On Friday 8th March we celebrated Women’s International Day at Newman University . The keynote speaker was Julie Etchingham, journalist and broadcaster   —  a familiar face on ITV’s News at 10.  She is the Pro Chancellor at Newman University and spoke about:

1) Navigating her way as a journalist and broadcaster.

2) The confidence deficit among women.

3) Making sure that female voices are heard.

Many of the women told about their coming from the toughest places in earlier life to becoming the best versions of themselves.

Civil Society builds community power for all people to act, to nurture, to teach and to live.

Mashkura Begum, a co-chair of Birmingham Citizens launched her book in which she gathered the stories of women from the Commonwealth and the contribution these everyday women have made in their communities and the City of Birmingham

When our Council is bankrupt, when there is little accountability, when cuts are made at the expense of social activities, education and mental health and the tax payer is picking up the tab we must hold on to our anger.  The task of bringing those in authority to account is ours.  As women and indeed as Mercy women we can raise each other up.  We go the extra mile.  We build hope and work so that each person is respected, safe, included and empowered.

And so we were told to be brave, be kind and be inspired by our journey.

“What a comfort if I am permitted to see some secure means of supporting our poor women and children established”  

Venerable Catherine McAuley