International Womens Day 2023

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration that takes place annually on March 8th. It's a day celebrated by many people around the world, and it's a time when we remember the contributions that women have made to society throughout history. In the United Kingdom (UK), S-REP is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in Stockport, and we recognise the importance of celebrating women from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community.

This blog will explore the significance of International Women's Day in 2023 and why it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women from the BAME community.

History of International Women's Day The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women in the United States and Europe were fighting for their rights. In 1908, women took to the streets of New York City to demand better working conditions and the right to vote.

The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day, and the tradition continued in different locations in the years that followed. In 1917, Russian women took to the streets to protest against their government, which led to the establishment of a "Women's Day" throughout the country.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised IWD, and it continues to be a vital day celebrated worldwide. Celebrating Women in the BAME Community Celebrating women in the BAME community is a vital component of International Women's Day. Women from the BAME community have faced unique challenges and discrimination, including racial and gender bias.

S-REP believes that it's important to acknowledge and honour the contributions of BAME women in Stockport and the UK, which is why they're committed to promoting racial equality and diversity. BAME women have contributed significantly to various aspects of society in the UK, including the arts, business, politics, sports, and more. For example, Beverly Knight, a British soul singer-songwriter, is a notable figure in the world of music.

Her music has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including three MOBO awards. Sophia Duleep Singh, a British suffragette, played a vital role in securing the right to vote for women. In addition, Baroness Amos, the first black woman to serve in the UK Cabinet, has held numerous public service roles.

Equality and Diversity in Stockport the S-REP is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in Stockport, and recognising the contributions of women from the BAME community is a crucial aspect of this mission. There are approximately 11,000 BAME residents in Stockport, and S-REP believes that it's important to recognise and celebrate the diversity that these communities bring to the community.

S-REP works in partnership with local organisations and businesses to promote equality and diversity. They organise events, training sessions and workshops to educate people about different cultures and promote understanding and harmony.

S-REP has been pivotal in setting up the Stockport BAME Forum, which brings together individuals, charities and organisations to represent the interests, social and cultural needs of the BAME community.

The Forum has played an important role in improving engagement, participation and representation of the diverse BAME communities in the borough of Stockport. Importance of Celebrating Women in BAME Communities Celebrating women in BAME communities is essential because it acknowledges the challenges and discrimination that they've faced over the years. Recognising and celebrating the contributions of BAME women helps to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Historically, BAME women have been subjected to double discrimination, which has made it difficult for them to achieve equal opportunities.

IWD offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of BAME women and promote greater inclusion across different sectors including, education, politics and the workplace. One of the key reasons why it's essential to celebrate women from BAME communities is to encourage representation and diversity. Representation is vital in all aspects of society, as it's the key to building balanced and inclusive communities where all voices can be heard, and everyone has equal access to opportunities. Representation of BAME women in leadership and senior roles is crucial. For example, in the political sphere, BAME women are underrepresented. However, with the 2019 UK General Election, the representation of women went up to an all-time high at 34%, but the number of BAME women elected still remains low. Encouraging and supporting women from the BAME community to take up leadership positions is an essential step towards creating a more equitable and diverse society.

In conclusion, International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women from all backgrounds, including the BAME community. Recognising and celebrating the contributions of BAME women is essential in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. S-REP recognises the importance of celebrating BAME women and promoting equality and diversity in Stockport, they have played a crucial role in promoting representation and diversity through their work in partnership with local businesses, charities and organisations.

As we look forward to International Women's Day 2023, let us continue to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of BAME women and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Through awareness-raising, representation and cultural exchange, we can take the steps necessary to create a more harmonious society where everyone has equal access to opportunities. Let us work together towards achieving this goal.