Beyond the Session: Women of Culture – International Womens Day 2026

Event Reflections and Key Insights

On 10 March 2026, Bucks Culture hosted its second Women of Culture gathering at the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham, bringing together artists, cultural practitioners and community members to mark International Women’s Day.

The afternoon opened with a keynote from activist, author and founder of the Craftivist Collective, Sarah Corbett, followed by a participatory workshop facilitated by artist Molly Bonnell. The event explored how creativity, care and thoughtful action can contribute to social change, aligning with this year’s theme Give to Gain.

Rather than focusing on activism as confrontation, the conversation centred on “gentle protest” — a strategic, compassionate form of activism that seeks to engage people in change through reflection, dialogue and creativity.

Key Themes from the Discussion

1. Activism as Strategy, Not Reaction

One of the core messages of the keynote was that effective activism requires strategy rather than immediate emotional response.

Sarah Corbett described how campaigns should begin with a series of questions:

• What is the injustice?
• What solutions are realistic?
• Who are the decision makers?
• What is the most effective tool to engage them?

Creative practice, including craft, becomes meaningful when it serves a clear campaign strategy rather than being used simply because it is enjoyable or visually appealing.

This approach reframes creativity as a deliberate tool within social change, not an end in itself.

2. The Power of “Gentle Protest”

Central to the discussion was the concept of Gentle Protest, a form of activism grounded in emotional intelligence, compassion and accountability.

Gentleness in this context does not mean passivity. Instead it involves:

• engaging power holders respectfully
• avoiding unnecessary polarisation
• creating space for reflection rather than confrontation
• encouraging participation rather than defensiveness

This approach recognises that lasting change often occurs through relationships, persuasion and persistence rather than through public spectacle alone.

3. Everyone Is a “Piece of the Puzzle”

A powerful metaphor used throughout the talk was that of a jigsaw puzzle.

Social change can often feel overwhelming because problems appear too large for any one individual to address. However, Sarah emphasised that each person has a role to play.

Participants were encouraged to see themselves as one piece of a larger puzzle:

• no individual can solve everything
• everyone brings different skills, influence and perspectives
• choosing not to act leaves a gap where one’s contribution could have been

This framing helps people move away from extremes of feeling either fully responsible for solving problems or entirely powerless.

4. Slowness as a Tool for Reflection

Craft and making were described as particularly powerful because they encourage slowness and contemplation.

The process of stitching, crafting or making something by hand creates space for reflection on complex issues. Rather than reacting quickly, participants can consider questions such as:

• What values guide my actions?
• Am I practising the values I expect from others?
• What impact do my choices have?

This reflective process allows activism to become more thoughtful, sustainable and aligned with personal values.

5. Practising What We Ask of Others

Another key insight was the importance of self-reflection before outward activism.

Participants were encouraged to consider whether they themselves embody the values they advocate for. Activism that is not rooted in personal integrity can be easily dismissed.

Craftivism projects often include reflective questions designed to encourage participants to examine their own behaviours and motivations before engaging others.

Case Study: Craftivism and the Living Wage Campaign

One of the most striking examples shared during the keynote was a campaign encouraging Marks & Spencer to pay the real Living Wage.

Instead of traditional protest tactics, activists created hand-stitched handkerchiefs for company board members. Each piece was personalised with thoughtful messages and delivered alongside carefully researched arguments for why paying the Living Wage made both ethical and business sense.

Over a ten-month period, activists maintained respectful dialogue with the company while continuing to advocate for change. The campaign ultimately contributed to the company introducing the Living Wage for 50,000 staff members.

What made the campaign effective was not the craft itself, but the wider strategy:

• personalised engagement with decision makers
• persistence over time
• respectful communication
• strong evidence supporting the request

The crafted objects acted as conversation starters and reminders, encouraging ongoing reflection among those in positions of power.

Creativity as a Catalyst for Conversation

Another project explored how small creative gestures can prompt wider public reflection.

Participants created small textile banners containing reflective questions about the fashion industry, which were placed discreetly in clothing stores. The messages invited shoppers to consider the hidden stories behind garments and the realities of garment production.

Rather than accusing or shaming individuals, the messages encouraged curiosity and awareness. The project gained international media attention and sparked discussions about ethical fashion without directly targeting specific brands.

Activism Without Burnout

A recurring theme throughout the session was the risk of burnout within activism. Many campaign movements rely heavily on anger or urgency to motivate action. While understandable, this approach can lead to exhaustion and disengagement over time. Gentle Protest instead encourages:

• sustained engagement
• emotional awareness
• strategic patience
• care for oneself and others

This allows individuals to remain involved in social change over the long term.

Audience Questions and Discussion

During the Q&A session, participants asked about the boundaries between craft, art and activism. Sarah explained that craftivism, in her approach, is characterised by several elements:

• handmade processes
• clear messaging around social issues
• strategic integration within wider campaigns

However, she emphasised that activism should always begin with identifying the issue and desired change before selecting the creative medium.

Participants also asked about activism directed at high-profile figures or global political leaders. Sarah responded that activism is most effective when focused on one’s own circle of influence, rather than targeting individuals who have little reason to listen.

Often the most impactful activism is quiet, relational and local rather than highly visible.

Key Takeaways from the Event

Participants left the event with several clear insights:

• Social change requires strategic thinking, not only passion.
• Creativity can be a powerful tool when integrated into broader campaigns.
• Respectful engagement can influence decision makers more effectively than confrontation.
• Slowing down through creative processes encourages deeper reflection.
• Every individual has a role to play in creating change, even if that role is small.

Looking Ahead

The afternoon continued with a hands-on workshop led by Molly Bonnell, inviting participants to explore creative expression, reflection and collective making.

Together, the keynote and workshop offered a powerful reminder that activism does not need to be loud to be effective. Thoughtful, compassionate and strategic actions, however small, can contribute to meaningful change.