Photo: Panni Poh Yoke Loh
Local artist Panni Poh Yoke Loh organised a “peaceful intervention” on Spital Hill on June 21st to encourage women to make use of a Spital Hill, which is often perceived to be a place used mainly by men.
30 women, plus children and a few men, arrived in positive spirits on Ellesmere Green, keen to explore together. Small groups went to different cafes or to look in shops and explore the arcade.
Panni writes,
“I roughly knew where everyone had gone and went to see them to see how it was going. I spoke to one café owner who was pleased with the new business. Mostly women thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”
Women who took part said:
“I wouldn’t normally come here, but it feels better coming with other women.”
“After dark I would cycle through, but I wouldn’t walk through”
“I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been something different and I got to drink mint tea again, I haven’t had it for ages and I love it.”
“I enjoyed going into the shops and cafes that I would never have gone into on my own.”