Reading and Wokingham celebrate International Women's Day 2020

This week a number of organisations have been celebrating their female employees or hosting events to highlight inspirational women locally.

Wokingham Town Hall hosted International Women's day celebrations, organised by the Wokingham branch of the Women's Equality Party (WEP).

Three inspirational women from the local area provided talks while a crowds of onlookers enjoyed champagne and soft drinks, while enjoying a comfortable space to relax.

The local speakers, Emma Cantrell, Emma O'Kerry, and Saika Chaudhry, all have helped women in their own areas and across communities in the Wokingham borough.

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It includes providing a safe talking space for vulnerable women, supporting domestic abuse victims, and tackling the effects of poverty on children by supporting mothers.

Louise Timlin, founding member of the Women's Equality Party, said: "I hope to gain awareness of the Women's Equality Party, as well as to have an event on Independent Women's Day in Wokingham.

"We've had three fantastic speakers from the community, who have come to tell us why they do what they do, and maybe they can be the impetus to get more people involved in their causes.

"We only anticipated to sell between 50-60 tickets, but ended up selling 85 in the end.

"If the event goes well enough, we might even make tonight an annual event in future."

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Following the event, Alex Saynor, 37, and a teacher at the Forest School, Winnersh, said: "The speakers were inspiring, and gave a real amazing insight into what people do behind the scenes.

"It's impressive how people have built something that has made a huge difference."

Reading Buses has also been staging a number of events to celebrate their employees across their site and social media channels, highlighting the importance of women in the workplace.

Members of staff were asked about themselves and their roles, and had answers and any advice posted for all to see.

Reading Buses HR director Caroline Anscombe said: "It’s important to use events such as International Women’s Day to reach out to women and highlight the opportunities in the industry.

"We are rightly proud of our record in promoting equality as well as for bucking national trends."

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Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue have also made plans to mark the event. It will be providing 'have a go' events next month, aiming at encouraging more women to consider a career within the service.

Each event will include a tour of the fire station, and an opportunity to try physical and written tests similar to those they would need to perform during the recruitment and training process.

RBFRS’ current firefighters and fitness advisors will also all be on hand to offer advice and support, including some of the Service’s current female firefighters, keen to give real insight into the role.

Ashley Major, on-call Firefighter, joined RBFRS after taking part in several of last year’s ‘Have a Go’ events at Whitley Wood Training Centre.

She said: "It was great to be able to meet other female firefighters, it pushed me to work harder on my fitness. Everyone at the events were so friendly and encouraging.

"I never expected to be capable of joining the Fire Service, and now I'm part of an amazing crew at Hungerford. If you're thinking of applying, go for it - It's one of the best things I ever did."

'Have a go' events will be held on April 4 and June 27 at Whitley Wood Training Centre, Reading. In order to take part, and for further information email recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk.

If you are marking International Women's Day this weekend, get in touch. Or otherwise send us details of inspirational women in your life and why to leon.riccio@newsquest.co.uk