GENDER bias and inequality are two key issues at the heart of this year’s International Women’s Week events in Dudley.

Last year more than 300 local women attended an event to mark the occasion, but Covid means this year’s celebrations have to be virtual.

The week begins with International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 and this year virtual events include:

  • Inspirational videos and blogs about success stories of women
  • A virtual event bringing women together to celebrate the day
  • Sharing positive work in empowering local women; improving their coping powers, instilling self-belief and celebrating achievement.
  • Free free home-schooling activities for children.
  • Women’s Wellness Group, bringing women together on a daily basis to peer support each other for healthy bodies and mind.

One of the driving forces behind the events is Maz Qari, Managing Diroector of Turning Points Solutions, a community group focusing on supporting women and families across Dudley.

She said: “This year's theme is #choose to challenge. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequity. From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge!”

Throughout the pandemic Turning Points has provided online support with wellbeing activities for mothers and children; emergency food help; free home schooling tuition; English classes; exercise and fitness sessions; bereavement support and much else.

“We have been providing women from low incomes with free tablets and teaching them how to use them to get connected with our activities and alleviating their loneliness.

“For me, IWD reminds us of the importance of empathy! It reminds us to always seek to understand others, care for and value each other’s diversity, and appreciate our differences.”

For more information, go to: http://www.turningpoints.org.uk , or https://www.facebook.com/groups/2567043296887403/?ref=share