To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8th March, Rotarians in Great Britain & Ireland are organising a series of breakfast events in each of our capital cities. Rotarians are working in partnership with UN Women UK and UN Women Ireland to host the events in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin, which will feature key female guest speakers. Similar events are also taking place in Birmingham, Grantham and Cookham, Berks. Speakers on the day include the first British woman to climb Everest and Britain’s first woman RAF pilot.
IWD began in 1911 and since then, thousands of events have been held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Activities range from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events, to women’s craft markets, theatrical performances and fashion shows.
UN Women UK & UN Women Ireland are the national committees which advocate for UN Women, an inter-governmental organisation which helps formulate policies, global standards and norms to enhance the lives and experiences of women.
Event organiser Amanda Watkin, said: “We are a worldwide organisation of men and women working tirelessly both locally and internationally to bring help and support to those less advantaged than ourselves. Gender inequality is one of our key endeavours, so we are delighted to be working with UN Women UK and UN Women Ireland to help promote gender equality and fairness for women wherever they may be in the world.”
In London the Rotary event will be held at the London Living Room, City Hall. Highlights include a talk by Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to climb Everest and a choir performance of the UN Women’s official song written by Tom Morley
In Cardiff, the event takes place at the Firing Line, Cardiff Castle. Bekezela Nsingo, winner of numerous awards for her work as a role model for girls and women in Africa, is one of the guest speakers. She is joined by Felicity Ladbrooke, Chief Commissioner of Girl Guiding Cymru, who believes that guiding helped make her the person she is today.
In Dublin, the event will be held at St Stephens Green Hibernian Club where the main speaker will be Dr Rhona O’Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital.
In Edinburgh the event is taking place at the Braid Hills Hotel with speakers including Shonaig Macpherson, Chairman of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Audrey Park, the first female Governor of HMP Glenochil.
In Belfast the event will be held at Malone Golf Club, Dunmurry. Further details to be confirmed.
Additional events taking place around the UK to mark IWD are in Birmingham, Cookham and Grantham, where the speaker will be the RAF’s first woman pilot.
