It was a true honour to welcome so many passionate residents to Erdington’s St Barnabas Church on the High Street this week, as we came together to mark International Women’s Day.
The room was filled with the energy of around 50 attendees who gathered to celebrate a morning of powerful storytelling and community spirit. While International Women’s Day is a global moment, this event was a beautiful reminder that the fight for equality and empowerment starts right here on our local streets.
I was privileged to hear from an incredible lineup of guest speakers, all of whom are making a tangible difference in Erdington and beyond:
Linda Hines of Witton Lodge Community Association
Dawn Edwards of Erdington Litter Busters
Alisha Benjamin from Girls for a Change
Keshia Hamilton, Councillor Candidate and Children’s Commissioner
Each of these inspiring women shared their deeply personal journeys into community work. They spoke candidly about their motivations, the challenges they have overcome, and the passion that drives them to support others. Whether it’s through community development, environmental action, empowering young girls, or advocating for children, their stories were a powerful testament to the impact of female leadership at a grassroots level.
This year’s national theme, Give to Gain, resonated strongly throughout the discussions. It serves as a vital reminder that when we invest in women’s safety, rights, and leadership, we are not just helping individuals; we are building stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities for everyone.
A huge thank you to St Barnabas Church for hosting us, and to every single woman who came along to share their story or listen to those of others.
Let’s keep pushing for equality, not just today, but every day.