The Women’s Voices programme on 8 March was dedicated to peace and international solidarity. On International Women’s Day, powerful women’s voices could be heard in The Hague and Utrecht. Visitors were inspired by empowerment talks, workshops, theatre and music. A particular highlight was the workshop on Ukrainian women’s songs, where Maryana Golovchenko introduced participants to a centuries-old singing tradition.
The Hague, theater De Vaillant
The doors of Theater De Vaillant in The Hague opened at 11:00 a.m. This welcoming theatre hosted a vibrant women’s festival featuring powertalks, theatre, music, presentations by city councillors, and a colourful market selling lifestyle products. Maryana Golovchenko led a singing workshop in which participants learned energetic Ukrainian women’s songs. The festival concluded with an impressive concert by Karima Al Filali, whose poignant Sufi songs deeply moved the audience.
Utrecht, Krachtstation Kanaleneiland
In Utrecht, we collaborated with the Utrecht Platform for Philosophy of Life and Religion (UPLR) and the Empowerment & Coaching Foundation. An inspiring programme on the theme of ‘Women and Peace’ took place starting at 3:30 p.m. During the programme, Caroly van Oostende spoke on behalf of the UPLR, while Nadia Laiti of the Empowerment & Coaching Foundation discussed the important role of women in building peace and solidarity.
A particular highlight of the programme was the workshop on Ukrainian women’s songs, led by Maryana Golovchenko. Around sixty women were introduced to this centuries-old singing tradition. Together, they learned songs that inspire energy, hope and strength. The workshop brought great joy and fostered a strong sense of connection among the participants, many of whom were of Ukrainian descent.
After the workshop, the women engaged in conversation in small groups. They shared experiences about peace—and for many, the lack thereof—and how to cope with it. The conversations fostered a strong sense of recognition and solidarity. Finally, the attendees enjoyed a delicious iftar meal, prepared by the women of Empowerment & Coaching in collaboration with Joan’s Touch Catering.
Closing remarks from Nadia Laiti’s speech
There is a woman
who lost her home
but not her dignity.
There is a woman
who crossed borders
but took her dreams with her.
There is a woman
who knows sorrow
but still gives her children hope.
That woman is not weak.
She is strength.
She is courage.
She is resilience.
And as long as women keep standing up,
keep speaking out,
keep building—
peace will always have a chance.
For every woman who uses her voice.
For every woman who starts over.
For every woman who refuses to give up.
Today we honor her.
Tomorrow we build with her.
Read Nadia’s full text here
Photos: Martijn Beekman and Eric Kampherbeek
More photos from March 8 Utrecht, clickhere
Photo’s March The Hague, klik hier
As part of the Women’s Voices series
The programmes on 8 March were part of the Women’s Voices series, with which Culture Connection is touring the Netherlands. The spotlight is on female musicians, creators, and social entrepreneurs who forge their own paths with courage and imagination, contributing to a more inclusive and socially conscious world through their art, vision, and ideals. This programme has been produced in collaboration with Grounds, Netwerk Vrouwen van Rotterdam, Codarts, Stichting Mano, Oekraïens Huis, Stichting VATAHA, Mama Louise, De Vaillant, UPLR, Empowerment & Coaching and others.