She Speaks: Jamaica Inn Event Celebrates Untold Stories of South West Women

The voices of women whose stories are too often silenced - from Cornish women smugglers of centuries past to contemporary survivors and activists pushing for change today – will be celebrated in an extraordinary day of storytelling, heritage, and solidarity on Thursday 17th July – and everyone is invited to attend.

Hosted at the historic Jamaica Inn by the West Country Women Awards and The Women's Centre Cornwall, ‘She Speaks: Stories of South West Women’ will honour female survival and solidarity from past and present. The event forms part of West Country Women's year-long partnership with The Women's Centre Cornwall as their chosen Charity of the Year.

The special event brings together compelling documentary film, expert panel discussions, and exclusive heritage experiences to honour women's resilience across time, identity, and experience.

Set within Jamaica Inn's venue rich in feminist history, guests will enjoy exclusive access to the Daphne du Maurier exhibition and access to the Smugglers Museum, spotlighting the untold stories of women smugglers in the South West.

"How exciting to be able to hold an event at such a prestigious venue at the heart of history and mystery in Cornwall, and to hear about some of the most groundbreaking Cornish women of the past while raising money for the most deserving women of the present,” said Alexis Bowater OBE, from West Country Women Awards.

“It is a privilege to be able to promote our charities of the year, every year; raising awareness and vital funds for The Women's Centre is a responsibility we take very seriously. This exclusive event will draw on the narratives and stories of the past to highlight those of the future and we hope that we will be joined by many, many, curious supporters.”  

The Women's Centre Cornwall provides specialist support to women and girls living with the impact of sexual violence and domestic abuse, including one-to-one and peer support, and services for women facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness and discrimination.

Jackie May, CEO, The Women’s Centre Cornwall continues: “We are always excited by opportunities for women to come together, connect and have their voices heard. We’re especially proud to be part of this powerful event in collaboration with West Country Women Awards, which will illuminate women’s stories in a celebration of survival and solidarity. At The Women's Centre Cornwall, we place the voices of women and girls at the heart of everything we do, and this day is about creating space to honour those stories, particularly those too often left unheard.”

Tickets are £30 per person. To book visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/she-speaks-untold-stories-of-women-the-womens-centre-cornwall-fundraiser-tickets-1424434444769

Tickets and pricing information will be announced shortly.

Event Programme:

Thursday 17th July

Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS

• 10:00am - Arrival with pastries, cakes, tea & coffee

• Documentary screening - Compelling 30-minute film

• Panel discussion - Featuring lived-experience experts and activists

• Exclusive museum tours - Smugglers Museum and Daphne du Maurier exhibition

• Networking and fundraising - Connect with supporters of The Women's Centre Cornwall

• 1:00pm - Event concludes

For more information about The Women's Centre Cornwall and to support their vital work, visit womenscentrecornwall.org.uk

For media enquiries and interview requests, please contact Wild Card: twcc@wildcard.co.uk

About The Women's Centre Cornwall:

The Women's Centre Cornwall is a charity providing specialist support to women and girls living with the impact of sexual violence and domestic abuse. This includes one-to-one and peer support, and specific services for women facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness and discrimination.

About West Country Women Awards:

West Country Women is a community dedicated to uplifting and celebrating women across the West Country through awards, events, and charitable partnerships.

About Jamaica Inn Cornwall

Jamaica Inn is a historic coaching inn on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, famously immortalised in Daphne du Maurier's 1936 novel of the same name and steeped in smuggling heritage dating back to the 18th century.

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