Sheer testament to the fact that women’s role in society worldwide is more prominent now than ever is proven by the International Women’s Day website having crashed today due to sheer volume of traffic! 

Dame Peggy Ashcroft - actress honoured by the naming of the Ashcroft Theatre at Fairfield Halls

Tracey Emin - controversial sculptor and artist

Kate Moss – possibly the world's most famous supermodel

...just three of the many inspirational women to hail from Croydon.  

What started as a Socialist political event in 1910 has since evolved into celebrations regionally, nationally and internationally, ranging from respect, love and appreciation towards woman, to a recognition of women’s political, social and business achievements.  Certainly the women of Croydon do not rest on their laurels when it comes to giving themselves every opportunity for success in business, commerce and indeed home life.

International Women's Month gives us an opportunity to pull together, share ideas and experiences and join in with Oxfam's Get Together campaign raising funds for this year's specific cause to Empower Rural Women, a UN initiative which aims to provide the huge female workforce in developing countries the aid and resources they so desperately need.  With thousands of events taking place today and at the weekend, it's not too late to arrange a get together with the girls. You may already have a night out planned at the weekend, so why not challenge yourselves to raise some money whilst you're having fun? Find full details at www.oxfam.org.uk

1230 The Women's Company will be holding its networking event at Little Bay Restaurant on 10th March at 12.30pm.  Come along and share the secrets of success with business entrepreneurs and like-minded women. In a relaxed informal atmosphere, this networking lunch can open the doors to business opportunities, enable you to promote your business and services, and benefit from the company and experience of established businesswomen.

Gaining knowledge and confidence in the company of women should render you ready for a 'mixed' networking event!  Early birds can try out The Big Breakfast Speed Networking Event on 22nd March at Ikea at Valley Park, off Purley Way, Croydon.  Enjoy structured networking that ensures each participant connects with at least 15 contacts over the course of the morning, with the added bonus that all who attend will be provided with a buffet breakfast and refreshments through the morning, priority shopping at Ikea before the store opens to the public, an Ikea goody bag and much more.  What's more, thebestof Croydon members get a £5 discount on tickets. 

Of course, it’s not just women in business that can make a difference.  On Saturday 10th March, take the whole family along to the Cap Femina Adventure Fundraising Fair at St John's Parish Hall, Marlpit Lane, Old Coulsden.  The Cap Femina is an all female challenge which will see 40 teams of women rally driving from France through Europe to the sands of the Moroccan desert raising funds for women’s charities in France and Morocco. With stalls, raffles and refreshments galore, why not take the children along for an afternoon of fun?

So celebrate girl power! We women make the world go round - and in the words of Faith Whittlesey: "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did - but backwards and in high heels.”