One Stockport supports International Women’s Day 2022

Recognised globally, the day is a chance to celebrate the contribution of women across the world in their achievements both personally, politically and socially. In Stockport, there are a wealth of inspiring women leaders from a variety of different sectors, from the public sector to business owners and leaders within the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.

This International Women’s Day the theme is ‘Breaking the Bias’, and One Stockport will be showcasing leaders from all across the borough via their website and social media channels.

They have also teamed up with Sector 3 to promote the many events going on in Stockport to mark International Women’s Day, including an afternoon of women empowerment at Stockport Central Library, the launch of Starting Point’s menopause strategy and 8 events by 8 women hosted by The Goodness Collective.

Councillor Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council, commented: “As a woman leader in Stockport and Greater Manchester, this is a day close to my heart. I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by fantastic and inspirational women every day, from councillors to officers within the council to Greater Manchester colleagues and those in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. But there’s still more that needs to be done. For me, breaking the bias is all about levelling the playing field so all women in Stockport are able to reach their full potential and allow them to thrive: whatever their sector.”

Sam Vesey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Stockport-based MusicMagpie, added: “Although I feel on a personal level that I have never been treated differently at work because of my gender, I do believe there are still barriers to progression as a woman. Breaking the bias means raising awareness of biases that continue to exist, in our workplaces, our communities and in our own minds. We all have a responsibility to challenge these, and International Women’s Day is about recognising this as well as celebrating women around the world.”

Rachel Bresnahan, Founder of the Cherry Tree project based in Romiley, said: “Women were central to the Covid-19 response, not just in Stockport but across the UK. Yet we still live in a world where women are more likely to be paid less, be overlooked for promotion or taken less seriously in the world of business. International Women’s Day is about breaking those biases, and celebrating the substantial contribution of women to all fields of work.”

Keep an eye on the One Stockport website and social media channels to keep up to date with the International Women’s Day 2022 campaign, and join in any events going on in the borough.