Greenham Common [1981-1991]

Started on 27 August 1981 when a group of 35 women, 4 men and 3 children set off on a march from Cardiff to Greenham as a protest ('Walk for Life')against the British government allowing the US to install cruise missiles in the UK. They arrived in 5 September and spontaneously set up camp after their complaints were not heard. As news of their protest and publicity spread, more people started to arrive. The decision for the camp to become women only was taken in Feb 1982. In terms of numbers and media attention, the camp was at its peak between 1982 and 1984. In December 1982, 30,000 women encircled the entire 9-mile perimeter fence in the 'Embrace the Base' demonstration. The camp was not able to stop the missiles being installed. Once they arrived and were installed in November 1983, the numbers at the camp began to decline. However, many women did stay on, and the camps at the different gates did continue for the rest of the decade.

King's Cross Women's Centre's church occupation [November 1982]
To protest against police harassment of sex workers in the King's Cross area, the English Collective of Prostitutes (part of the King's Cross Women's Centre) marched into the Church of the Holy Cross in King's Cross and occupied the building for 12 days. By the end of the occupation, they had succeeded in getting the police to agree to some of their demands.

South London Women's Hospital occupation [1984-1985]
When it was announced that this hospital, where women patients were treated by women doctors and other medical staff, was to close, women activists organised and sustained a 13-month occupation of the hospital. Over 60,000 peope signed a petition protesting the decision. Unfortunately they were unable to stop the hospital from closing in 1985.

Women-only marches protesting violence against women