Some of Trafford’s most inspirational women have joined forces to celebrate the borough’s annual International Women’s Day Awards.

The event, hosted by Cllr Joanne Harding, Executive member for Adult Social Care, was held on Friday at Flixton Girls School and attended by more than 80 women and students.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global event aimed at highlighting the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Marked annually on 8 March, this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias.

Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough. Action is needed to level the playing field, say event organisers.

Cllr Harding said it was a pleasure to welcome everyone, adding: “This was the perfect venue as I wanted the girls at the school to meet some incredible Trafford women.

“The students are, after all, tasked with shaping the future.”

Two students also spoke during the celebration and talked about how Maysem Alkhfaji, Flixton Girls Council Vice President, and Jayah Montrose-Walklet, Flixton Girls Council Equality Ambassador, had made a positive influence to their lives.

They also highlighted the importance of IWD and particularly the need to raise awareness of the battles women still face.

Meanwhile, Cllr Harding, spoke of fostering a stronger relationship with the school in a bid to develop a student mentoring programme.

She added: “I congratulate every woman that was nominated; you are all winners.

“Thank you for working selflessly and tirelessly for your communities; you are women that young girls can look up to seek support from.

“It is so important to celebrate the brilliant achievements of women while recognising we still have a way to go.

“I look forward to collaborating with Flixton Girls School on this new exciting mentoring project.

“That said, I’m also immensely proud to say that there are already some incredible women leading the charge right here in Trafford.”

The winners are as follows:

Above and Beyond Award -presented by Stretford and Urmston MP, Kate Green – to Joan Hibberd, who up until recently was still volunteering at Stretford Foodbank.

Mrs Hibbard has committed her entire life to helping others in her community.

Frontline worker– Natalie Geist

Young Woman– Sadaf Nazari

Faith– Karen Salisbury

Business– Josephine Broadstock

Health & Social Care- Amanda Chadwick

Voluntary Sector -Kerry Marfleet