7 x celebrating International Women's Day

7 x celebrating International Women's Day

On 8 March, International Women's Day, we celebrate women's rights. Worldwide, extra attention is paid to the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Also in the cultural heritage sector, various initiatives focus on women and their rights: an overview.

Sisters at War (KADOC)

The Second World War spared no one, not even the 50,000 or so women who chose a life as a nun in one of Belgium's many convents. Their story had never been told before: war was, after all, 'a man's business', seemingly miles away from the invisible existence of nuns hidden behind high convent walls. And yet their lives too were turned upside down. How did nuns cope with destruction, pain, hunger and death? What challenges did the nuns face in their schools and care institutions? Did the isolation of the convent offer opportunities for resistance and clandestine actions? Did some sisters sympathise with Nazi ideology? And how did the sisters relate to the Jewish drama that was unfolding? KADOC worked together with Cultural Heritage Annunciates Heverlee and Erfgoedhuis I Sisters of Charity to create an exhibition on this theme. Discover the exhibition.

Murder and intrigue with Rachel Ryckeweart (ErfgoedApp, Veurne)

Who was Rachel Ryckewaert? That is what you will discover during this walk with ErfgoedApp. You will travel through the historic centre of Veurne at the time of the First World War. Expect murder, intrigue and the last beheading in Belgium. Together, we will go in search of the culprit. Follow the walk.

Wiki Women Design brings female designers into the limelight (VAi)

From the designed environment, over (interior) architecture and graphic design to fashion and product design: many women left their mark. Yet many of them remained under the radar of heritage institutions, researchers and collectors. The project Wiki Women Design wants to change this. The Flemish Architecture Institute is looking for archival material and expertise on women who had an impact on the designed environment in Belgium. Read more.

Inbox: Freedom is not free (M HKA)

What does freedom mean? Mashid Mohadjerin created multidimensional work consisting of photographs, collages, texts and historical images, all related to the history of women in resistance in the Middle East and North Africa. In her exhibition, she takes the viewer on a dream journey without spatial or temporal boundaries. Discover the exhibition.

Turnhout women, past and present (ErfgoedApp, Turnhout)

Women are rarely in the picture. Turnhout is changing this by looking for their stories throughout the city. Via ErfgoedApp you can follow a route that leads you along the stories of Turnhout women from the past and present. The finale? An excerpt from a book by Chika Unigwe. Follow the walk.

Women in Movement (KADOC, from 23 April)

Vrouwen in Beweging is an interactive historical walk through the centre of Leuven with the theme of the changing role of women after the Second World War. Five screens located behind the windows of selected relevant locations each explain a chapter of the story through photos and an audio clip. More info.

Strong women, heavy laundry (MOT)

Washing, that is a woman's business. Or is it? An exhibition in the MOT presents an overview of 150 years of washing history. Since the middle of the 19th century, mechanics gradually replaced muscle power and tools became more and more ingenious. Through the history of washing you will also discover the various developments in society, such as the evolution of domestic processes, utilities or the emancipation of women. Discover the exhibition.