Hundreds of schoolgirls attend International Women’s Day event

08 March 2017

Around 200 schoolgirls in Aberdeen have celebrated International Women’s Day at a special event at the city’s Beach Ballroom today (Wednesday 08 March).

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam had invited the young women from the city’s secondary schools to hear inspirational speakers Dr Elly Barnes MBE and Elaine Farquharson-Black speak about their careers, and to see singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph perform.

Dr Barnes is the founder and Chief Executive of Educate & Celebrate a charity which aims to make schools and organisations LGBT+ Friendly places.

Ms Farquharson-Black heads the planning division of law firm Burness Paull. She also captained the Great Britain and Ireland Ladies Golf team to win the Curtis Cup in 2016, and has been retained as captain for the forthcoming Ladies Golf Union at the Vagliano Torphy in Italy.

International Women’s Day is held on 8 March every year to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The theme of this year’s global event is #BeBoldForChange.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam said “Despite all the action to make a more equal society there is still a significant gender gap. If we want to see a big change then there has to be significant, targeted action. I hope this event in Aberdeen will get people thinking about how they can make that change happen.”

Dr Elly Barnes MBE said: “I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to speak on such a prolific and important day in the equalities calendar. Our young people are key on the journey to inclusion to ensure all are treated equally and fairly. Today’s event will help to further empower young women to make positive change and create a future with social justice at its core.”

Elaine Farquharson-Black, Partner at Burness Paull said: “Sport has played a central role in my career hence I was delighted to highlight how the skills that are gained through participating in sport can empower women and help them progress in business as well.”

Marischal College will be bathed in purple in support of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 08 March.