International Women’s Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 1975; since then, it has gone on to celebrate the impact that women have had on the world and across the globe. It’s a major part of the women’s rights movement and creates conversations about gender biases.

The date 8th March is significant on our calendar as Shrewsbury House now hosts annually an International Women’s Day event for the young female club members to exchange individual life experiences, to become confident in expressing their views on issues women face from day to day.

This year the organising of the event was handed over to two young females who are members of the Shewsy’s Senior Club Youth Council. They wanted to use this platform to tell their own stories as a means of empowering others to find and use their voices and, in particular, to raise awareness of what discrimination looks like for young women in our community.

As Youth Council members, Emmie and Lola are young leaders in the making involved in policy making, fundraising initiatives to create positive changes within the club, mentoring of their peers. These opportunities provided by the Shewsy and its team of Youth Workers led by Nic Coker, are helping them to understand their rights and develop the inner confidence to stand up and speak out in public.

This year, there were women from  Trinidad, Yemen, Ireland, Chinese descent, English Africa, Thailand and Iran all of whom gave their time to talk about their cultural experiences and to share their own customs and skills.  The attendees were able to try out  yoga, massage, nail art, hair braiding, henna hand design with a little physical exercise in the form of Zumba all accompanied of course with lovely cakes and traditional Caribbean dishes.

 “A lovely event at the Shewsy for International Women’s Day. It was great to see the active participation of young women from the DJ, the amazing singer (Tiana) and especially the young women who launched the event who spoke eloquently and were so engaging with the audience and participants.”

Ami Yesufu-Youth Participation Lead – Targeted Services for Young People

“The event went really well and it lived up to what we had hoped it would be. I am very grateful for the 90 women that showed up in support of international women’s day and participated so keenly in the many activities we had such as yoga, Zumba, nails, hair and more” Lola Powell (Senior Club Member & Youth Councillor)

“We were so pleased that so many women and girls turned out support me and Lola and to celebrate their gender on international women’s day. A big thank you to the women who donated their time, services and skills so we could enjoy so many great activities”

Emmie Doolan (Senior Club Member & Youth Councillor)

“When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.”

Nicola Coker (Deputy Team Leader)