Inspirational messages were at the heart of a special evening at Warwick Castle ahead of International Women’s Day.
The stunning venue was lit up with purple IWD colours in honour of the event, organised by Ladies First Professional Development Network Group which celebrated this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain.’
A line-up of speakers all sharing their personal stories, insights and journeys to success, were: news anchor and freelance journalist, Suzanne Virdee, from Redditch; retired Coventry MP Collen Fletcher MBE; founder of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors in Leamington, Elinor Perry; founder of The Hosking Houses Trust in Stratford, Sarah Hosking OBE and Chief Superintendent of The West Midlands Police, Kim Madill.
The evening was hosted by broadcaster and producer Arti Halai, who has spent 15 years in TV as a presenter, reporter and producer for BBC and ITV and over 15 years as an entrepreneur and public speaker.
Ladies First Director Tracey McAtamney said: “The evening honoured the achievements of women while inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. As always with Ladies First, supporting charity is close to our hearts. With the message “Give to Gain”, it felt especially meaningful to support The Esther Project and the incredible work they do for women in need.
“Thanks to the generosity in the room, the funds raised on the night were donated to them and we were also able to shine a light on the important impact of their work. A powerful reminder that when women come together with purpose, we can create real change.
She added: “I am incredibly grateful to the sponsors who made this International Women’s Day event possible. Their contribution allowed us to bring not only schoolgirls into the room, but also vulnerable women who may not always have access to spaces like this.
“Seeing them share the same space, hear powerful stories and connect with one another was truly special. I hope every woman who attended left feeling seen, uplifted and reminded of her strength and potential.”
The evening also supported two charitable causes, the Shine Together Initiative and The Esther Project. The Leamington-based gender-specific initiative is dedicated to supporting women experiencing domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness, incorporating Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation.
In the past year, The Leamington-based Esther Project has supported more than 70 women across Warwickshire, including nine women living in its supported accommodation. The organisation’s drop-in sessions saw 343 attendances from 69 women, while 160 counselling sessions were delivered to help women recover from trauma and rebuild confidence. The project also provided 43 community meals, six training courses and recruited 53 volunteers, creating a growing network of support for women who might otherwise face crisis alone.
Founder Lianne Kirkman said: “Community support like this makes a real difference. The £860 raised will help us continue supporting women across Warwickshire who are recovering from domestic abuse, trauma, addiction and homelessness risk. Every pound helps us provide the safe spaces, counselling and community support that women need to rebuild their lives.”
A big surprise on the night went to Anita Dinnes who won the star raffle prize of a £1,800 diamond necklace, courtesy of Rafayel Diamonds.
Guests were also invited to bring along their old hairbrushes to donate to The Shine Together Initiative, set up to support women’s shelters and local centres.
Ladies First Professional Development Network is a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.
The event was supported by sponsors Alsters Kelley Solicitors, Chalmers News PR; Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR and Visually Virtual Photography as well as contributions by Warwickshire Gin Company, Aspire HR, Anita Dinnes of BCSL Consulting, Jamieson Christie Wealth Management & Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club.
About Ladies First
Ladies First is an organisation based on three principles referred to as the 3 I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce.
They hold monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions.
The group welcomes members and drop-in guests and is an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career, the only requirement being that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women!
