Equality centre stage on Women's Day

Wigan Council is hosting a ticket-only event in the town hall atrium tomorrow from 11am to 3.30pm where speakers will address gender inequality in sport, comedy, politics, business, media and engineering.

Wigan Olympic medallist Jenny Meadows will address the issue in the sporting world, while actor and comedian Vic Cook will present the event and draw upon her personal experiences as a female in comedy. Cabinet member Coun Jo Platt will speak about being a female in politics and council chief executive Donna Hall will talk about her walk and what inspires her.

The International Women’s Day theme for this year is #BeBoldForChange and the council are encouraging residents to sign up for a free ticket for the event and to talk about the ways individuals and organisations can instigate a change in society.

There will also be a pop-up exhibition in Wigan Life Centre reception between 2pm and 4pm, where residents can get advice about researching their family tree to find out if there are any inspirational women in their ancestry.

The Museum of Wigan Life will also host a one-woman performance about sufragette Sylvia Pankhurst (showing at 10am and second 2pm). Tickets are £5 per adult and £4.50 per child and can be bought by calling into the museum or by calling 01942 828128

Tickets for the International Women’s Day event in the town hall can be registered for at www.eventbrite.com and by searching International Women’s Day 2017 - #BeBoldForChange, or by following Wigan Council on Facebook and Twitter. There are 40 tickets up for grabs and entry cannot be guaranteed without a ticket.