Young women invited to a day that aims to inspire and educate

Young people who go to Portsmouth City Council’s youth clubs are hosting the event next week which will feature films about women’s empowerment, music, digital art and a flash mob dance session run by Pompey in the Community.

The event is on Saturday, March 10 at the Charles Dickens Centre, for young women aged 11 to 19 but mums, big sisters and friends are welcome. It ties in with International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 8, a worldwide day of festivities which highlights the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women since the day it was first instigated by the Suffragettes in 1911.

There will also be many opportunities to meet and talk to inspirational women, with speed dating booths from 2.30pm to 3.30pm where attendees may have three-minute ‘one-to-one’ conversations with a variety of women from different careers to find out what motivated them.

Event co-ordinator Jeannie Driver said: ‘I know from past experience that there is an amazing energy when women collaborate to make something happen. It is not only to remember the 100 years of women’s votes, but to celebrate all women’s success and to strive for more.’

There will also be a bake-off, with a guest category for those who like to get messy in the kitchen and would like to show off their work.

Miss Driver has been involved with similar events in the past, but now she feels there aren’t enough events in Portsmouth for young women.

She said: ‘It’s been inspiring working with the young women from the youth clubs to create and develop this event. We’ve been making banners, badges and planning the day so it will be a fun day for all young women.’

Any women who want to be involved in the event can contact Amanda Littlefield at [email protected] or phone the youth service number (023) 9268 8252.

The Charles Dickens Centre is at 120 Lake Road, Portsmouth.