Inspirational women will be the focus of events happening for International Women’s Day on 8 March. 

The theme of this year’s day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and to celebrate Slough’s inclusiveness and inspirational residents, a host of women will come together at The Curve for a special event. 

Local ladies are invited to book a spot at the event where there will be speakers including:
• Dr Emily Clifford – Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway 
• Superintendent Helen Kenny - LPA Commander for Slough
• Dr Lalitha Iyer – Chief Medical Officer NHS Frimley
• Tessa Lindfield – Director of Public Health Berkshire East
• Sbba Siddique – Asian Star 
• Slough Youth Voice

An energising start will come from Emily Lockhart from EL Fitness.

There will be a chance for women to stay and network afterwards and to find useful information from a variety of stalls, including on women’s health issues and community safety issues. 

Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for community cohesion, leisure, planning, public health and public protection, said: “We have always been proud of the diverse communities here in Slough and how inclusive they are. This is a great event to celebrate women in Slough who are making an impact, achieving great things and inspiring the younger generation. 

“Having our Youth Voice involved is great too, they are our future, and their experiences and insight may inspire others. I hope as many people as possible go along to the event.”

Vicki Atherton, Slough CVS Operations Director, said: “I am excited and proud to be part of this day, where we can celebrate the diversity and collective strengths of inspiring women.

“In Slough, we promote an inclusive culture, where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every woman is empowered.

“This event on International Women’s Day, will be a fantastic opportunity to recognise that when women uplift each other, we can inspire entire communities and future generations.”

The partnership event between the council, Safer Slough Partnership, Slough CVS, NHS Frimley and Asian Star, will be at The Curve on Friday 8 March, from 9.30am, for a 10am start, until 12.30pm.

The event has been part-funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Safer Streets 5 initiative, focusing on violence against women and girls.

It is advisable to book free tickets in advance to ensure entry. 

Guests are welcome to come wearing cultural attire.

Book a free spot via Eventbrite.

Locally there are several other events happening that week to recognise and honour the incredible contributions of women in Slough. 

• Wednesday 6 March, 10am-1.30pm, with light buffet at Chalvey Community Hub. Celebrating Social Prescribing: A Speed Networking Event at Slough Community Forum. An event from Slough CVS for the voluntary and statutory sectors to come together, to discuss a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Book for Speed Networking. 
• Friday 8 March, 3-7pm, Youth International Women’s Day event at Salt Hill Activity Centre, free activities for women and girls.
• Saturday 9 March, 1-4.30pm, Ladies Clothes Swap in aid of Target Ovarian Cancer at Ping Pong Parlour in Queensmere Shopping Centre – includes workshops. Book tickets for clothes swap.