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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
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 37