International Women's Day event set to be biggest yet

Posted 1 year ago in West Northamptonshire Council

This year’s International Women’s Day event is set to be West Northants’ biggest yet with over 30 stalls, a variety of performances, workshops, and more.

Taking place at the Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, on Saturday, 4 March from 11am to 3pm, the event will include African drumming and dance performances, a Flavour of Somalia fashion show and a designated business corner for female entrepreneurs.

Partner organisations from across the county including Eve, Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), Gamcare, New World Women and Baby Basics will be among the many stalls in the event marketplace.

There will be two free workshops taking place on the day, including:

• Information for women considering starting a new business and advice on what support is available, taking place from 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Interactive workshop to engage and inspire children in engineering, computer science and creativity, taking place from 1pm to 2pm (details to follow)

Also taking place on the day will be a presentation of the Inspirational Women’s Awards.

The awards, organised by the Women’s Forum at West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), aim to publicly recognise and promote those women who inspire and have a real impact on the lives of others in the community or the workplace.

Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, a self-employed Consultant & Trainer from Northampton, won the very first Inspirational Women’s Award back in 2013 and is a member of the judging panel again this year.

She said: “The awards are a great way to recognise the wonderful work done by so many unsung heroes in our community and the many women who are great role models and impact people’s lives in various ways.

“International Women’s Day is an excellent celebration and I am delighted to be part of the judging panel this year. Come on everyone, put your pen to paper and nominate those special individuals who have touched your life and made a real difference!”

Nominations close on Monday, 6 February 2023, with the shortlisted finalists being announced in the week beginning 20 February. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the Guildhall for an afternoon tea reception prior to the winners presentation at 2pm.

Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services, said: “International Women’s Day highlights the accomplishments of women and the steps being taken towards equality around the world.

“I encourage everyone to come along and get involved in the many activities we have going on to celebrate the wonderful women in our communities - and it’s not too late to nominate the women who play a hugely important role in your life for the Inspirational Women’s Awards – the perfect way to show your appreciation and say ‘thank you’!

International Women’s Day falls on 8 March every year, and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.

For more information about International Women’s Day and the Inspirational Women Awards 2023, or to make a nomination, please visit our Inspirational Women Awards webpage.