04/03/2024 - International Women's Day in Luton

Underlying their conviction is the belief that, as the world faces a myriad of crises, genuine solutions will only be found when women are empowered and energy is invested in their contribution to making the world a fairer place for everyone.

Wednesday 6 March 

At Metro Bank from 10am to 12pm there is a networking event with Sarah Loftus from Luton All Women’s Centre who will be telling us about their Employers Against Domestic Abuse scheme and Ruth Robb, CEO of Azalea which works to empower and facilitate sustainable transformation in the lives of the men, women and neighbourhoods impacted by sex trafficking.

To book tickets  

Enabling Women’s Careers – zoom seminar – 12pm to 1.30pm

Led by Caroline Martin, President C & S E CII and Leadership Trainer, Enabling Wings, this session we will take a walk through the history of the chartered insuranc industry, acknowledge how far it has come with inclusivity and explore some dynamic ways that we can influence our future.

More details and to book 

 

Thursday 7 March 

Women of Colour in Policing in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire is organising an online Teams event on 7 March. With a variety of national and international speakers they will look at the theme of ‘Inspiring Inclusion’ and the importance of inspiring this generation through the use of role models.

10am to 1pm

Meeting ID: 379 013 521 633

Passcode: NttsbG

Friday 8 March

Azalea will be holding an open house between 10am and 12pm at 3a Upper George St, Luton. Just drop in to visit the centre and learn about the work Azalea does among those who have been exploited and sex trafficked.

At the Town Hall between 2pm and 5pm there will be Culture Swaps – an opportunity to exchange style and tastes by wearing traditional clothing or bringing food. The event is organised by Luton Foodbank and everyone is asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate. This event will be hosted by Councillor Fatima Begum.

Immediately afterwards in the Town Hall from 5pm to 7pm the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Yaqub Hanif will host Count Her In: invest in women, accelerate progress. Several key note speakers including the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada and Councillor Hazel Simmons, leader of the council, will speak to the theme.

On the same date there will be an All Day Celebration at the Centre for Youth and Community Development, 94-106 Leagrave Road, LU4 8HZ:

10am to 11am Breakfast: play and stay session 

12pm to 2pm Lunch: my faith empowers me “My faith empowers me” a sisters circle lunch and prayer time 

3pm to 5pm Afternoon tea: emotional wellbeing workshop and pampering session

For more information call 01582 519500.

To book for a session email [email protected] or text 07496 822283

Saturday March 9

Tea and cakes Central Baptist Church, 52A Park St with Councillor Charmaine Isles

10.30am to 12.30pm

Phone 07745 736041 for more details

Councillor Maria Lovell, portfolio holder for Women’s Services and Community Safety, said: “It goes without saying how important the role of women in all societies throughout history has been. International Women’s Day acknowledges and celebrates this as well as challenging and inspiring current and future generations to place true equality and fairness at the heart of their thinking.

“We are enriched by our diversity and inclusiveness in Luton and I am proud of the impact so many women have had on our town and hope that the variety of events planned this week will serve as an inspiration to many to contribute to the betterment of our communities.”

Women make up approximately 63 per cent of the council’s workforce and 19 of the current administration of 48 councillors are women. It is deeply committed to all forms of equality, providing the same opportunities to everyone irrespective of gender.