THE MAYOR of Reading is hosting a special evening celebrating International Women’s Day next month.
An event at Reading Town Hall will highlight the contributions of women across cultures and communities through a series of talks and performances in March.
The celebration is inspired by one of the mayor’s chosen charities, the Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC), who approached the mayor to help shine a spotlight on women’s achievements, while supporting two incredible local causes.
RCLC works tirelessly to empower women and families from ethnic minority backgrounds in Reading, helping them thrive and connect in the community.
Proceeds from the evening will support the Mayor of Reading’s chosen charities, which he fundraises for throughout his Mayoral year.
These include Reading Community Learning Centre, which advocates for women and families in the borough, and Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group (RPCSG), which supports all people whose lives are affected by prostate cancer and raises awareness of the most common cancer in men in the UK.
The audience will hear from keynote speakers Professor Parveen Yaqoob OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading, and Earley and Woodley MP Yuan Yang.
Entertainment will come from The HongYun Dance Group from Reading Chinese School, Ukrainian choir Kryla, folk-rock band Dream Sellers, Indian dance group Nrityangana, and blues and jazz artist Ma Bessie.
There will also be a performance of a short play, Accelerate, written by Doris Allimadi – who will also star alongside Cllr Wendy Griffith – celebrating women from around the world with a blend of music and dancing.
Mayor of Reading Cllr Glenn Dennis said: “I am very excited by the rich variety and quality of local performers and guest speakers who will be appearing in this wonderful fundraiser to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“This uplifting event will highlight the amazing contributions of women from many different backgrounds and cultures around the world.
“It promises to be an entertaining, inspiring and moving evening which will also raise much needed funds for two very deserving local charities, Reading Community Learning Centre and Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group, who do so much for families in the borough.
“I look forward to seeing you at Reading Town Hall for a truly magnificent evening.”
Aisha Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Reading Community Learning Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor of Reading for supporting Reading Community Learning Centre and for helping to raise awareness and crucially vital funds for the continuation of our vital work with marginalised migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women.
“At RCLC, we champion equality and women’s rights, breaking down barriers to learning, integration, wellbeing, and employment.
“It is a true honour to have been chosen for the Mayor’s Event, especially as it coincides with International Women’s Day—a day that celebrates achievements, promotes equality, and advocates for women’s rights worldwide.”
She explained: “These are the very values that RCLC upholds, and we deeply appreciate the Mayor’s commitment to our cause and the women we support.
“The cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affects Black and minority ethnic women, who often lack access to public funding, forcing them into tough financial choices–systemic barriers further limit employment and support, making RCLC’s services more critical than ever.
“At a time when funding for core costs for small charities has decreased significantly and with women’s and girls’ organisations in the UK receiving just 1.8% of the total £4.1 billion in grants awarded to charities in 2021, such support from the Mayor is crucial to continue our mission.
“Join us to celebrate, inspire, and make a difference at an uplifting evening honouring the incredible women who shape our world.”
Steve Allen, Awareness Officer at Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group, said: “RPCSG is delighted to be able to be part of this important event.
“Men need to recognise the unwavering support that the women in our lives give to us–their strength can often become the bedrock on which we rely during our hardest moments.
“We should celebrate the resilience and compassion that each of us can bring throughout the whole journey of cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.”
The Mayor of Reading’s International Women’s Day Fundraiser is taking place at Reading Town Hall from 7pm on Thursday, March 6.
Full details and tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com/venues/town-hall
