International Women's Day 2023 #Embrace Equity
Published: 20 March 2023
Resplendent in purple, over 60 extraordinary Kent women gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 at Littlestone Golf Club. Hosted by New Romney Mayoress Janet Thomas, the ladies enjoyed a fun evening, renewing old friendships, forging new ones and networking. There is so much to celebrate about women’s achievements – but we can always forge a better world. In 2023 the conversations centred around – Equal opportunities are no longer enough and how treating everyone the same can be unfair. Equity and why it is important to treat everyone according to need will make a positive difference for women everywhere.
Our Guest Speaker, DCI Stefanie Earl, from Kent Police was absolutely amazing - the WOW factor. She delivered a powerful, motivational and inspirational snapshot of her career journey in the force. Stefanie has worked across Kent in a career spanning 26 years, across different areas of policing, which included front line policing; desk based projects; crime investigation to name a few. She has progressed through the ranks and now holds the prestigious post of DCI. It was a frank, honest and passionate delivery acknowledging how she had been supported, in sometimes a difficult and challenging journey, both in her professional and personal life by other inspirational officers. Stefanie acknowledged how important family and colleagues are when responding to personal challenges and following our dreams. We were all left invigorated and totally motivated by her energy and passionate commitment to police protection, partnership and law enforcement.
As part of the celebration guests were invited to donate underwear to Smalls for All, a Scottish based charity who collect and distribute items to women and girls in the UK and developing countries who cannot afford the luxury. Gifting new underwear means gifting Dignity which is so important – the collection achieved 135 bras and 95 pairs of knickers. We are continuing the collection until the end of the month – if you would like to contribute please contact Janet, via the town Hall, on 01797 362348.
A raffle, organised by New Romney Sea Cadets, TS Veteran raised £380 for the Mayor’s charities – Sunflower Dementia Café; JAM on the Marsh and CARM. Speakers from all 3 charities – Wendy; Susan and Zena gave an outline of their charity work and how they engage to support our local community – huge thanks to them for the difference they and their volunteers make to the lives of so many people locally. In celebration of our local heroes Mayoress Janet appealed for nominations for the Pride of New Romney Awards – we all know a young person/individual/group who makes a huge difference in our local community. Please do recognise that achievement – further details and nomination forms are available from New Romney Town Council website – deadline 31st March 2023.
The evening was a Super Success. Huge thanks to all the inspiring ladies who attended the celebration and supported each other including students from the Marsh Academy. Thank you to Littlestone Golf Club staff; Susan Pilcher- photographer; Sea Cadets TS Veteran and New Romney Town Council staff for organising the entire evening.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support – we truly are an amazing community.
Janet Thomas – Mayoress, New Romney
A selection of photos are available from Footprints photography, courtesy of Sue Pilcher (Footprints Photography)
http://www.footprintsphotos.net/civic-functions-1#/international-womens-day-2023/