A FESTIVAL encouraging empowerment and connection among women and girls will return for the fourth year at Chester Storyhouse.

Storyhouse Women Weekend will feature thought-provoking discussions, inspiring workshops, captivating performances and films with academics and student from the University of Chester also taking part across the two-day event.

Speakers include award winning campaigner Patsy Stevenson, poet and comic Molly Naylor, writer and journalist Louise Minchin and there are sessions by experts, activists and thinkers leading crucial conversations from menopause to women’s rights, from imposter syndrome to cold water swimming.

The festival will take place from Saturday, March 2 until Sunday, March 3.

Dr Dawn Llewellyn, Associate Professor of Religion and Gender and Uná Meehan, Deputy Director of Partnerships (School of Education) from the University are members of the event’s Steering Group and are both chairing panels during the weekend.

She said: “Storyhouse Women is such a fun and inspiring weekend and I’m very proud that colleagues and students are taking part and representing the University. There’s so many exciting talks, workshops, and sessions, and it is weekend for everyone - not just women and girls!”

Dr Llewellyn will be joined by colleagues from across the University in delivering and participating in a wide range of events including:

  •   Vice Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons  – The Future of Chester is Female 
  •   Professor Hannah Bacon  – An Expert Explains, Why are we so afraid of Fat?  
  •   Professor Chantal Davies – Navigating the Rights of Women and Girls 
  •   Professor Wendy Dossett –  How ‘Giving Back’ Saved My Life 
  • Hon. Prof. Dave Perfect – An Expert Explains: What is the gender pay gap? 
  •     Dr Nicola Lasikiewicz  - An Expert Explains: What is Imposter Syndrome? 
  • Rev Canon Grace Thomas, Professional Doctorate student in Theology and Religious Studies – Why Empowering Women and Girls Means Better Climate Solutions 
  • Katie Arber, Second Year undergraduate in Theology and Religious Studies student - panelist on Storyhouse Women Q&A with Louise Minchin 

Almost all the events are free to attend or just £5. A Storyhouse Women Day pass is also available for £10 giving entry to all events.