A SPECIAL event was held to celebrate females across the county as part of International Women’s Day.

Almost 100 women gathered at Theatr Clwyd for a special event organised by Flintshire City of Sanctuary.

Attendees included women from local Syrian families, entrepreneurs and businesswomen, AM Hannah Blythyn, High Sheriff of Clwyd as well as members of social enterprises and charities.

Simultaneous Arabic translation was provided at the event along with print translation of the brochure. The event was made possible by a Community Cohesion grant of the Welsh Government and the translation equipment loaned by Menter Iaith.

Katja Jewell, founder of Flintshire City of Sanctuary gave everyone a ‘warm’ welcome and encouraged them to share their stories.

Hannah Blythyn AM for Delyn said: “It was a privilege to be part of Flintshire City of Sanctuary’s International Women’s Event at Theatr Clwyd. I met many amazing and inspiring women and heard about the wonderful work happening across communities.”

As part of the proceedings a World Peace Flame was lit. Each woman was invited to light their own candle from it and then join in a moment of quiet reflection to share the light of peace. Jill Blandford, a Dru yoga teacher from Mold, talked about the work of the World Peace Flame Foundation and its origins at the International Dru Yoga Centre in Snowdonia (www.worldpeaceglame.com).

Attendees were then treated to a performance by local musician and artist Elfin Bow who said: “Wow, what a privilege to be performing at this wonderful event celebrating amazing women who are driving forward inclusive and empowering initiatives like Flintshire City of Sanctuary, business owners and politicians who have humanity and heart and women who have been given sanctuary here in Wales and are not only contributing so much to the communities they now live in, but are thriving in every way.

“We need events like this to remind us of the hope, hard work, humility and open mindedness of many amazing people that do not see borders or barriers to opening their doors, their businesses and lives to others in need.”

The event, aimed at celebrating diversity in Flintshire, sought to promote integration and gender equality, to raise the profile of Flintshire City of Sanctuary whilst fostering a sense of community and mutual friendship of women in Flintshire.

Donations collected at the event, raising in excess of £200, will be going towards the Red Cross Syria Appeal and AberAid.

Elfin Bow donated 100 per cent of the proceeds from sales of her CDs at the event. Raffle donations were provided by The Yarn Clock, Beauty By Design, Good Health Emporium, Serenity Office Services, Fur & Nails Pet Services, Members of Flintshire City of Sanctuary and included a signed copy of Nadiya Hussain’s book ‘Finding My Voice’.

Flintshire City of Sanctuary is a cross community organisation whose vision is to make Flintshire a place of sanctuary and welcome for those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries.

More information can be found by contacting info@flintshire.cityofsanctuary.org