Female achievements celebrated on International Women's Day

People came together to mark International Women's Day with celebrations to recognise the achievements of women across the world.

In Hartlepool female guests from the town were invited to mark the occasion at an afternoon tea event at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre hosted by the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Mary Fleet.

The event also featured a raffle to raise funds for the Mayor’s two chosen charities for this year, which are the Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group and Diabetes UK.

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Councillor Fleet said: “Women continue to achieve great things in social, economic, cultural and political life both at home and abroad, and it’s good to celebrate that through International Women’s Day.

“At the same time, we must all continue to press for full gender parity throughout the world.

“Looking at our own town, I am very proud that Hartlepool is a place where people of both sexes and all ages can and do succeed.

“Hartlepool council is a fine example of this, with an excellent team of female and male officers at all levels, working together for the good of the town.”

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The annual event aims to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.

Skills of women and the support on offer to them in their times of need were marked as part of a Peterlee’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

East Durham Trust hosted an event at Peterlee Memorial Church, offering visitors the chance to experience Bollywood-style dancing, take up the offer of beauty treatments and enjoy afternoon tea and cakes.

Pre-school children were also able to come up with their own creations with arts and crafts sessions thanks to East Durham Creates.

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The event also included information stands from women’s groups including Harbour Refuge and the East Durham Domestic Abuse Network.

It was opened by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, who has supported the formation of network and has championed the cause of domestic abuse through the Stop Violence against Women and Girls Strategy across the county since his election.

Lindsey Wood, of the trust, said: “Everyone was welcome to attend this event where we hoped it simply highlighted a range of issues and interests affecting women on this very special day.”