A CELEBRATION of female empowerment was held in Dovercourt to mark this year's International Women's Day.

An event called Let's Run the World Girls was held in Kingsway Hall on Saturday, March 9, to mark the national day.

It was organised by Harwich and North Essex Labour Party and funded by Unite Union with the aim of building confidence and empowering women from all walks of life.

For the event there were a number of inspirational female speakers including Wivenhoe councillor Rosalind Scott and prospective Labour party candidate for Colchester Tina McKay.

Workshops were held about accessing education, social care, community campaigning and survivors of sexual violence.

Solma Ahmed, vice-chair of Harwich and North Essex Constituency Labour Party, said: "Of course, we have made progress but we still need to create a better balance in our society to make a real change.

"It was overwhelming and heart warming to hear comments from the floor about the event.

"This is just the beginning of what is to take place in our constituency to bring about real change."

Resident Martine Angel who also attended the event said: "I came to the event feeling a failure; I left feeling that I can change the world.

"Thank you to the wonderful ladies I met.

"You went the extra mile to make someone you had never met before feel part of your family.

"You are truly extraordinary ladies and deserve to be heard.

"I am so touched to have met women who truly care and not only do they care, they are gathering to change what is wrong.

The day ended with songs from Katy Bingham-Best.