Women unite on day to celebrate (From This Is Wiltshire)

WOMEN from all different backgrounds came together to celebrate International Women’s Day yesterday.

An open house event was held at the Central Library with a variety of events to mark the occasion, including dance, song, poetry, art and writing.

The event, organised by Rosa Matheson and a host of like-minded women from across the town, was the first of its kind.

But it was so successful organisers are now hoping to make it an annual date in the calendar.

Rosa, a historian, writer and campaigner for women’s education and empowerment from Highworth, said: “It is the first time in a long time that an event has been held in Swindon to mark International Women’s Day, but we didn’t have long to organise it, it was quite spontaneous.

“This year we really wanted to push the boat out. Everyone has a celebration of International Women’s Day and we thought, why not have one in Swindon?”

On hand during the day were Swindon Health Ambassadors Mel Bond and Peter Kent, who were helping to raise awareness of ovarian cancer among women between the ages of 50 and 70.

Mel said: “I don’t think ovarian cancer is talked about as much as it should be, I think women get to a certain age and think they’ve had children, their lives haven’t changed so they aren’t at risk, but we are here to raise awareness”

Staf from Pen and Paper, the stationery shop in Old Town, were also at the event to encourage women to get writing, while poetry and art workshops were held to get ladies from all different backgrounds to explore their creative talents.

The Swindon Soroptomists also marked International Women’s Day with a protest on a town centre footbridge against violence against women in solidarity with other groups meeting on bridges around the world.

TJenny King, president of Swindon Soroptomists, said: “This year we are campaigning against violence against women in all forms, including domestic violence and trafficking.

“We are asking people to sign a petition calling on the government to introduce legislation which will make it illegal for sex for sale adverts to appear in the media.”