Council proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022
March 8, 2022
Today’s theme for International Women’s Day was #BreaktheBias. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council hosted a range of staff, community and business events to celebrate this day.
Empowering and celebrating the achievements of women were the focus of the council’s events. Mayor Martin hosted a virtual staff event and was joined by inspirational speakers Judith Gillespie, Stephanie Reid and Mary McSorley.
Two community based events were held in the Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn and Enler Centre, Dundonald featuring Suzie Lee of BBC’s Best Home Cook; and a business zoom with local entrepreneur and blogger Drew Watson, Founder of UN/ALTERED and DW Cosmetics.
The Mayor, Alderman Stephen Martin, speaking about the council’s programme said: “Our council is committed to breaking down barriers in everything that we do. In celebrating IWD2022 we are fully supporting this year’s theme to Break the Bias with our full range of thought provoking events today. International Women’s Day serves as a challenge to everyone that we all have a part to play every day in building a fairer society.”
Commenting on the ‘Break the Bias’ staff event Director of Finance & Corporate Services Cara McCrory added: “As a council we support women to be strong leaders. It was inspirational to hear Judith Gillespie speak about her 32 year empowering journey through the ranks of the police service to become the Deputy Chief Constable. Judith inspired our female staff and elected members with her story, dealing with rejection and the many challenges along her path to success. Judith’s focus and determination led to a long and successful career and the award of a CBE from the Queen.
“Over the last century women have been campaigning to be recognised as equals. Stephanie Reid spoke of how her own personal menopause journey developed into a business helping women on their own menopause transition. Her attitude of ‘Let’s not survive, but thrive through this’ was inspirational. I hope our female staff members embrace it alongside the council’s Menopause policy to get advice and support when needed.”
Mayoress Joanna Martin and Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Chair hosted community events, welcoming Suzie Lee, BBC’s best home cook. Suzie spoke of her personal journey from losing her mother and working in the local family business through to becoming a mum herself as well as a TV personality. Suzie also kindly gave our community representatives a cookery demonstration.
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Development Committee Chair was proud to host the entrepreneurs’ network virtual event. Drew Watson spoke of the highs and lows of starting a business from scratch, being honest and real alongside how to explore the influencer marketing world. The council has always worked to empower and support those women who take a chance and decide to branch out on their own by giving them advice, training and funding to help their businesses thrive and grow.
International Women’s Day will conclude with Lagan Valley Island being lit up purple to raise awareness of the need to live in a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination as proposed by Councillor Hazel Legge.