major awards, she won a 'Best Supporting Actress' for the 1999 movie 'Shakespeare In Love'.

Complete the name of the 2011 movie in which she starred - 'The Best Exotic ******** *****'?

This Dame (born 26th July 1945) is an English actress who won the 'Triple Crown' of acting - 'Best Actress Oscar', 'Best Actress BAFTA' and a 'Golden Globe' for her starring role in the 2006 movie 'The Queen'.

What was the name of her detective in the TV series 'Prime Suspect'?

This Dame (born 22nd February 1950) is an English actress, comedian and author. She has been awarded four 'British Academy Film & Television Awards'. Her first was in 1983 for her role in the film 'Educating Rita'.

Here is her dance with Jamie Bell in 'Billy Elliot' (2000) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSTw8wOlBGY

What was her character's name in the Victoria Wood sketch show 'Acorn Antiques'?

This Dame (born 23rd May 1933) is an English actress, author and columnist. In 1983 she was awarded a 'Hollywood Walk Of Fame' star. Perhaps her most famous role was in the long-running TV series 'Dynasty'.

What was her character's name in 'Dynasty'?

This Dame (born 19th September 1949) is an English model, actress, and singer. She was a British cultural icon and a prominent teenage model during the swinging sixties in London.

What is her nick name?

And her real name?

This Dame (born 1st May 1946) is an actor, TV presenter and activist. Perhaps her best known role was as Patsy in 'Absolutely Fabulous', alongside Jennifer Saunders.

She has long campaigned to allow Ghurka veterans to be recognised as British citizens. Which country are the Ghurkas from?

Born 24th March 1935 (age 87 years), this Dame is an English food writer, chef, baker and television presenter. Most famously, she co-presented 'The Great British Bake Off' from 2010-2016.

Who was her co-presenter?

Born 26th July 1969 (age 53 years), this Dame is a life peeress, television presenter and former wheelchair racer.

Which UK nation is she from?

This Australian 'Dame' is a comic actor, born 17th February 1934 (age 89 years).

What is his real name?

SONG. 'There Is Nothing Like A Dame', South Pacific - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljm9CDRAhMQ

SONG BREAK. 'I'm Every Woman', Chaka Khan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVDCNmdi7QI

ROUND 4. Divas

First reflect on the quotes.

Then name the actresses & answer the questions. Here are some clues ...

SONG. 'Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drGx7JkFSp4

Lived 25th March 1942 - 16th August 2018, this diva was an American singer, songwriter, actress, pianist, and civil rights activist.

What was her nickname?

SONG. 'I Am A Woman In Love' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzQPJy8Q6qE

Born 24th April 1942, this diva is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker. With a career spanning seven decades, she has achieved success in multiple fields of entertainment and is one of the few entertainers who have been awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Who wrote the 1920 novel 'Women In Love'?

SONG. 'I Will Survive' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPpfSp40qy0

Born 26th March 1944, this diva is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She rose to fame as lead singer of 'The Supremes', which became Motown's most successful act in the 1960s.

In the 1972 movie 'Lady Sings The Blues', which Blues singer (another diva) dis she play?

Here is a clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbSg2f7wIjQ

SONG. 'Jolene' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0eeSoU35wM

Born 19th January 1946, this diva is an American singer, songwriter, actress and humanitarian, known primarily for her work in country music. More recently she has advocated reading for juniors. To date she has given away over 130 million books.

What is the name of her ranch or homestead?

SONG. 'I'm Every Woman' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7_sqdkaAfo

According to the Guinness World Records, this diva who lived 9th August 1963 - 11th February 2012 was the most awarded female musician in history. She was awarded 15 Guinness World Records, 22 American Music, 16 Billboard Music, 1 Emmy and 6 Grammy awards.

Who is her famous aunt (she is also a diva)?

SONG. 'If I Could Turn Back Time' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgD9FyE60hs

Born 20th May 1946, this diva is an American singer, actress and television personality. Commonly referred to by the media as the 'Goddess of Pop', she has been described as embodying female autonomy in a male-dominated industry.

What was her 1969 UK number 1 single with her husband Sonny Bono?

SONG. 'Don’t Cry For Me Argentina' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD_1Z8iUDho

Born 16th August 1958, this diva is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Referred to as the 'Queen of Pop', she is regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular culture.

Which Andrew Lloyd-Webber / Tim Rice musical does this song come from?

SONG. 'Simply The Best' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC5E8ie2pdM

Born 26th November 1939, this American-born singer, songwriter and actress is widely referred to as the 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll'. Her debut solo album, 'Private Dancer' (1984), won three Grammys and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

What is her proper (birth) name?

SONG. 'Wind Beneath My Wings' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iAzMRKFX3c

Born 1st December 1945, this diva is an American singer, actress, comedian and author. Throughout her career, which spans over five decades, shehas received numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards and a British Academy Film Award.

What is her nickname?

SONG. 'This Woman's Work' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXzx--YefD8

Born 30th July 1958, this English singer-songwriter and record producer was the first British female to reach number 1 in the UK with her self-written song 'Wuthering Heights' and her album 'Never For Ever' was the first to reach number 1 in the UK for the same reason. She also invented the headset microphone seen in most live performances these days.

Which top 10 UK hit did she have in 1986 with Peter Gabriel?

Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjEq-r2agqc

SONG. 'Skyfall' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeumyOzKqgI

Born 5th May 1988, this English singer and songwriter is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with sales of over 120 million records.

Who starred as James Bond in the 2012 movie 'Skyfall'?

SONG. 'I Am What I Am' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx227986hc8

Born 8 January 1937 (age 86 years), she is a Welsh singer and Dame. Best known for her career longevity, powerful voice and recording the theme songs to three James Bond films, she is widely regarded as one of the most popular vocalists in Britain.

What is her nickname?

'THE BEST'

At this point in proceedings, having finished the quiz, ask members to say what they are 'Simply The Best' at? Go around the room.

Are there any other living or deceased female icons we should add to this list? Ask members if we have missed anyone and let us know.

TREE OF LIFE Using a large sheet of paper, flip board size, draw the trunk of a tree and branches. Ask members to colour images of birds, insects, animals etc to decorate the tree. Also stick on real leaves or coloured in leaves to fill in the branches. Make a collage if you have time, with stream and flowers under the tree. Be imaginative and creative. You can find a lot of outline images on the internet. here's an outline of Adam and Eve to start you off...

There are also plenty of Art Deco paintings on the web to print off and colour in.