Another successful International Women’s Day Event by Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association.

The day begun with our Treasurer, Zahida Perveen welcoming everyone to our event. Zahida spoke in Urdu whilst our Deputy Manager Tanzeem Mahmood, translated to English. This was to ensure everyone attending received the same welcome to our International Women’s Event.

Cllr Sameena Zaheer spoke a few words about her experience as a woman becoming a Councillor to serve her local community. Shazia Kamran from Hopwood Hall College also spoke about her work as an ESOL Tutor and the support given to adults whose first language is not English, in teaching English. The success of the day is thanks to Khaldha Manzoor, Centre Manager, and her amazing staff team who have worked hard over the last few months ensuring everything went to plan. Lots of different agencies attended the day in order to network and promote their services to the women of Rochdale Borough (Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton and The Pennines).

In addition to the agencies who attended we had female staff from Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and the British Army. All the females from the three services spoke about their careers to the women visiting their displays. Lance Corporal (LCpl) Eleanor Ramsden & LCpl Ella Murr from the British Army North West Outreach Team spoke about their time serving as soldiers. They also brought along two headsets which the women and young girls enjoyed having a virtual experience of jumping out of an aeroplane. Everyone of all ages, who had a go, said they enjoyed the experience. One of the women attending the event spoke to the two LCpl’s about her father spending time in the British Indian Army and how she has his medals from his time served.

Greater Manchester Army Cadets also had a stall to show the work they do with young people between the ages of 12 and 18. The Army Cadets are a uniformed youth organisation like the other uniformed youth organisations such as the Police Cadets, Fire Cadets, Guides and Scouts. Some of the women enjoyed pampering sessions which included Head and Hand Massages, Mendhi, Hair & Make Up and much more. Great food was available at lunch time and then sweets were on sale from The Candy Shak for those with a sweet tooth. Speaking to Khaldha Manzoor after the event she said “Thank you to everyone who came along to our event.

I would like to give a huge thanks to the local business’ who never fail to provide food and prizes for our raffles. I would also like to thank Gail Hopper, Director of Children’s Services for Rochdale Borough who took time out of her busy schedule to come along and spend some time at our event.” The following are the businesses who regularly support RWWA. Arif Cash & Carry, Watan Cash & Carry, Punjab Take Away, A1 Chip Shop and Chunky Chicken.