Women of all ages and backgrounds celebrated International Women’s Day at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Preston, a sacred Hindu place of worship.

The programme, called ‘Celebrating Women: Embracing Our Identity, Protect, Strengthen, Rejoice,’ served as a reminder of the vital roles women play in shaping communities and fostering positive change.

The event, on Sunday 9 March, was presented through the lens of a blogger, offering a personal and thought-provoking perspective on the challenges and triumphs of women.

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Dr Kailash Parekh MBE, a BAPS volunteer involved in delivering the event said: “International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in every sphere of life.

“This event was designed to inspire, educate, and unite us in our shared commitment to progress. By embracing our identity, protecting our values, and uplifting one another, we continue to shape a future where every woman feels valued and heard.

“International Women’s Day 2025 was more than just a celebration – it served as a space for reflection and a testament to the power of women supporting one another.”

Discussions covered topics such as safeguarding against grooming and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance spirituality in the digital age.

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Keynote speakers included Mrs Harshaben Shukla MBE who offered insights on the progress women have made in both religious and secular spheres. Zaynab Jogi, known as Zee, also took the stage to share her journey with two Guinness World Records to her name.

She said: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

Karen Livesey, a child protection advocate and founder of No Whispers, delivered a talk on her work in the field and brought attention to the issue of child sexual exploitation.

The day ended with a vibrant celebratory dance, described as a joyous and uplifting moment that brought together all participants.

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