International Women's Day

I had a fabulous time celebrating International Women's Day last week.

On Friday, I attended the Westcounty Women's Awards event at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth. The day examined Rights Justice Action.

The event was packed full of fantastic speakers hosted by Alexis Bowater. It was particularly great to listen to members of the Devon Women's Leadership Network Joanitha Joshua and Sarah West, as well as to listen to all the fantastic speakers. I especially loved listening to Claire Palmer, Becky Loto, Brandie Deignan again, too. And a big shout out to Katie Geraghty too, for having the confidence to make the Plymouth Literary Festival a reality.

I ran my first ever stand at the event and had a great time speaking to people during the networking sessions. Jacqueline Vaughan was an amazing helper, and I couldn't have managed without her!

It was wonderful to celebrate the day with so many members of the network. Jacqui, Charlotte Salter, Laura Adams, Emma Cross, Linda Hobbs, Joanitha, Sarah Nikki Stanger, and Louise Jenner

It was lovely that Jasmine Peglar representative of the network's sponsor Nash & Co Solicitors LLP was also able to spend the day with us.

It was fabulous to meet you in person Catherine Holmes, and I enjoyed putting the world to rights with you in the bar after the event!

Alison Hernandez the elected police and crime commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Police won the bottle of bubbly for entering a draw sharing her ideas about the most important quality of a leader.

And then on Sunday, I hosted Step Up Network's webinar with Mubina Hussein. It was great to talk to Helen Claire (Menopause in Schools) and Hannah Jenson (Opogo Education)about how we can ensure workplaces are women-friendly.

I loved the rich conversation including a focus on ensuring that women are able to have dignity around access to toilets, menstruation and breast feeding.

What did you do for International Women's Day?