‘An equal world is an enabled world’ was the focus at this International Women's Day event at Hartford Golf Club on Wednesday 4th March. We were delighted to sponsor three leading female local networking groups Colony Networking, Sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire and Cheshire Business Events as they hosted an inspiring and motivational afternoon with speakers Catherine Sandland, Sally Penni and Maura Jackson. 

The afternoon began with refreshing welcome drinks and spotlight introductions from event associates and official sponsors Natwest and Howard Worth.  

First speaker, Catherine Sandland, Owner of White Hart Training Ltd, also known as the 'Presenting Queen', began with a thought-provoking talk. Catherine focussed on challenging stereotypes, fighting gender bias and broadening perceptions to celebrate women's achievements in everyday life through taking responsibility for our own thoughts and actions - all day, everyday. 

Maura Jackson, CEO of Back Up North West, a charity that supports homeless people aged 16-25 years old, delivered an emotional presentation sharing her career insights and experience through the decades. Maura focused on the challengers faced by young girls and women, who often face more extreme equality prejudices, to improve their situations in both personal and work life. Maura’s message passionately highlighted that gender equality is essential for such communities to thrive. It was inspirational to learn that this charity had created 144 job opportunities for females in the north within the last couple of years alone.  

The third and final speaker was Sally Penni, Barrister at Law and Founder of www.womeninthelawuk.com who spoke about gender and race equality in health, wealth and the workplace. Her personal story is about finding a deepened strength to overcome her own personal contests for an equal and enabled world. Sally spoke eloquently about how a world with gender parity can be healthier, wealthier and more harmonious. 

Guests finished with a spot of shopping from the beauty, lifestyle and craft stalls which were on offer including Moments Candles and Three Pug's Gin, over £500 was generated by the raffle for charity Back Up North West who confirmed that the donations would offer accommodation, vital living equipment and emotional support directly to young people.  

All those in attendance left feeling empowered, that collectively each one of us can help create a gender equal world through small everyday changes. Join us in unison as we celebrate International Women's Day this Sunday 8th March.