Be Bold for Change this International Women’s Day

Groups and organisations from across Blackburn with Darwen are being bold to make sure International Women’s Day  makes a difference this year.

A varied programme of events has been pulled together for the day on March 8th and throughout the whole week following an appeal by Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Maureen Bateson.

It can be found in a special International Women’s Day section at www.visitblackburn.co.uk or at the Visitor’s Centre in Blackburn.

On the day, Wednesday March 8, pop up stalls will be giving out useful service information and activities including badge making  in Victoria Court, The Mall, Blackburn,  and Blackburn Market.  Artwork created by local young girls will also be on display.

Craft work created in special ‘Dreams for our Daughters’ community workshop will be on display on a tree outside Blackburn Cathedral. Decibelles, part of Blackburn People’s Choir, will be singing in the town centre.

Other highlights in the week are a variety of activities at all Children’s Centres in Blackburn and Darwen to celebrate women through activities, workshops and a market place, Be Bold For Change: Laughter and lunch featuring guest speakers head of crime at Lancashire Police Susannah Clarke, Anjum Anwar MBE and Margo Grimshaw, and special women-only events at Blackburn and Darwen Leisure Centres.

There will also be match day activities at Ewood Park with Blackburn Youthzone, a special lunch with the Uniting Communities Organisation and “Crusading Women”  – A film and short talk about the Women’s Peace Crusade in 1917-18 at Blackburn Library.

Also a campaign promoting the achievement and passion of  five inspirational local women will appear in many locations across Blackburn with Darwen including bus shelters and at the two Blackburn Rovers matches taking place that week.

Those supporting activity include Blackburn with Darwen Council, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, The Mall, Blackburn, Blackburn Youth Zone and Blackburn Rovers.

Councillor Bateson, who is also hosting a free women in public life discussion event at Blackburn Library on Saturday, March 11 at 11am, said:

The response has been really impressive. A lot of people are keen to use International Women’s Day to raise the profile of issues affecting women in our communities as well as celebrating the contribution and achievements of local women.

I really hope that the events and campaign will help women be healthy and happy and inspire them to take positive action to improve their mental health, wellbeing and safety, and that everyone will come along and enjoy the events.”