L-R: President Gameeda Barnard with Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Poet Jim Mackintosh, MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, Musician Jasmine Munns, Programme Action Officer Moraig Henderson, and Immediate Past-President Jean Black
PRESS RELEASE: The Perth Soroptimists, part of a global network dedicated to advancing women’s rights and opportunities for more than a century, are proud to announce a landmark launch event in celebration of International Women’s Day. Held in the historic Civic Hall at 2, High Street, Perth, on Saturday 7 March from 10am-3.00pm, the event promises a vibrant and thought-provoking launch. The Soroptimists will provide a dynamic workshop series, ‘Money Matters’ throughout 2026 after securing competitive funding from PKC’s Fairer Communities Fund.
Perth Soroptimist President, Gameeda Barnard, explained why the Soroptomists felt compelled to make gender and finance their 2026 IWD theme: ‘Financial independence isn’t just about money – it’s about the freedom to choose safety, dignity, and a life lived on your own terms: because every woman deserves the knowledge, confidence, and independence to shape her own future.’
The event will be officially opened by MSP and Minister for Social Justice, Ms Shirley-Anne Somerville, whose presence signals the vital national importance of financial inclusion and empowerment for women. Attendees will be treated to keynote speeches from two leading women not only in Scottish social justice but also education. Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, will address challenges women face in accessing financial resources, and the role creativity and literacy can play in overcoming barriers. Reflections from 2024’s Scots Poet of the Year, Jim Mackintosh, will generate further reflections and deepen the event’s Scottish flavour.
The event’s second part involves information about the forthcoming interactive ‘Money Matters’ workshops, engaging women and girls of all ages and backgrounds. Designed to boost financial access and opportunity, they will cover topics such as budgeting, investing, navigating financial institutions, and entrepreneurship. Facilitated by experienced professionals, the workshops will equip attendees with the skills and confidence needed to take control of their financial futures.
The event is free and open to all; registration is required at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/perthsi-iwd26. For more information on the Soroptimists: https://www.facebook.com/sigbiperth/
No matter your background or circumstances, please join us for an empowering celebration in the heart of Perth: treat yourself to a day dedicated to learning, sharing, and championing women’s financial independence.