Walking Tours & a Film for International Women’s Day

“March 8th is International Women’s Day,” Chioma told Dushan. “This year’s theme is Embrace Equity. We all want a gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Women should be celebrated for their achievements and their contributions to society. They should be seen and recognized for their value. They deserve to live in a world where they are supported, respected and treated as equals.”

“I agree. And I want our children to grow up in such a world.”

“Me too.”

“So, do you have any plans for how you would like to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day?”

“Yes. I was thinking of going on a Women of London Walking Tour. There are five of them but there are two which interest me. The ‘Myths, Mothers & Matriarchs’ which explores the history of women through the objects inside one of London’s most popular museums.  The other is Working Women of the East End which takes us through the struggles and achievements of women.”

“Sounds very interesting. How long are these tours?”

“Between 2 and 2 and a half hours.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. I read online that walking is considered a safe activity during pregnancy because it works your cardiovascular system without taxing your muscles and joints. Besides, I spoke to the doctor and he said that walking is safe during pregnancy. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine on the tours.”

“So, when are these tours?”

“The Walking Women is on Tuesday at 10am and the Myths one is on Friday at 5pm. I’ve booked off both days.”

“Good. If you need me to give you a lift to either one or both, let me know.”

“Okay. On Friday, I’m meeting the tour guide and the group outside of Starbucks opposite the main entrance to the museum on Great Russell Street 10 minutes before the start time of the tour which is at 5pm. That tour is about two hours.”

“I can come and pick you up outside of Starbucks or at the main entrance of the museum at 7.”

“Okay. The East End tour will start outside Tower Hill Station next to the Tram Refreshment cart. When, it’s over, I’ll just take a taxi home.”

“You said it starts at 10am and it’s about 2 or 2 and a half-hours long. I can come and pick you up at lunch time. We can grab lunch somewhere nearby and then, I’ll bring you home.”

“That sounds good.”

“So, have you booked the tours?”

“No, but I’ll do that right now before they’re sold out.” She reached for her cell and booked the tours.

“Are there other events for International Women’s Day which you and I could attend together?”

“There’s a film called, Profession: Documentarist. It’s features seven Iranian female documentary filmmakers in their late 20s and early 50s who discuss their personal and professional lives and the challenges they face. The film is showing at The Lexi Cinema on Wednesday at 7pm. By attending the screening of the film, you and I will be paying tribute to and supporting these brave women in their struggle against an authoritarian regime.”

“I would like very much to see support these women and the film. I’ll leave my office around 4:30, pick you up and then, we’ll head over to the area where the cinema is and have dinner at one of the restaurants there.”

“That would be nice.” Chioma smiled at him. “All this talk about lunch and dinner is making me hungry.”

Dushan grinned. “It just so happens, dinner is ready,” he informed her. “We can have it here in the living-room, if you like.”

“Yes, we can have it on the sofa while we watch TV.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.”

While he was gone, Chioma called The Lexi Cinema and bought two tickets for the film.

Sources: International Women’s Day; SW Londoner; Healthline; Time Out