Pupils from Newham secondary schools joined Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, local councillors, and guests from across the sectors of law, culture, technology and fashion, at the Old Town Hall in Stratford on March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.
International Women’s Day is a world-wide event which highlights women’s history, the challenges they face, and how we can work together to reduce inequality and inspire a new generation of girls and young women. This year’s theme was Embrace Equity, which focused on gender equality and how allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.
Mayor Fiaz said, “It is important to continue to inspire our girls and young women to explore their full potential by sharing life lessons from diverse women within our borough. It was amazing to see their experiences conveyed in art and poetry with an important message of embracing equality. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are committed to supporting girls and young women in Newham to achieve their aspirations.
“International Women’s Day brings a welcome focus on women. Yet the serious issues we face need attention every day of the year if we are to bring change. It is simply not acceptable that in the third decade of the 21st Century women continue to face discrimination, and indeed violence.”
The event’s guest speakers included Author Pamela Haynes, Lawyer Pauline Campbell, Author Joy White, and Natalie Orringe Chief Marketing Officer - Newham Council. The aim was to provide young women from the borough with insight into progressing through different career trajectories and given tools to consider their own motivations and aspirations.
Sami Rhymes who is a spoken word artist, performed a spoken word piece which was created in conjunction with young women from Stratford Academy school, based on their experiences of being young women in Newham.
There was an art exhibition which explored the themes of equity, female heroes and the stories of local women, which was delivered in partnership with Rosetta Arts – Arts superstars group and young people from the borough. This artwork is to be displayed in the Rosetta Arts online gallery.
