Council celebrates International Women’s Day

March 8, 2019

Women from across Lisburn Castlereagh celebrated International Women’s Day in the Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn at the ‘Confidence for a Better Life’ event. The inspirational workshop took place on Friday 8 March and was arranged by the council in partnership with the ATLAS Centre.

The event featured guest speaker Jackie D'Arcy, Personal Development Coach and Trainer, to coincide with this year's International Women's Day theme ‘#Balance for Better’, reinforcing the message that a balanced world is a better world for everyone.

Jackie focused on how to build confidence, communicate better and prepare a plan to bring success in whatever you want to achieve.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, spoke at the event. He said: “I’m fortunate to have amazing role models in the women of my family. I will always remember how hard my mother fought in terms of my education and the huge influence she has played on my life.

“Today we recognise and honour the struggles and successes of women who have broken barriers and reached success in every sphere of life.”

The council also celebrated International Women’s Day with an event in Lagan Valley Island for staff. The event included guest speakers Susie Brown, Tourism NI; Dr Alexandra De La Torre, The Next Chapter at NICVA and Amanda Kelly and Heather Palmer, Lisburn & Castlereagh Chapter Hub, and Deirdre Chestnutt from Unique Personal Stylist.

Cllr Nathan Anderson, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Corporate Services Committee, concluded the event and said: “As a council, we recognise the invaluable contribution and talent of women in the workplace and are keen to encourage women to be strong leaders. I’m delighted to be part of this event and that we can give staff the opportunity to hear from inspirational women.”

The celebration of International Women’s Day was a huge success with attendees providing positive feedback on how they felt empowered and proud to be a woman.