Women in Leeds pledge to 'Be Bold for Change'

Women and girls across Leeds are being invited to inspire change and call for equality at a special event at Leeds Town Hall.

Over 200 inspirational women will be attending the fourth annual ‘Celebrating Women’ event on Wednesday 8 March, which is being hosted by the city’s first female council leader, Councillor Judith Blake and Leeds City Council’s chief executive Tom Riordan.

The event is taking place on International Women’s Day Wednesday 8 March 2017 from 10am to 12.30pm in Leeds Town Hall, and has adopted this year’s theme; ‘#BeBoldforChange’. The overall aim of this year’s event is to make sure that the women of Leeds are valued and not excluded

Yorkshire Woman of the Year 2016 Sharon Watson, the Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance, will be the compere at this year’s event, at which guests will hear about positive activities and ambitions from inspirational women. Including keynote speakers including award winning journalist Nicola Furbisher and Jeanette Morris-Boam of Women’s Lives Leeds and Councillor Alison Lowe, chief executive of Touchstone.

Also taking place at this year’s event is Leeds first ever Inspirational Women of the Community Award ceremony. The awards have been organised to recognise the hard work and dedication of many women in our communities who have changed lives for the better.

Guests will be entertained by ‘Sing as One’ Leeds City Council’s choir conducted by Charlie Gower-Smith, and enjoy a number of workshops run by partners from across sectors in the city.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:

“Sadly inequality remains a real issue for many women in Leeds, so it’s important we continue to challenge bias and speak out whenever we see women being excluded. We also have to make sure we celebrate achievement as there are many women in Leeds who lead and contribute massively to the success of the city.

“This year we have adopted the theme of International Women’s Day, which is “Be Bold for Change”, so the event is not just about celebrating achievement but also encouraging women and girls from all walks of life to realise their potential.”

Members of the media are welcome to attend however please contact the press office if you intend to come along. Doors open at 9.30am.