Gender equality top of the agenda for Women's Day

The event, organised by Blackpool-based Pink Link Network, will include guest speakers – women who are making their mark locally and having an impact on equality. Business women from across the North West will attend, to network, exhibit and connect.

Among those taking part will be Jen Blackwell, from Preston-based charity DanceSyndrome.

Jen was born with Down’s Syndrome, and created her own brand of dance classes – an environment where people with disabilities can come and express themselves through dance – where everyone is equal, helping them meet people with similar challenges, gain confidence, feel supported and have fun.

Holly Moore, founder of Manchester-based company Make Events, will also be a guest speaker, sharing her story about her business and tips for success.

There will be a three-course lunch and funds will be raised throughout the event, for charity Breast Cancer Care. Coral Horn, managing director of Pink Link Network, said: “Jen was awarded Inspirational Woman of the year in last year’s Enterprise Vision Awards, run by Pink Link. “I was overwhelmed by her passion and enthusiasm and really looking forward to working with her at the event, as you cannot help but be inspired by her.”

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Pledge For Parity.

It will be celebrating high profile female figures, who have fought for equality – including the North West’s Emmeline Pankhurst who started the suffragette movement, soon to be immortalised in a statue in the centre of Manchester.

For more details about the International Women’s Day event, call (01253) 425443 or email [email protected]