After years hidden away, Oldham’s memorial to six local volunteers who died fighting fascism in the Spanish civil war has been restored to public view, marking both a victory for campaigners and a renewed tribute to the town’s proud International Brigade heritage, says ROB HARGREAVES
THERE was a great irony in being at a women’s “liberation” conference, with many activists working undercover, due to threats, abuse and social media censorship.
Time and again, women spoke up in workshops at last weekend’s Woman’s Place UK event, with the caveat that they could not be identified.
One woman said: “I’m a teacher, a head of department, but I dare not use my real name. I’ve seen what’s happened to others, who have been hounded out of their jobs. I can’t afford that — and I really love my job, I’m good at it, and I don’t want to be sacked for something which has got nothing to do with my professional abilities.”
LYNNE WALSH reports from the Women’s Declaration International conference on feminist struggles from Britain to the Far East



