THERE will be workshops and discussions to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Hosted by Southend Council, the Be Bold for Change themed day will offer workshops for prospective female leaders courtesy of Emma Nicholls of Your Red Dress and the Council’s Women Action Learning Group will be sharing information with attendees.

Speakers will include Kate Willard, Head of Global Projects at Stobart Group who will discuss leading change and being a woman in leadership in a male-dominated industry and Juliette Alban-Metcalfe of Real World Group – discussing female leaders experiences and presenting specific trends.

Other speakers include Sherry Fuller what women have achieved to the present day and where women go next and female councillors will be discussing their journey into politics including any challenges and how they overcame them.

Andrew Moring, Councillor for Corporate and Community Support, said: “Everyone can help make that change and I hope all attendees take inspiration from this event to do so.”

A number of awareness and information stalls, including OUTreach – the Council’s LGBT staff forum -  and Unison will be on hand to give advice and information plus find out about Southend Soroptomists, Running Sisters, Health Walks, Active Women, blood pressure checks and a discussion about women’s heart health.

Mindfulness sessions on offer will include a presentation of the major uses of mindfulness plus simple stretches, an exercise to re-focus the mind away from stressful thinking and, time permitting, a mindful listening exercise to encourage empathy.

The day will take place on Wednesday March 8 between 12noon and 2pm at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend.