International Women's Day

Celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) with our free event on Saturday 9th March in Derby’s newly refurbished Council House. The event is disability-friendly with full wheelchair access and BSL interpreters available all day. Our cafe/restuarant in the Council House, Relish, will be open offering refreshments and lots of goodies to eat.

Throughout the day, speakers will share their inspiring stories of how they have made a difference to their communities, worked in male dominated roles in engineering, science and senior management and used their creativity to inspire others.

Guest speakers include:

• Assistant Chief Constable Dee Collins, the highest ranking female officer in Derbyshire Police Constabulary
• Dionne Reid, CEO and founder of the award winning charity Women’s Work
• Ally Law presenting the inspiring Dale Diva story with songs from the choir, winners of TV talent show ‘Don’t Stop Believing’.

There will be various science, arts and crafts activities on offer to get involved in and the opportunity to meet other women and exchange ideas. Male supporters are welcome, too, with fun for all the family.

Entertainment provided at the event includes:

• a spectacular Bollywood performance from Surtal Arts
• learn how to shake your stuff with belly dancing expert Janet Rose
• Tai Chi and Zumba taster sessions
• Space Buskers
• a special demonstration by Rafe Nauen, honouring our grandmothers
• children’s activities including face painting.

Representatives of many Derby organisations will be there to offer advice on various topics such as women’s health information and volunteering in Derby.

Councillor Karen Hillier, Gender and Sexual Diversity Champion said:

"International Women's Day generates a global web of rich and diverse local activity connecting women from all around the world. It also inspires us to work together to ensure the future of girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

We are keen to encourage women to take part in this free event as this will be an opportunity to hear innovative speakers and enjoy the opportunity to embrace our creativity."