International Women’s Day celebrated in Preston

Lesley Pritchard, left, and Valerie Wise open the day with a ceremonial cake

International Women’s Day was proudly celebrated in the city.

This week women and men gathered to celebrate one hundred years of the national day.

The anniversary is not only a timely reminder of changes that have helped women achieve equality but also a time to reflect on inequalities that still remain.

Preston Domestic Violence Service partnered up with the city council to host an informative yet fun day at Women’s refuge, The HOPE centre in St John’s Shopping Centre.

Organiser and council worker Lesley Pritchard said: “We wanted to raise the profile and raise awareness of international women’s day as it is the 100th anniversary this year.”

Twenty six stalls were set up across three shopping units holding information ranging from domestic violence to housing benefits.

Handmade cosmetics company Lush were on hand to offer little treats and Bobby’s girl cupcakes hand an array of delights for sale.
The day began with Valerie Wise, Chief Executive of Preston Domestic Violence Service giving a speech and cutting the ceremonial cake, made by Greenhalghs.

People were told how more women across the world die from domestic abuse than from illnesses such as cancer, war or traffic accidents.

Valerie said: “I think there is still room for improvement, both nationally, here in Preston and internationally one in four women will be a victim of domestic abuse.

“That is why it is really good that here in Preston we are giving focus on this.”

People across the city were told that both partners would not stop campaigning until women have real equality in all aspects of life.

Celebrations were not restricted to just one day, workshops based around eating disorders, dealing with rape and social isolation were run for two days and play ‘Hurried Steps’ was performed at Police Headquarters in Hutton last night.