With the theme focusing on #accelerateaction, the Council’s event will highlight a worldwide call to pick up the pace for achieving gender equality.
Published: Thursday, 20th February 2025
Residents from across Hounslow are invited to attend the Council’s free International Women’s Day at Hounslow House on Friday 7 March. The action-packed event includes speeches from Gynaecologist Consultant at West Middlesex hospital Archana Dixit, Hounslow’s Director of Public Health Kelly O’Neill, Founder and Director of Filigree Communications Limited Samantha Holgate, and the Council’s interim Chief Executive Mandy Skinner.
With the World Economic Forum predicting that gender parity won’t be reached until 2158, this year’s theme focuses on calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
The Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, said:
“While International Women’s Day is a global event it is important to showcase the incredible women in Hounslow who play such an instrumental role in striving for gender equality.
“That said, we cannot work in silos. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy – launched in 2023 – utilises the power of partnerships to make a Hounslow a fairer more equal borough.
“This event will celebrate how the Council and community partners can build on their success and accelerate change.”
One key community partner who is helping to accelerate change is SHEWISE, a voluntary sector organisation working at the grassroots level to support women from a South Asian or Middle Eastern background.
This event will be co-hosted by Sayeeda Ashra and Salma Ullah from SHEWISE, speaking about the event Sayeeda said:
“Accelerating gender equality is only possible if we give local women the tools and opportunities to thrive.
“Working at a grassroots level, we host workshops and programmes that help women unlock their potential and give agency to their lives. Whether that’s through entrepreneurship training, helping women flee domestic abuse, or supporting women with their wellbeing, little by little, we are making change happen.
“I would encourage any resident in the borough to attend this event – you never know what you might learn or what support is out there.”
Along with keynote speakers, the event will include an interactive quiz, networking opportunities and refreshments. Residents can book their place here.
