A pro-manchester event, in the UK on International Women’s Day (IWD).

I was delighted to have been invited to join some other Northern women on one of the 2 Women Leading in Business (WLiB) tables at an event with about 300 attendees (mainly women but some men too).

IDW 2023 pro-manchester event
My snapshots capture some moments in the day.

This involved a short train journey into the centre of Manchester.

Having arrived back in Manchester from Dubai just the night before, the weather felt distinctly chilly, but it was more than compensated by the warmest of welcomes from fellow women on International Women’s Day!

This was Manchester so the energy in the room was high for this celebratory event! The agenda addressed important issues of our time. There was a powerful and moving opening song by Rowetta. This was followed by some inspirational speakers and panel discussions highlighting the journeys of women and their successes in the face of considerable challenges. Discussions about current challenges evoked words of wisdom, resilience, empathy, determination, and unity.

Passion, straight-talking, and humour were in abundance in the networking opportunities. I met some familiar friends and many new faces. The general buzz of the event was in keeping with the Manchester worker bee (one of the best-known symbols of Manchester) representing a hive of activity and the sense of unity in this great city.

This pro-manchester event was sponsored by Menopause the Wright Way. Charity Partners were Smart Works and CARISMA.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks to all the speakers, organisers, and those behind the scenes. A special thanks to Rachel Tetlow (pro-manchester programmes and events) and to Claire-Marie Boggiano (host of WLiB).

What a week!

I need some quiet time now to catch up on all the happenings and posts relating to International Women’s Day.

Here’s to all the amazing women in many different fields who I feel proud to know and to the very visible people and the quieter people all doing their bit in troubling times. I am feeling a sense of humility.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 08/03/23

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