International Women's Day was celebrated in great style at The Lauries Centre in Claughton Road, Birkenhead.Ìý Over 250 women gathered at the event, organised by Wirral Change.Ìý The day is heldÌýworldwideÌý to inspire women and promote their achievements.Ìý The event is supported by the United Nations andÌý8 March is now an official holiday in Russia, Vietnam, the Ukraine and Bulgaria. "Women’s Day is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world," says Sabra Ahmed, Employment Outreach Worker, based at The Lauries.Ìý "Women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development." Visitors were invited to take part in workshops and activities including a fashion show, free health checks, belly dancing and henna painting. Networking It was hoped that women would swap ideas and stories which might mean a bringing about changes to improve their quality of life, however small. Local organisations were on hand to give advice and support.
 | | Dancing at the event |
Karen Davies from Birkenhead said "I've picked up loads of information which will help me look after my dad from one of the disability stands.Ìý The two ladies were really helpful and were really interested in what I had to say" Laura Bond from Heswall was impressed with fashion show.ÌýShe said "I've never seen so many lovely international costumes and the great thing was that after the show ended I was given a short lesson in African fabrics, then tried on a few of the beautiful dresses." There was a great deal of networking between groups with business cards and leaflets being distributed freely. Janice Canning, Carers Support co-ordinator with Wirral Information Resource For Equality and Disability (WIRED) was at the Lauries centre to take part in the celebrations,Ìý "Our organisation supports disabled people and carers.ÌýWe are here today to reach out to other marginalised groups and to promote partnership working.Ìý "The event has been a greatÌý success for us.Ìý We've spoken to lots of women from all areas of the community and have been able to promote our services and have networked with other groups who support people in the local area." Speaking on Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio Merseyside, Susie Goligher from the Partnership for Racial Equality said "Over 300 women have so far taken an interest in the day here at the Lauries Centre.Ìý They been entertained by local performers, tasted many cultural dishes, and have been able to pick up information from groups which would in the end improve their quality of life." | 
