Liverpool’s leading lights are today showing the world that a woman’s place isâ¦at the top.
As part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day, the city’s female movers and shakers converged on the council’s headquarters to prove exactly how ‘equal’ the city is.
International Women’s Day, which is celebrated today (Thursday, March 8), is a global call to action for greater equality and fairness – also known as gender parity.
And the big message is, that in terms of political representation and leadership, Liverpool is one of the most equal cities in the country.
Nationally, just 33 per cent of all local councillors are women but in Liverpool half the council chamber is female.
Five of the council’s senior elected team are women, as are 12 of the 20 council’s senior officers.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ann O’Byrne said: “We have achieved gender parity by talent-spotting community activists who are already out there advocating for their neighbourhood or community of interest.”
“We spend time encouraging them to think about stepping up and becoming an elected representative of their community. As a result, we have recruited some outstanding candidates who bring fresh insight and enthusiasm to the task.”
Outside the council, women are well represented in other areas of public life in the city. The Crime Commissioner, Director of Public Health, three MPs and four MEPs are all women.
To recognise and celebrate this, the Mayor’s office has put together an online resource of poetry, blogs, music and art.
There are also video interviews with local women who speak about their greatest achievements, the challenges ahead and what it is like being a women in Liverpool today.
The council and its partners are using the day to promote the centenary of votes for women. They want to encourage more women to take part in the local council elections on Thursday May 3.
Liverpool City Council Returning Officer Jeanette McLoughlin added: “As we remember the efforts of those women who gained for us all the entitlement to vote, I would remind all women in the city to ensure they are registered to vote.”
This Girl Can and Lifestyles
This Girl Can wants to celebrate sport and physical activity for girls (over 14 years) and women!
As part of this our very own Lifestyles Fitness Centres are offering free access to all our centres for women and girls who are non-members over the course of the day (Thursday 8 March). You need to register for activities first at http://thisgirlcanliverpool.co.uk/be-inspired/liverpool-international-womens-day/
The simply check out what’s on offer, and pre-book where necessary: http://thisgirlcanliverpool.co.uk/international-womens-day-2018/
What does it mean to be a woman in Liverpool today?
Liverpool’s women discuss the global issues facing local women today and add their passionate voices to the call to #PressforProgress. Read their blogs and poems at http://liverpool.gov.uk/iwd
International Women’s Day events
As well as free access to Lifestyles there’s a whole programme of events that are recognising and celebrating women. Find out more on the council’s website http://liverpool.gov.uk/events/
Photo shows: Liverpool City Council Assistant Chief Executive Catherine Garnell, Policy Office Lucy Horne, Executive, City Solicitor Jeanette McLoughlin, Mayoral Lead for Community Safety Councillor Emily Spurrell, Consultant Rajdeep Sangha from Deloitte, Councillor Liz Parsons, Councillor Michelle Corrigan, Cllr Pam Thomas, Community Advocate Judith Cummings, Interim Director of Adult Services and Health Dyane Aspinall, School Improvement Officer Sandra Tai, Safer, Stronger Communities Officer Joanne Harris, Cllr Clare McIntyre, Community Advocate Tracey Hylton, Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events Cllr Wendy Simon, Deputy Mayor Cllr Ann O’Byrne, Assistant Director of Community Services Colleen Martin, Director of Public Health Sandra Davies and Cllr Anna Rothery.
