International Women’s day is a global celebration marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equity, with the theme for 2023 being #EmbraceEquity.
Barry Town Council celebrated its own International Women’s Day on Thursday 16 March, (having to postpone the original event due to the snow). The rescheduled event consisted of a Coffee Morning at Cemetery Approach Community Centre.
The event was attended by over 20 people, including Councillors, staff and members of the public.
The morning was hosted by Emily Forbes, Chief Officer of Barry Town Council who delivered a moving speech, about mental health and wellbeing, women working in leadership roles and the inequities of invisible illnesses.
Further speeches were heard from the Mayor of the Barry, Cllr Helen Payne, who highlighted that Barry Town Council is an inclusive and progressive employer, with 46% of the Mayor’s of Barry being female in the last 48 years.
The event featured a fun and informative quiz about women in history, positive and motivating quotes for everyone to take home and a raffle to contribute towards the Mayor’s chosen Charities: Llamau, Vale People First and YoungMinds UK.