Broxtowe gives to gain for International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Give To Gain’ (Opens in a new window). Individuals and organisations all over the world will be taking time to acknowledge and celebrate those who contribute towards women’s advancement.  

There are many ways to give: whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Broxtowe Borough Council are highlighting the contributions of a few Broxtowe volunteers and colleagues who give what they can to help women’s causes. Their stories demonstrate the breadth of support available across the Borough.

Sporting superstars

For many women and girls in Broxtowe, joining a sports team brings not only a chance to get fitter and have fun, but also a sense of community. 

Judith Humphries, Secretary of Eastwood Town Cricket Club says: “We have teenage girls as well as women in their 60s who have come to love the sport. Many of them will tell you that becoming part of this club has changed their lives significantly, as some are recently widowed, divorced, going through the menopause or struggling with their mental health.”

Nottingham Casuals Rugby Club (Opens in a new window) is based in Beeston, and attracts players from across the Borough. Women's Team Manager and player Meredith Coney says: “Our brilliant coaches build not only our rugby skills but also our overall physical health, including support during menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. Nottingham Casuals prides itself on creating an inclusive environment where every woman can feel part of the rugby family.”

Health heroes

Alison Rounce, Nottingham West Primary Care Network (Opens in a new window) Director, volunteers to help women working in the NHS in Broxtowe and Nottinghamshire grow in their careers. She focuses on encouraging women to step into leadership roles by offering coaching, mentoring, and connecting them with peer-support networks. Alison says: “This work is important because most NHS staff are women, but there are still too few women in top leadership roles. When women lead, decisions are more inclusive, services better respond to people's needs, and the workplace becomes more positive and supportive.”

Active Lifestyles (Opens in a new window) Instructor Sarah Starbuck delivers one-to-one Exercise Referral gym sessions at Bramcote Leisure Centre, Chilwell Olympia, Stapleford Community Pavilion and Greasley Sports and Community Centre. She also delivers Postural Stability (strength and balance) classes across the Borough, alongside Boxfit, Spinning, menopause strength workshops, and menopause coffee groups. Sarah says: “The women I work with are often managing long-term health conditions, recovering from illness, navigating menopause, or rebuilding confidence after difficult life events.”

Activists and allies

We all have an important part to play in supporting women’s causes. As Jeff Buck, volunteer for Broxtowe Women’s Project (Opens in a new window), puts it: “It's vital for men to get involved in whatever way they can to help tackle issues that affect women and girls, whether by simply changing the way they behave individually, calling out other men who exhibit sexist attitudes and behaviour, or getting involved with a campaign group.”

Jeff works with Broxtowe Women’s Project at public events and projects to raise awareness and educate people about key issues. Their next joint project will focus on raising awareness of domestic abuse in the workplace to businesses in Kimberley, which will be delivered in collaboration with Broxtowe Borough Council in April.

How will you Give To Gain?

Visit the International Women’s Day website (Opens in a new window) to discover more ways to get involved. 

Events taking place in Broxtowe for International Women’s Day

• Women Say Stuff is a long-running poetry and spoken word open mic, celebrating International Women’s Day. On Sunday 8 March, they will be celebrating at Middle Street Resource Centre and via Zoom, from 3:00pm-5:30pm. This event will feature special guest performances from Davina Songbird and Elvire Roberts, plus an open mic open to all women (trans inclusive). Find out more at Women Say Stuff 11 (Opens in a new window).
• Join Broxtowe Women’s Project as they celebrate International Women’s Day through the power of women’s voices. This uplifting evening of music, connection and community will be held on Tuesday 10 March 6.30pm - 8.30pm at Greasley Sports and Community Centre, and will feature performances from the Broxtowe Women’s Project Choir, Romy, Ursa Major, and local female artists. This is a free community event, open to everyone. Donations are welcome, with a small fundraiser on the night to support the work of this wonderful charity. Find out more and get your free tickets on their Eventbrite page (Opens in a new window).