Celebrating International Women's Day | Get into Newcastle
Celebrating International Women's Day
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH
This year's international women's day theme is #EachforEqual, a campaign to challenge stereotypes, broaden perceptions and celebrate women's achievements. Take a look at the events, initiatives and people working to promote gender equality across the city, the North East, the UK and beyond!
A weekend for women! Celebrate International Women’s Day weekend with our pick of inspiring events and socials across the city...
THIS GIRL CAN NEWCASTLE
5 MARCH
Active Newcastle are bringing their fabulous International Women’s Day celebration back to NE1 this spring! Taking place on 5th March at Exhibition Park, Active Newcastle are marking the occasion with a vibrant UV 1 mile or 5k run through the park. The This Girl Can run is the perfect opportunity to rally the troops, don your brightest sportswear and pick up some glow-sticks as you walk, jog, run or sprint the scenic route around Exhibition Park. Head to the Facebook page for more information on how you can sign up and get involved.
facebook.com/thisgirlcannewcastle
COCO’S #EACHFOREQUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
6 MARCH
COCO is a Newcastle-based charity working with remote communities in East Africa to provide quality education. They’re back with another fantastic International Women’s Day Event at Newcastle University Business School. The event, on Friday 6 March, will celebrate women of all backgrounds and cultures with guest speakers reminding us about the importance of gender equality in the city, the UK and beyond!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPEED DATING... FOR YOUR BUSINESS
6 MARCH
The Inspire Network is inviting city centre professionals in for a very special ‘speed dating for business’ session at Las Iguanas, Grey Street. Network your way around some of the city’s most inspiring ladies before hearing from the expert panel while you enjoy drinks and nibbles in a vibrant Grey Street location.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY POP-UP CHOIR
6 MARCH
Say it loud and say it proud with Newcastle University's empowering pop-up choir! Led by Bethany Ellen Coyle, join other fierce NE1 ladies and show your support for women around the world with a sensational sing-song at Monument.
INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM THE PAST
6 MARCH
Calling all creative ladies! Join an inspiring culture workshop this March at Newcastle City Library. This joint venture by Banyan Arts and Living History North East invites history- lovers in for a fun and educational session exploring the wonderful women who helped shape the future.
GET YOUR FREAK ON
7 MARCH
Ladies looking for a bit of after- hours fun in NE1 in celebration of International Women’s Day, should head to Empourium on Sandhill for a female-only party guaranteed to put smiles on faces this Saturday. Expect to hear some of the finest female DJs in the Toon, top class performers, cake, games and more!
facebook.com/empouriumnewcastle
NE YOUTH’S THIRD IWD PARTY
8 MARCH
Head to The WonderBar in The Gate this International Women’s Day for a sparkling celebration with the team at NE Youth. They’re celebrating eight and a half decades in business, supporting over a million young people across the North East in that time. Show your support, pick up a glass of fizz and enjoy an afternoon of fabulous, female entertainment. Tickets are only £20 too!
A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN ART
9 MARCH
Tootle over to the Green Room on Pilgrim Street for an inspiring celebration of women in art! A free event from the folk at EXPLORE Lifelong Learning, learn all about Theresa Poulton's work with Syrian and Sudanese refugees, be amazed by Louise Mackenzie's lab-based research into microbial organisms and get inspired by Victoria Horne's research into the depiction of women reading in artworks.
THE WOMEN DRIVING OUR CITY FORWARD...
RACHEL KERSHAW
Title
Voiceover, Copywriter & Blogger
What is your proudest achievement?
Setting up my own business in 2019. It took a lot of bravery and self-belief, but i'm so glad I did it!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t live beyond your means and take good care of your health.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
I recently met Laura Rothwell from Crystallised, a local creative agency. I was hugely inspired by her journey and work ethic and love that she offers a free mentoring scheme for young women in the North East.
KATIE SMYTH
Title
President of Newcastle University Students’ Union
How did you get to where you are now?
Worked hard at school, threw myself into the University experience, got angered that all the Presidents’ I’d known had been men, so felt I had to give it a go.
What is your proudest achievement?
That we’re the first University in the country to have free menstrual products for all our students.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Be confident and don’t put yourself off things, because you’re just as worthy.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
Has to be Julie Sanders, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University. She has social justice and students at the heart of everything she does.
SWEE GOODISON
Title
This Girl Can Newcastle Campaign Lead
How did you get to where you are now?
I came from a law and marketing background. I am a Community Sports Development Officer overseeing the This Girl Can Newcastle campaign.
How has Newcastle played a part in shaping your life?
It is a progressive city that provides great opportunities for women.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
Shout out to all This Girl Can Newcastle ambassadors, volunteers and supporters – you all deserve to be recognised the most!
CHRISTINE HAWDON
Title
Divisional Director, Investment Management at Brewin Dolphin
How did you get to where you are now?
I believe it all comes down to hard work and perseverance. If you have those two qualities, you’ll go far.
Tell us one rule you live by?
To treat others as I would like to be treated.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust your instincts and stop worrying!
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
All the fantastic ladies juggling a busy home/work life.
KAY GREYSON
Title
Musician
What is your proudest achievement?
In music, I would say it’s performing at the Royal Albert Hall last year.
It was a surreal moment of ‘did they really let me in here?’ I was so excited.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say to stop stressing, you’ll become the person you’re supposed to be and it’ll be a much longer process then your impatient self anticipated. I would also say stop drinking milk, you’re lactose intolerant and you don’t know it yet but that’s what’s making you sick.
Shout out to another female doing good in the city of Newcastle?
There is a band named POLO and the lead singer, Kat, is a genius. She’s based in York but Newcastle has adopted her. Also shout out to my mum, she’s a soldier and works harder than anyone I’ve ever met.
VICTORIA ANDERSON
Title
Assistant Business Manager at Charlotte Tilbury, Fenwick Newcastle
How did you get to where you are now?
After five years at home with my children, I knew I wanted to explore my creative side and surround myself with people. Helping people feel like the best versions of themselves is most definitely good for the soul and my role allows me to do that.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is having the courage to reinvent myself after years of being a full time Mam. Women feel an immense pressure to maintain a happy home while trying to succeed in a competitive world.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
Beauty editor, Helen Wilson-Beevers. She's battled with health issues for years and has been a support to many women including myself.
AMY-JADE DEVITT
Title
Sales & Events Manager, Banyan
How did you get to where you are now?
I started working in the hospitality industry at 18, and from then worked from promotion staff to venue management and eventually moved to the sales side of the business. I have worked for both independent and national brands, picking up knowledge and skills along the way.
What is your proudest achievement?
I am proud to be setting an example to my two young daughters. Being a working mum is by no means an easy ride, but I can only hope my daughters see that you can achieve anything you want and can achieve whatever goals you set!
Tell us one rule you live by?
If you can, you should! If you can help someone, then you should always try to. Never ask others to do something you are not willing to do yourself.
OONAGH CRANLEY
Title
Associate Director, Planning and Heritage, Lichfields
How did you get to where you are now?
I trained as a Town Planner and Urban Designer, later specialising in heritage. I worked for several years in Ireland and Scotland and moved to Newcastle in 2013 to be with my (now) husband. I joined Lichfields Planning Consultancy and carved out a role for myself as a Heritage Consultant, helping to build their heritage team in the North of England.
What is your proudest achievement?
Professionally, I’ve worked on some fantastic projects - the Stephenson Quarter UTC was recently shortlisted for a National Award for Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture. As Secretary of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) North Branch, I also work hard to promote the amazing assets, projects and professionals we have here in the region.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Have a goal but not a plan. Things definitely won’t work out as you imagine but that’s ok. Some of my best roles have come from finding opportunities in adversity. Even if something doesn’t quite fit the bill, it’s all experience and will lead you to where you want to be - so take a chance.
Tell us one rule you live by?
Stay positive and passionate. We’ll be working for a very long time so make sure you find something that interests and challenges you. That way, you’ll stay inspired to do your best.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
Cathy Russell, Associate Urban Designer at Ryder Architecture. She’s passionate about creating sustainable, healthy places and introduced me to ‘Urbanistas North East’, a collaborative women-led network amplifying women’s voices to make cities better for everyone.
CLAIRE KNIGHT
Title
Managing Director and Founder, The Traveller and the Bear
How did you get to where you are now?
I studied Business Studies at Napier University in Edinburgh. I worked for RAPP and Union Direct before moving back to the North East where I worked up the ranks at Different for 11 years. The truth is, there was a lot of hard work, grit and determination that doesn’t translate well onto paper. I’ve just embarked on my bravest venture to date too – setting up The Traveller and the Bear!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just go for it, what’s the worst that can happen? Don’t get wrapped up in worrying about what other people think.
Shout out to another female doing great things in Newcastle?
Rebecca Marley, CEO and Founder of We are Auburn, an online digital publication on a mission to improve the self confidence of women throughout the UK.
