In a vibrant celebration of women’s achievements, multiple events have taken place throughout March 2025 to honor International Women’s Day, showcasing the power and contributions of women in various sectors. From community gatherings to educational talks, these events have inspired attendees while emphasizing the importance of gender equality.
To kick off the month, the Horsforth Brewery celebrated International Women’s Day with the launch of a new beer named "Blowing Raspberries." This 4% brew was crafted to honor women's empowerment and support the charity Women’s Aid. Mark Costello, a representative from the brewery, noted the unique opportunity this project presented to involve women from the community, remarking, “Blowing Raspberries was a great opportunity to bring the amazing women we work with and around together.” The brewery also announced a £150 donation to Women’s Aid, an organization dedicated to ending domestic abuse against women and children. Local Councillor Emmie Bromley praised the event, stating, “Horsforth is such a powerhouse of brilliant, strong women, and with Horsforth Brewery as an ally, we can drink to that.”
Meanwhile, in Brecon, the Powys Brecknock Federation of Women’s Institutes hosted a meeting on March 14, 2025, at St Mary’s Church. This gathering was highlighted by Dr. Sarah Ward Clavier, who gave a compelling talk on the history of sub-postmistresses, tracing their contributions to society from the Middle Ages to modern times. Her insights underscored the theme of this year’s event: "Equal Rights, Power, and Opportunities to All Women throughout the World." Attendees enjoyed the presentation and engaged in discussions about the ongoing challenges faced by women globally.
In another part of the UK, Glarryford Farmers’ Hall held a ‘Celebrating Rural Women’ event that brought together numerous women active in rural life. Guest speakers included celebrity chef Paula McIntyre and local GP Dr. Rebecca Orr, who emphasized the critical roles rural women play in their communities. "Often the contribution of rural women is overlooked, but this event placed them firmly in the spotlight," commented Yvonne Carson, the Northern Trust’s Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager. The event also featured health checks conducted by members of the Farm Families Health Checks Programme.
On March 8, the Rotary Club of Enniskillen hosted a breakfast event at the Killyhevlin Hotel, marking International Women’s Day with a focus on the achievements of women. The keynote speaker was Donna Armstrong, a clinical support specialist in vascular medicine, who shared her inspiring story. Rotary President Heather Ellis encouraged attendees to carry the inspiration gained into their daily lives, promoting continual advocacy for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Further, Chase High School in Westcliff-on-Sea engaged students with a series of events highlighting gender equality. Students presented flowers to women they admire, symbolizing respect and gratitude. Maria Howard, head of English, stated, "Chase High School proudly commemorates International Women's Day with a series of events aimed at celebrating the invaluable contributions of women throughout history." This initiative not only broadens students' understanding but also reinforces the importance of recognizing influential women in their community.
A historic International Women’s Day event took place as well in 2020 at Theatr Clwyd, organized by Flintshire City of Sanctuary. This gathering celebrated the contributions of nearly 100 women from various backgrounds, including local Syrian families and businesswomen. Attendees included local dignitaries such as AM Hannah Blythyn, who expressed her admiration for the inspiring women present at the event. Donations raised during this past initiative exceeded £200 for the Red Cross Syria Appeal, highlighting the enduring commitment to support women facing adversity worldwide.
The recent celebrations across the UK have not only served as platforms for advocating gender equality but have also showcased the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of women of all backgrounds. With a shared vision for a more inclusive future, these events underline a collective effort to progress towards gender parity and celebrate women’s vital contributions to society.
