Dozens of people took part in exercise classes, wellbeing activities and beauty treatments during an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

More than 30 organisations took part at the community day which was held last Tuesday at Verdon Recreation Centre, Burngreave.

Activities, workshops, and information stalls were offered to provide advice and support around physical and mental health, as well as practical information and community safety.

Event organiser Dominique Dowd, 37, said: “It’s always good to get everyone in a room together to allow for communication and networking amongst the different organisations. It also allows for the important conversations to take place between the members of the community and those working to support the community.”

Stalls were hosted by different organisations focused on topics including cancer, the menopause, chronic pain, volunteering, housing and council services.

Jill Sheppard, 63, an employment specialist from Working Win, said: “I think it’s very important [to celebrate International Women’s Day] especially in this day and age.

“There’s so many things that get missed, and I think a lot of women have been, especially from my point of view and in employment, the managers of the house for long enough, and I think it’s nice to be able to recognise who they are as a person.

“Not just a mum, not just a wife, but a person, with real feelings, real values, and to be able to go out and celebrate it.”

The event was a collaboration between charities SOAR, Friends of Foundry, and Reach Up Youth.

Ms Dowde, who works on the family and communities team at SOAR as a community development worker, added: “I hope this event provides women with the resources they need to improve their lives in whatever way is important to them.

“For some women it might just mean a couple of hours out of the house, doing something fun in the presence of other women. For some it might be finding out ways they can improve their physical health. For some it might be making contacts with people who could help them into employment.”

One of the craft activities was run by the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, with a session to make paper flowers in white, purple and green, the colours of the Suffragette movement. 

Miriam David, 25, an advice worker at Citizens Advice said: “This kind of event is such a great opportunity for women from different communities to come together and occupy a space that is a safe space, and that is important for women in any community really.”

The event also offered a lunch of dal, rice and samosas, and a DJ played music by women from around the world. 

Tasha Kistnen, 34, a wellbeing coach based in Burngreave, said: “There are so many wonderful women everywhere from all different communities in Sheffield. It’s great to see everyone coming together.” 

The gathering for International Women’s Day took place at Verdon Recreation Centre, the base for Reach Up Youth, a charity that encourages young people to get into sport and away from crime.

SOAR have other active projects including Health Activities and Food (Healthy Holidays), which is aimed at providing meals to school children during school holidays, supporting grassroots community organisations, and working with Community Champions.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion”, and will take place on Friday.