KINGSWAY hall will be opening its doors to celebrate women’s achievements, explore women’s issues and hear women’s voices to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

Harwich and north Essex Labour Party is holding a Women’s Conference, in Dovercourt, where women will be talking about a range of important topics from sexual violence to adult education opportunities.

The event is being held on March 9 - the day after International Women’s Day, which has been running annually across the globe since 1911.

The theme of the conference will be “empowering and building confidence of women across our constituency” and consist of speakers and workshops.

Rosalind Scott, a Wivenhoe councillor, will be holding a talk on what it is like to be a local female councillor for the event.

Rebecca Rocket, from Unite Community, will talk about how women can organise themselves in the workplace and the benefits of joining unions.

Workshops will be held on how to win a community campaign with India Thorogood of the Labour Party.

Representatives from the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse will hold a workshop on victims and survivors of sexual violence.

A spokesman said: “The centre works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

“Alongside a wide range of specialist support services, it also delivers workshops, training, events and activism to raise awareness of sexual violence and push for change.”

Clare Hawkins and Sally Wilcox, who work in adult further education and higher education, will be holding a session about courses for adults locally and how to turn initial ideas into achievable plans.

As well as these workshops Susan Hollinrake will discuss women in the care sector of work.

The conference is being held from 10.30am to 3pm and registrations starts at 10am.

There will be some refreshment provided and some Indian vegetarian lunch available to purchase at £3.50 per person.

Guests can bring their own lunch if preferred.