Is it Still a Man’s World? Yes but……
The women’s group Soroptimist International St Albans and District hosted a lively 2 hour long debate marking International Women’s Day and the Club’s 60th Anniversary on Tuesday 7 March at The Maltings Arts Theatre St Albans. It was broadcast live on Radio Verulam and is available to download and listen to now Please scroll through the photos below as you listen and you can imagine you were there!
This event marked the United Nations International Women’s Day 2017
[new_royalslider id=”5″]
This event was introduced by Denise Powell, President of the St Albans Soroptimist Club and chaired by business expert and academic Roma Bhowmick. The panellists (L to R) were Siobhan Godley tax partner in a London law firm, Aline Bavister from the pharmaceutical industry, Jenny Brown Headteacher of St Albans High School for Girls, Amy Whitehead Commonwealth medallist, Commander Catherine Jordan Royal Navy and Annie Brewster Councillor and former mayor of St Albans.
We had a packed house with a 100-strong audience!
The overall conclusion was “Yes but…..” there’s still a long way to go before the world is equal. The panellists gave testimony to the improvements they have seen in their life-times. Catherine said “we must think of ourselves as pioneers.” Jenny said “how lucky we are to be around right now!” Amy said “go for your dreams – whatever!” Annie said “inspiring action, transforming lives (the Soroptimist mission) is what politicians should be there for!” Aline said “for many women it’s still not financially viable for them to work” Siobhan said “when women who are progressing and then drop-off it is often a confidence issue – our support networks need to include men who encourage women to succeed”. They all agreed that men need to be more involved in the conversation to address our unequal society and power imbalance.
No-one could quite believe it when the 2 hours was up – time had flown by!
Soroptimist President Denise said – “We had the most fantastic successful women on the panel and dream chairing by Roma. We had an audience that asked thought-provoking questions and listened with respect to the answers. Thanks so much to everyone who helped make the evening such a success – all of our amazing Club Members, the superb chair and panellists, Radio Verulam, The Maltings Arts Theatre and last but not least Perfect Moment florists in Marshallswick who donated 6 beautiful bouquets of flowers.”
The event was covered in the Herts Advertiser – click on this link: www.hertsad.co.uk/news/
Soroptimist International St Albans and District – Women Serving the St Albans Community Since 1957
