Women’s day in Warwickshire
International Women’s Day next week is a chance to celebrate the achievements of some of the county’s female role models to inspire local women.
Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police are joining together to showcase local women from all walks of life and the challenges they have often had to overcome in their lives.
Taking place annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day is a global celebration intended to bring women of all ages and nationalities together in an acknowledgement of women’s economic, social and political achievements.
The stories and opinions of ordinary women, participating in society on an equal footing with men and achieving their goals, are central to the celebrations. One such woman is Monica Fogarty, who holds the position of Assistant Chief Executive at Warwickshire County Council.
Monica defines a successful woman as someone who retains her femininity whilst holding a powerful position. Her role models include Margaret Thatcher, who she describes as ‘way ahead of her time (with) amazing steel in a man’s world’. She also looks up to Katie Price for her business acumen, resilience and ability to stand up for herself, and commitment to her children.
Monica does not feel being a woman has been a barrier to her career progression. If anything the young age at which she has risen to prominence has posed more concern. She said: “As a young woman I had to work hard to be serious in order to establish my credibility and convince people that I know what I’m talking about. But once this was achieved I’ve found it easy to go back to my naturally bubbly and positive self.”
When asked what advice she would offer young women today, she said: “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Be confident and don’t be backwards about coming forward. Don’t compromise on your femininity, you can be an attractive female with a sense of humour and still have a brain, so be confident and speak up for yourself.
“You don’t have to act like a man or dress like a man to be successful in a ‘man’s world’. Be proud to be a woman and have fun.”
To get communities actively involved and extend the celebrations, ladies of Warwickshire and their families are also invited to attend a special event in Leamington Spa on Tuesday 9 March.
Bring a Dish and Make a Wish will take place from 6pm to 8pm at Dormer Conference Centre, Dormer Place. Event participants can bring along their favourite food to share with others at the informal gathering which will be a chance for old and new friends to get together.
International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900s as a chance for women to campaign for equal rights. In recent years however marking the date has become more focused on developing positive messages and campaigning to end mistreatment of women.
Sue Ingram, spokesperson for Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse and supporter of International Women’s Day said: “It is important to recognise that although more women are successful and strong role models they are still under-represented in business and political fields and violence against them is still too prevalent.
“On this day, we hope women will stand together in support of one another’s right to feel safe and to achieve their goals and that the men in their lives will follow suit. We encourage people to do all they can on this day and every day to ensure that the future for Warwickshire’s young women is bright, equal, and rewarding.”