City of Wolverhampton Council will be celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) this Wednesday 8 March, with this year’s focus on #EmbracingEquity, and two key events taking place.

International Women’s Day is a day to recognise and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world and this year’s theme aims to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough and can, in fact, be exclusionary rather than inclusive.

While equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities, equity recognises that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr Sandra Samuels OBE, stated:

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity because talking about equality is no longer enough: it’s time to forge ahead and strive for a more equitable world.

“International Women’s Day has, historically, been a chance to honour the courage and determination of all the women who have changed history in the pursuit of gender equality as well as acting as a platform for all those women who continue to do so.

“I am delighted to stand behind everything that International Women’s Day represents, champions and promotes once again, and ask that everyone moves forward to embrace equity and to recognise that each person has unique circumstances and should have access to the support and resources they need to reach equal privileges and goals – everything I believe in for all throughout the City.”

This year we have two exciting events taking place to celebrate International Women's Day and I urge everyone to get involved.”

There will be a craft session at the Art Gallery on Tuesday 7 March, 1.30pm-3.30pm when participants can make origami tulips in suffragette colours covered in empowering messages for women you look up to and admire.

These will be added to the 'Women in Wolverhampton and the World' display in the Making Space gallery. Suitable for 12+ and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. We have limited availability to book a place, please click here to register.

On Wednesday 8 March, come along to hear the Mayor introducing the Civic Celebration Event ‘Everywoman – Embracing Equity’, Mayor’s Parlour, 12pm-2.45pm.

This event is a unique opportunity to hear from the City’s inspiring women who will share their stories, experiences and their wisdom. There will be speeches from Council representatives and organisations including the Migrant Engagement Centre, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Aspiring Futures as well as an exclusive from Dr Kuli Kohli, Wolverhampton's Poet Laureate. Please book here