International Women’s Day

Story & photos: Colombine Neal

On the 8th of March it was the 100th year of International Women’s Day. Verdon Recreation Centre was the venue for Burngreave’s annual celebration.

The International Women’s day has unofficially existed since the 1900s. It started in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York demanding better pay and the right to vote. International Women’s Day became part of the campaign when it was first honoured in 1911. Ever since women have been running towards equality, fighting for their rights.

Burngreave’s event was funded by NHS Sheffield and was organised by women working in the NHS and voluntary organisations.

The event was vibrant and colourful. It was a huge success which over 200 women attended. There were a range of different nationalities, to name a few: Kurdish, Pakistani, Somali, African Caribbean, Bengali and Chinese communities.

Throughout the day there were a number of activities ranging from poetry, traditional singing and dancing; belly dancing and an international fashion show with women showing off their colourful and enigmatic traditional garments. The event also had health information stalls that encouraged women and children to look after their physical, emotional and social well-being. Women were also given health checks and were able to try out complimentary therapies. There were even raffle prizes to be won which had kindly been donated by Lush Cosmetics and Chanda Rehman from Chanda Hair and Beauty.

Some of the quotes from the women were:

“There was cohesion, networking, sharing of different cultures and positive interaction.”

“There was a strong community spirit, this is what was needed for the women and children in the area.”

“It was nice to feel so welcomed by women I had never met before.”

“I feel there were some wonderful and talented ladies in Sheffield and loved the way they shared their culture with us.”

Every year on the 8th of March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire and celebrate women in their achievements. So make a difference, make every day International Women’s Day and do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.