International Women’s Day Event in Middlesbrough

A HOST of inspirational speakers have been confirmed for this year’s Teesside International Women’s Day.

Local women, including judges, vice-presidents, local business people and community activists are among those who will be making presentations at the free event.

The theme of the celebration taking place at Teesside University on Saturday, March 5, from 10am to 3pm is ‘Women’s Voices’.

Guest speakers and singers for the free event will include:

• Judge Gillian Matthews
• Carrie Supple (Director of Journey to Justice)
• Amanda McMahon (Manager, KHI Engineering)
• Dr Gill Owens (Senior Lecturer and altruistic donor)
• Susan Mansaray (Sierra Leonean journalist and Female Genital Mutilation campaigner)
• Amelia Coburn
• Sara Dennis

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements throughout history and across nations.

The theme – ‘Women’s Voices’ – seeks to recognise the social, political and economic advancements of women, while highlighting areas that still need to be addressed.

Its aim is to raise awareness locally and to engage with women and families in the Teesside area and offer women, and particularly young women, true equality of opportunity.

The day will be packed with ways to get involved, stalls, information stands and food, drink and entertainment.

Organiser Sharon Caddell said: “We particularly want to engage with younger people while offering an event that provides inspiration, information, advice and assistance on opportunities to be taken up, or followed up at a later date, if they wish.

“Our vision is for the event to promote the considerable value of gender equality to families, communities and society as a whole.

“We hope to provide information stalls on the various opportunities and services available to women in Middlesbrough, cultural and multi-media displays, internationally themed food, entertainment, and guest speakers who, in sharing their stories and achievements, will also provide inspiration to local women and girls.”

The event has been organised and supported by a range of agencies including Middlesbrough Council, Teesside University, Middlesbrough College, Enterprising Libraries, My Sister’s Place, Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law, Barnardo’s SECOS, Cleveland Girl Guiding Unit, Cygnet Law, ARCH North East, Cleveland College of Art & Design, HALO Project, Punch Robson, Harbour North East, Olde Young Tea House, Foundation, Nur Fitness, Foundation, Life Store and Middlesbrough Milk Rollers among others.

Female volunteers are needed to help out at the event, and anyone who would like to get involved, or contribute to the events around International Women’s Day in Middlesbrough can