Please join us to celebrate International Women's Day

It’s on Thursday 8 March in Hartlepool Art Gallery, Church Square, from 5pm-8pm and entry is free – just drop in.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate the inspiring achievements of women in Hartlepool past and present and explore areas where there is still a need to press for change.

Among the speakers will be Barbara Parker of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI), Hartlepool Borough Council Chief Executive Gill Alexander and organisation development leader Dr Maxine Craig.

There will also be a host of information stands including WASPI, Harbour, Unison, Wild Green Spaces, HALO, Victim Support, the Asylum & Refugee Group, Changing Futures and others, plus music from a choir and refreshments from the art gallery’s Vestry cafe.

Lesley Hamilton, Temporary Women’s Officer for Unison, said: “The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Press For Progress’, which means that while we come together to celebrate everything that women have achieved, we also keep up the momentum towards our goal of full gender parity.

“This event aims to empower women of all backgrounds and nationalities in Hartlepool to overcome any challenges they face and achieve their full potential, and we have some wonderful guest speakers to inspire them.”

Gill Alexander, Hartlepool Borough Council Chief Executive, said: “The women of Hartlepool are a marvellous force for good and for change and this event will be a fantastic way of bringing them together to share their experiences and skills and build their aspirations.”

Anyone intending to come along to the event is invited to please bring along with them women’s essential items such as sanitary wear and toiletries, which will be distributed evenly between the Hartlepool and Stockton Foodbanks.

For more details please contact Lesley Hamilton on 07525 749719 or email lesley.hamilton@hartlepool.gov.uk