A LANGRISH woman is inviting women to take part in an International Women’s day event about the lives of women and girls being transformed both here and abroad.

Julie Blackwell is the treasurer for the Winchester branch of Soroptimist International, which has members from Alresford and Selborne.

The organisation lobbies on behalf of women, and supports causes that improve their lives, as well as fundraising for charities like Save the Children.

Julie said: “Although the event is being organised by Soroptimist International, it is open to all women and girls and the day will feature a number of talks on issues that affect woman and what is being done to rectify them or help women.”

International Women’s Day is on March 8, the Winchester branch is running a one day conference in partnership with the University of Winchester on Saturday, March 4.

Speakers include Hampshire Police Chief Inspector Claire Taylor, Commander Winchester District, who will talk about how local women and girls are protected and safeguarded.

Jane Walker of the Purple Communities Fund, will speak about how her organisation works to transform and rebuild the lives of marginalised people worldwide.

Pauline Monk from the Purple Teardrop campaign will give a presentation about how the lives of trafficked women and girls have been transformed by the work of her charity, and Amanda Dukes DVA Co-ordinator of The You Trust will outline what residential and outreach support there is for women living with domestic abuse.

Soroptimist International Southern England President Ruth Healey will also address the conference and Margaret Barnfield of SI Winchester will give a presentation on the work of the Winchester Club.

There will additionally be a video message to the conference from Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister for Women, Equalities and Early Years.

Conference organiser Liz Batten said: “Our plan is to throw a spotlight in the run up to International Women’s Day on some of the difficult issues faced by women and girls throughout society and how their lives are transformed and supported at all levels, by authorities, charities and groups like ours.

“There is always more to do and the day will provide everyone with an interest the opportunity to learn more, to discuss the issues and to address the challenges we can face together in the future.’

The conference, which is being held at the University’s Stripe Building in Sparkford Road Winchester, runs from 10am to 4pm and includes tea and coffee and a buffet lunch as part of the conference fee which is £25 and £20 for students.

Tickets must be booked via the club website www.sigbi.org/winchester-and-district