Council leader marks International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, takes place today March 8).

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Marking the day, Councillor Alyson Barnes said:

“International Women’s Day is a day we can celebrate all the achievements of women from the borough as part of a global celebration. But it is also about striving for a more equal world. Sadly, even today, women of all backgrounds face discrimination.

You just have to look at the treatment of women in the public eye when compared to men to see this is the case. Misogyny is a real issue which we have to face.

“Our borough is full of many talented women who strive to make Rossendale a better place. Women like Samara Barnes, who has made a real difference with her period poverty campaign, Jane Boyes, who has transformed the market and has ran the Clog Market so successfully for years, our female councillors from across the political spectrum to think of a few. There are too many to mention.

“As a Council, we will continue to fight for equality of opportunity for everyone in our community and create a more equal world.”