Wigan Borough celebrates International Women's Day

Wigan Borough celebrates International Women's Day

Women from Soroptimist International of Leigh and District with Mayor Councillor Debbie Parkinson

Women from across Wigan Borough have been invited to get involved in a host of female-friendly activities and events this month as part of a community programme to mark International Women’s Day.

Wigan Council has worked closely with some of the borough’s community organisations to co-ordinate the programme, which has included opportunities for women to walk, run, cycle, celebrate, speak out, listen, and learn.

Councillor Susan Gambles is a Cabinet Member at Wigan Council.

She said:
“International Women’s Day has been celebrated around the world every year on 8 March since 1909 and it’s so important that we continue to recognise and celebrate it.

“Whilst some people believe that women have equality there is still more to do both in other countries, where laws actively discriminate against women, and here in Wigan Borough, where you can still find examples of gender bias.

“In the UK, women still statistically earn less than men per hour and do more unpaid work, such as childcare, which means they face more financial hardship when they reach pensionable age.

“So, throughout March, as part of our aim to break down some of the barriers that lead to inequalities in the borough, we’ve been focusing on women!”

The programme included an evening at Leigh Library on 6 March, where guests learned more about local inspirational woman, Dr. Elena Zadik, a celebration hosted by Soroptimist International of Leigh and District on 8 March, weekly cycle events for young women in Wigan and Leigh led by the Be Well team throughout March, an event for students featuring a panel of inspirational women at Wigan and Leigh College, a walk with other women across Haigh Woodland Park, and an empowering self-defence class!

The life experiences of local female role models will also be shared online, at events, and on display at Leigh Market Hall to help recognise the day.

Coun. Gambles added;
“It can often feel like the problems of the world are so overwhelming, that it can be hard to know where to begin addressing them.

“Our programme has been focused on giving women some time and space to meet with each other, build confidence if needed through the physical activities on offer, and learn from other strong women across our borough.

“The women whose stories we’ve chosen to share are all involved in local community groups or have roles which include inspiring and leading others or creating change in some way.

“Our message is that activism can come in lots of different shapes and sizes and that joining together with others and getting involved in your local community can be an ideal place to start. I very much hope that you will be one of them.”

Follow Wigan Council’s social media channels throughout March for coverage of the events and go to our pages on International Women’s Day for more information.