International Women's Day has been celebrated around the world since 1911, the day marks the achievements of women and their struggles for equality.
This year’s theme is Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all, and events have been organised by Bury Youth Service, in collaboration with partner agencies. A wide range of activities is taking place in Bury to mark International Women’s Day.
The aim is to encourage young women to participate in safe, fun and educational activities. It also encourages young men to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of why the day is celebrated.
The activities run for a week. They include:
Monday 8 March 2010: Prestwich, at the Phoenix Centre.
A variety of activities from around the globe to encourage young women (aged over 13) to participate and learn new skills. All events are free, and the event runs from 6pm to 9pm. It includes international food, henna painting, belly dancing, music, nail art, junk jewellery and much more.
Wednesday 10 March 2010: Whitefield, at the Shuttle Centre.
Equality though the ages. Provides young women with the opportunity to participate in some of the activities that young women from other generations would have been expected to participate in, showing how progress has developed.
Saturday 13 March 2010: Bury, at the Elton Centre.
Encouraging young women to plan their challenges, events and activities for the forthcoming year which will provide equal opportunities for all. This event will be running 11 -3pm
Radcliffe, at Ellen Court.
We are currently running a 12-week healthy lifestyle programme. During this day Dr Khan from Fairfield Hospital is coming in to deliver a session to mothers and new mothers around women’s health. The purpose of the talk is to educate women and empower young women to make a conscious decision regarding their health. Dr Khan will cover areas on parental health, breast feeding, breast cancer awareness, cervical cancer screening and sexually transmitted infections.
In addition, this year Bury Youth Service also produced a set of posters which show young women participating in a variety of activities. These have been distributed across high schools and youth centres to promote encourage more young women to take part.
The day acknowledges women’s contribution to strengthening international peace and security, social progress, human rights and freedoms. It also provides an opportunity to look at how far women have come in the struggle for equality, peace and development.
For further information about International Women’s Day Activities or general youth service activities, contact 0161 253 5663, email youth.service@bury.gov.uk