Thursday was International Women’s Day (IWD).
Every year across the world the event is celebrated on March 8 with thousands of events occurring throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women everywhere.
Organisations, governments, charities and women’s groups across the globe choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.
One of these is Chester Women’s Aid, which primarily exists to reflect the diversity of women’s experience in the world, raise awareness of domestic abuse issues and address social exclusion and disadvantage.
Established in 1976, the charity is steadfast in its belief that all women have the right to live their lives free of fear and abuse.
To celebrate this year’s IWD, Chester Women’s Aid (CWA) held a festival at Hoole Community Centre, where women from across the city met for music, dance performances, workshops, information and stalls.
Lord mayor Eleanor Johnson opened the event and there was a workshop run by renowned graphologist Diane Simpson on the science of personality assessment via the analysis of handwriting.
The event was the first Lee Rean, chairwoman of CWA, had celebrated in her new role. She became involved with the charity after previously working with domestic abuse survivors, and decided she wanted to make a difference to women and children’s lives.
She said: “I had known about the work that CWA did for many years and, after attending their 30th anniversary celebration, I applied to become a committee member before joining the sub-group which provides small grants to women who often move to refuges with only the clothes on their backs or move out of abusive households into properties where they are safe, but don’t have any furniture or white goods.
“We are able to provide small sums of money to help when they are not eligible for other sources of funding.
“Last year I was fortunate enough to be voted as chairperson and it has been a daunting task taking over from my very experienced predecessor, but the committee is made up of many experienced people and we have so much support from local organisations and friends of the committee.”
She added: “International Women’s Day always gives everyone the chance to meet together, watch the fabulous performances, browse the stalls, find out information about other organisations and maybe find support for themselves or others in a safe environment.”
To learn more about Chester Women’s Aid, email chesterwomensaid@aol.com.
