International Women’s Day Oldham ~ 8th March 2012

Every year on 8th March the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD). To help mark the occasion, Oldham based Aksa homes are hosting an event at the Pakistani Community Centre, Marlborough Street, Oldham.

Fully funded by Aksa, this key celebratory event for the region gives women of all cultures the opportunity to meet and share experiences. It will be carried out in a very relaxed atmosphere as free pampering sessions including hand massage and nail art will be available.

The event, which is open to all women, aims to raise awareness on some very sensitive topics such as domestic abuse, honour based killings and forced marriages.

Neelum Mehmood, Project Officer at Aksa says: “As a landlord who provides homes for a diversity of residents, we are delighted to be hosting this empowering, cultural event for women of our communities.

Neelum adds: “The subjects that will be discussed on the day are very delicate, which is why we have invited such a professional group to attend to ensure the topics are treated with understanding. It is a great opportunity for our different cultures to join together and celebrate womanhood, whilst building relationships”

There will be guest speakers, including Priya Manota from registered charity Karma Nirvana. Priya’s background in children’s services and education makes her well-suited to the sensitive task of overseeing the daily functioning of the Honour Network help-line.

Aksa has also arranged for an Islamic female scholar to give a talk on The Qur’an, Hadith and Sahabah.

Other agencies being represented are Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG) and Saheli. WHAG empowers and enables woman aged 16+ who are homeless, experiencing domestic violence, vulnerable and require support to sustain their tenancy. Saheli gives Asian women a chance to get away from violent domestic situations by providing an environment which is safe.

This is a free event with workshops, pampering sessions, food and refreshments and is open from 10am – 2pm on Thursday 8th March. For those wishing to attend please contact 0161 620 2992 as places are limited.

http://www.24dash.com/news/communities/2012-02-29-Internationa-Womens-Day