CONNECT
Celebrating International Women’ s Day
On Wednesday March 9, 110 people gathered at Bath’ s iconic Pump Room to celebrate International Women’ s Day.
The sell-out event included a panel of local businesswomen discussing the challenges they have faced achieving success in their professions, as well as how they have managed to combine work with fulfilling personal lives.
The panel included BBC Points West presenter Imogen Sellers, Entrepreneur’ s Godmother, Alison Edgar, Bath Chronicle editor Rachael Sugden, former mayor of Bath and business owner Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE and Olympic Silver medallist Heather Fell.
Guest panellist Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE said:“ I was delighted to take part in this very special event. As a mum of six children, a politician for 20 years, running my own events business, being one of Bath’ s youngest mayors and supporting many charities I have jumped many hurdles. I have seen women juggle family lives and work, but still manage to find time to put something back into the community they are part of.”
Kayleigh Tindalid, Searcys marketing executive added:
“ The Pump Room, with its grand columns, magnificent interior and ornate decoration is an inspirational setting. It was the perfect environment for talented women to meet, share their own experiences and inspire the next generation.”
Lynne Fernquest from Geometry PR and patron of Bath Rugby Foundation compered the evening.“ It was a truly inspirational evening with questions covering everything from mentoring and iconic role models to recent equal pay legislation,” said Lynne.
“ Despite a century-long battle for women to be treated equal to men, women still earn 25 % less than their male counterparts in like for like jobs and women own less than 1 % of the property in the world.
“ It is shocking to realise that the pay gap may not be bridged for at least 80 years, meaning my daughter and granddaughter will not be rewarded in the same way as my son and grandson.
“ Linda Todd and I are passionate about events that strive to bridge that gap and, although we will be supporting women in the workplace every day, we are already discussing how to organise an even more spectacular Bath International Women’ s Day event in 2018.”
The empowering night also raised vital funds for a worthy local cause. £ 1,055 was generated for the Southside Family Project, a charity that supports families in Bath and North East Somerset dealing with issues like physical disability, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Over the last 50 years the University of Bath has supported and worked with many bright minds.
To mark this incredible journey they are welcoming everyone to campus for their first ever festival.
On Saturday May 6, from 11am-4pm you have the chance to go and meet their amazing researchers, take up a sporting challenge, join a workshop or listen to a multitude of talks and demos on science, technology, health and more.
The festival is free and open to the whole family. There will be something for everyone, whether you want to be active, creative or simply discover.
The Bath Uni Bus will be providing free transport to and from the campus from Bath city centre throughout the day. To find out more visit: go. bath. ac. uk / bathunifest
Spring Yoga Retreat
Luxury * Sanctuary * Renewal
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 37