By Chantelle Tindall
It is a hundred years since women got the right to vote in the United Kingdom - a move spearheaded by Emmeline Pankhurst who was born in Moss Side - Greater Manchester in 1858 and is a cause for celebration still. What a fine example to us all, she is.
This was such an overwhelming event that I decided to do it in two parts. One piece would not do it justice given the remarkable women who were in attendance freely talking about how they serve their communities.
Wednesday 14th March 2018 marked the continued celebration of this year's International Women's Day. It was the perfect occasion as it fittingly commemorated a 100 years of the rights for women to vote and also paid tribute to the contributions of strong Manchester women of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) heritage.
It was a coffee morning that hosted both women and school girls from diverse ethnic backgrounds and representing different charity groups and community services. They were there to showcase their food, beautifully decorated tables, and flamboyant outfits. Each table represented a charity organization and was wholly unique.
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The day began with an introductory speech from the organisers that enlightened guests about the event. They highlighted the importance of both women's roles in society and the significance of International Women's Day itself. They then emphasised how important it was that women eventually won the right to vote and explained the role of the BME Network in today's society.
Although the theme of the day was about paying tribute to and celebrating strong Manchester women of heritage - both past and present, it was also an occasion of fun and excitement as there was a plethora of prizes to be won. These were for the best table dressing, food, and also, most stylish women present. On display were an array of colours, from table cloth, to tea-sets, and other curios, including my own talking drum. The food and drinks from the different parts of the world represented also made for a dazzling spectacle.
The judges went from table to table, taking in each display, tasting the different delicacies and also asking questions about the curios. Eventually, they chose the winners in different categories. The Bangladeshi Women’s Society won the Best Food prize. The Dynamic Support Group from Cameroon won the prize for Best Dressed Women. The Best Table Dressing prize divided the judges who then threw the rule book out of the window and made it fun by announcing joint winners. Both Levenshulme High School Girls and Community on Solid Ground were the lucky winners. I can confirm they were worthy as every detail on their tables was set to perfection.
I was a guest at the Nigerian Women's Group table hosted by Dr. Erinma Bell MBE. We supplied delicacies which included akara, kulikuli, peanuts, puff-puff and chinchin. Although our table was beautifully decorated, unfortunately we did not win any prizes.
Later, we all went round to taste and see what was on offer and see why those who were eventual winners won. I also interviewed some of the participants about their projects in their different communities. More of that in Part Two.
Finally, it was agreed on our table that come the next coffee morning, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure we win a prize or better still, win in all of the categories!
The International Women's Day 2018 at Levenshulme High School Manchester organised by the BME Network left a lasting and positive impression on me. It offered hope for a better future for tomorrow’s girls and women.