New Documentary Iron Ladies is the inspiring story of working-class women who, during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state.
From Scotland down to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike. With many still active today, their actions reshaped the landscape of political activism for working-class women.
Directed by Daniel Draper (Nature of the Beast, The Big Meeting), Iron Ladies is a celebration of the iron willed women who maintained the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike as they fought for the future of their communities. ‘There have been plenty of films about the Miners’ Strike, but we believe there is space for a film dedicated to women who contributed so much.’ says Draper.
Iron Ladies shines a spotlight on the previously overlooked narratives of women, who still fight for their communities today. Among the 20 unsung working-class heroes who share their stores, are three from County Durham – Heather Wood, Juliana Heron and Lynn Gibson. Raising money to support striking workers, picketing, collecting food for food parcels, organising, speaking at rallies, and feeding hundreds of hungry families every day at the strike centres were just some of the things the women did to sustain the strike.
Although the Miners’ lost the strike after a year, these ‘Iron Ladies’ see the strike as a win for women.
‘The women were successful’ says Lynn Gibson, Spennymoor, ‘they fed the families, they achieved their goal’. ‘We said we would do what was needed, for as long as it took.’ says Heather Wood, Easington ‘and we did.’
‘This is not just a story of the past.’ continues Draper, ‘All our contributors are still politically active and live in the communities that bear the scars of 40-years ago. Filming this documentary over 18 months allowed us to capture the spirit that still exists today.’
You can watch Iron Ladies in cinemas from 10th October, with a special premiere at Redhill Miner’s Hall. More info at www.shutoutthelight.co.uk/iron-ladies
