Some of the Slough CVS team at Ujala Foundation’s International Women’s Day event this week.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on 8 March to honour the achievements and struggles of women worldwide. It is a day that highlights the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women and recognises the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. While the day is celebrated in many different ways, one thing that is consistent across all celebrations is the use of the color purple representing the day.

Slough CVS attended the International Womens Day organised by the Community Safety Team at Slough Brough Council and Hestia on 14 March a week after the celebration.  The event took place at Manor Park Community Centre and was targeted at the South Asian Community.  It was great to see so many women sharing the principals of their religious beliefs, which has helped them to shed light on Islam promoting gender equality. 

Participants of a Stress Relief Course also shared how this programme helped them with their mental health and wellbeing and provided scope for them to take a positive outlook in life.  Feedback showed how the course helped some of these women regain confidence in themselves and use stress relief techniques that would help them to overcome everyday issues and make a positive impact and difference in the lives of their families. 

Cllr Sabia Akram gave an empowering speech about the importance of mental health and women in our communities.   Arifa Naeem, course trainer was praised and thanked throughout the day by women who had found her Stress Relief Training beneficial, and the session ended with a Q&A session on Women’s International Day, including a question on colour that represents Women’s International Day.  The main colour is purple which stands for dignity and justice, green for hope, and white for purity.

The event ended with some lovely food, served by volunteers from the Ujala Foundation.  A fantastic event with attendees of over 100 women!  Well done to Ujala Foundation, Hestia and Slough Borough Council, Community Safety Team for organising the event.