Million Women Rise 6 March from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square

I got to know about the Million Women Rise last year and I wanted to highlight that domestic violence and sexual abuse  also happens to disabled women – and they are even less provided for in terms of access and provision of services. So I have been bugging Sabrina Qureshi – who first started the Million Women Rise rally – about  providing access for disabled women who might want to campaign.

Of course, I ended up agreeing to be the access co ordinator for this event. It is an event in London and it is about inclusiveness so it does fit into Connect Culture remit.

And it will be a spectacular event!

LINKS:

Official Website – http://www.millionwomenrise.com

Blog Spot – http://millionwomanrise.blogspot.com/

12pm MEET Opposite Hyde Park (Speakers Corner End) on PARK LANE

MARCH ROUTE set off 1pm: OXFORD ST, REGENTS ST, PICCADILLY!

RALLY AND CELEBRATION: 3 – 4.30PM TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Start point – W1N 9HJ

Outside KFC, opposite Hyde Park corner

Opposite Hyde Park, Speakers Corner end. Nearest tube Marble Arch (not accessible for wheelchair users)

Buses – 390 (Archway via Kings Cross and Euston), 7 (Russell Sq), 10,73, (King’s Cross, Euston), 98,137, 30,159 (Marble Arch) These are just a few of the buses which stops right at that corner.

For slow walkers and people with mobility problems, there are regular rest benches and bus stops/shelters with seats all along Oxford Street.

stone bench on Oxford Street

There are no public toilets. You  can stop at Selfridges for accessible toilets but you might not get back out to the rally ! Wheelchair accessible toilets are on the 3rd Floor. (Wheelchair access with automatic doors is available on Edward Mews. Wheelchair access with manual doors is available at the Spirit entrance on Duke Street.)

There are also an accessible loo at Starbucks opposite Selfridges.

The next Starbucks accessible loo is next to the House of Fraser (might need Radar key). They are none too spacious and the shop can get pretty crowded. Other than going into the House of Fraser – there is not too much choice. I am not promoting Starbucks in any way.

When you get to Regents Street – there are no longer any stone seats. The next seats are at the bus shop outside Viyella.

If you need to rest, the next seats are the steps at the Shaftesbury memorial fountain at Picadilly circus on the steps. Not ideal for those who need support to get up.

There are also steps to sit on at Trafalgar Square. Public toilets are situated on the west side of the square at the base of the central staircase.  From the north terrace, the toilets and the cafe can be accessed by lift.

Trafalgar Sq steps

During the speeches at Trafalgar Sq

There will be an accessible toilet near the speaker’s stand, there will also be seats (about 10+) and shelter for those who need it. There will also be a charger and electric point for those whose electric wheelchairs need recharging.

If you need to move away from the crowds, the National Portrait  Gallery (spitting distance from Trafalgar Square) can be quieter place to get away for a short bit. There are four  accessible to wheelchair users:

• Ground floor ­ Orange Street entrance.
• Lower ground floor ­ adjacent to the Ondaatje Wing Theatre.
• Basement ­ Bookshop Gallery, via the Gift shop
• Top floor ­ adjacent to Portrait Restaurant, via Orange Street lifts.

There is a nice halal accessible Malaysian restaurant, Jom Makan, as well on the corner with Pall Mall. Ring for the ramp. Prices are reasonable.

Tubes from Trafalgar Sq are not accessible – buses are plentiful and here is a map kindly signposted by the National Gallery showing all the buses and their stops.

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be available at the rally itself. If there are any other questions, do not hesitate to drop me a line. There will be spare wheelchairs and a van for those who need to rest or a seat during the rally.

There will also be counselors there for women who find the event overwhelming and need someone to talk to. There will be announcements at the start of the rally for information about them.

Stewards will be there at hand for information and help.

Those in need of a rest can also go to the 52 Club (Bonham Carter House
52 Gower Street, London WC1E 6EB, Tel: 0845 155 5000 ext 5439)during as well as after  the rally/march. Map on their website.

Parking

Parking will NOT be easy in London. This is the Blue Badge map with all the parking bays (you might have to pay for some). http://www.bluebadgelondon.org.uk/bblMaps/baySearch.aspx – if the map does not load properly go to http://www.bluebadgelondon.org.uk/ and type in Trafalgar Square or Hyde Park – you will have to decide where you want to park (which end of the rally).

AFTER MARCH CELEBRATION: 4.30pm – 1am ALL welcome. Food, performances, swimming pool, DJs and chill-out space. Entry fee on the door — donation if unwaged, £5 low-waged and £10 waged. The 52 Club, http://www.the52club.co.uk, 52 Gower Street WC1E6EB, a wheelchair accessible venue.