20 February 2018
Bravery. Determination. Strength. Passion. Here are some of the words that describe the women who fought for fairness and social justice over the last century and more.
In the month of March 2018 on S4C, the channel will televise informative and entertaining programmes about some of these brave, determined, strong and passionate women as the broadcaster marks a century since some women won the right to vote in 1918.
The TV schedule includes documentary programmes about being a woman and a mother today, presented by two of Wales’ most prominent broadcasters, Alex Jones and Ffion Dafis.
There will also be entertainment shows and documentaries that will include a portrayal of Welsh female pop stars of the 1960s and 1970s, a gig starring some of the best Welsh singers of the 21st Century, a special edition of the Pawb a’i Farn discussion programme with a panel of only women, and the documentary about one of the most progressive European women of the 20th century, Louise Weiss.
It all comes to our screens in a month when we mark International Women's Day on 8 March and Mother's Day on 11 March and when a third series of the drama Parch begins on Sunday 4 March with Carys Eleri portraying the remarkable character Myfanwy Elfed in a series written by the brilliant author, Dr Fflur Dafydd.
Amanda Rees, S4C's Creative Content Director, said, "Almost half the world's population is women, but women in Wales and the world do not get half the opportunities, nor enjoy the equality or the level playing field that should be expected today. S4C is proud to offer a season of programmes that portrays the lives of women today, the fight for social justice and provide a platform for women who challenge and entertain us."
Here are the season's programmes:
Ffion Dafis - Bras, Botox a’r Bleidlais
Sunday 04.03.18 @ 8.00, A Rondo Media production
One hundred years after some women won the right to vote for the first time, actor and writer Ffion Dafis embarks on a personal journey to find out how much have women’s lives really changed today. As well as talking to some of the influential women in her personal life, Ffion will meet some inspirational women from around the country to find out in earnest how much society has progressed.
Pawb a’i Farn
Thursday 08.03.18 @ 9.30, A BBC Wales production
On International Women’s Day, a special edition of the panel discussion programme will feature five women. They are Dr Elin Haf Davies, adventurer and business owner, Siân Gwenllïan AM, Plaid Cymru, Professor Mari Lloyd-Williams of Liverpool University, Baroness Christine Humphreys of the Liberal Democrats and Melanie Owen of the Conservative Party. It is an opportunity to discuss issues that matter to an audience from the county of Denbighshire.
Alex Jones: Y Fam Gymreig
Sunday 11.03.18 @ 8.00, A Boom Cymru production
In this documentary, Alex Jones, who had her first child a year ago, will travel all over Wales to meet other Welsh mothers. She will ask the age-old questions - is it possible for a mother to have it all? How do you balance a family life and a career and what is the secret of being a good mother? This is an opportunity for mothers to have their say and share experiences and stories.
Lle Aeth Pawb?: Merched Pop '65-'75
Saturday 17.03.18 @ 8.00, A Cwmni Da production
A special edition of the Lle Aeth Pawb? serieswhich celebrates the contribution of Welsh-language pop singers to the entertainment world in the 1960s and 70s. With record label Sain releasing a CD celebrating the contribution of these women, the programme looks at the lives and careers of artists such as Evelyn Owen from Anglesey who travelled quite a way from her homeland before having a hit in Singapore and Tammy Jones who succeeded in attracting the largest number of votes of all time in the talent series Opportunity Knocks. And what happened to the melodious singer Heather Jones, the group Pelydrau from Trawsfynydd and the trio from Cardiff, Y Diliau?
Louise Weiss: Brwydro’n y cysgodion
Sunday 18.03.18 @ 8.00, A Rondo Media production
The story of one of France's most influential women who fought prejudice and hardship to be recognised as a leading journalist, a progressive politician and a tireless campaigner for women’s suffrage in her homeland. Louise Weiss’ battles for justice ultimately led to a realisation of a dream: delivering the opening speech of the European Parliament at the ripe old age of 86.
Cyngerdd Eden ac Elin Fflur
Sunday 31.03.18 @ 7.30, An Avanti Media production
After two incredible gigs on the National Eisteddfod field, Anglesey in 2017, here is an opportunity to enjoy girl band Eden and pop singer Elin Fflur performing on the same stage at The Bryn Terfel Theatre, Pontio, Bangor. Come and enjoy all the great hits, with a few surprises to boot.
