CELEBRATIONS are set to take place in Worcester for International Women’s Day tomorrow.
Worcester Trades Union Council is organising an event to commemorate the achievements of women and fight for gender equality.
The theme will be ‘Remembering struggles – celebrating achievements – fighting for change.’
The event will include talks, performances, films, stalls, craft workshops and will be held at the Guildhall on Saturday March 8th between 10am and 3pm.
One of the key features of the day will be the We Are Lions exhibition, which pays homage to the historic Grunwick Strike of 1976-78.
The strike included a group of immigrant women taking a stand against poor working conditions, mistreatment and fought for trade union recognition.
Coun Lynn Denham, Worcester City Council leader, said: “The Guildhall will be a hive of activity during the day with lots going on to see and do.
“International Women’s Day will also be an opportunity to remember the struggles and resistance of women around the world.
“As well as highlighting social injustices, the day serves as a platform to demonstrate the strength and capability of women and celebrate our successes.”
Additional features of the event will include live entertainment, such as performances by the drumming band Forest Thump, Morris dances and the Ukrainian Community of Worcestershire.
The Worcester City Historic Environment Record and Worcestershire Archive will also be showcasing materials highlighting the contributions of local women in working environments – such as the gloving industry, Blackpole Munitions Factory, Royal Worcester Porcelain and the NHS.
A spokesperson for Worcester Trades Union Council said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate achievements that have been won.
“It is also a chance to reflect on challenges faces by women around the world – women facing danger on a daily basis in war zones like Ukraine and Palestine; women int eh UK who are at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis; women as victims of domestic abuse; women on low pay.
“There is much to celebrate and much more to change.”
