March the 8^th is the global day for celebrating the achievement of all women past and present.  Women on all continents, though often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their day.  Reflecting this diversity, Longford Women's Link will be offering a variety of activities that we hope all women living in Co Longford can participate in and enjoy.

Longford Women's Link will be celebrating International Women's Day on Saturday the 6^th March, by holding a day of food, activities and entertainment for the women of Co Longford at their well-known centre in Ardnacassa Avenue.  Admission is free and all women are welcome.

The theme of the event is to offering women a real pampering day.  As women often provide the majority of unpaid caring work in our society; we feel it is particularly important to both celebrate their achievements and provide women with a day for themselves.  The event will run between 12.00-4.00pm: Longford Women's Link invites women to come along at any time during the day - something will always be going on.

The Day will start at the centre at 12am with an International Café where you can eat your way around the world!  There will be dishes to sample from a large variety of countries, including:  Ireland, Russia, Nigeria, China, Indian, Philippines, Zimbabwe to name but a few. This space will provide a unique opportunity to try new foods, meet new friends and learn about various cultures.

Between 12-4pm there will be a series of workshops. These include the popular drumming workshop that encourages women to create sound and energy together using African drums.  The painting workshop will create a mural, celebrating women's achievements both locally and globally.

Unfortunately, the achievements of women are frequently over looked, not least because many women fail to recognise -or even value - their own contributions to their families and communities, as well as to the wider social, economic and political development of our world.  International Women's Day, which has been commemorated for over a hundred years, particularly celebrates women's considerable achievements in the global struggle for universal human rights.  Bearing this in mind, Longford Women's Link feels it is particularly important to acknowledge all that women contribute to society, especially to our local community.   Women will be giving short, informal talks regarding their own achievements, with particular emphasis on the various groups they have benefited from 2.30pm.

Furthermore, it is vitally important that we encourage all women to value their own contribution and highlight the importance of self-care; encouraging women to make themselves a priority for once.  Hence, there will also be pampering and relaxation sessions throughout the day, including:   Ki-Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hand Massage , Yoga and make-up demonstrations.  Please remember to bring a mat if you have one for the yoga, which is on from 12.30-1.30.

Although places are limited, it is hoped to provide an opportunity for women to ‘sample' each workshop just as they can sample the diverse foods of the International Café.  The Day will close with live entertainment from the drumming circle - which all women can participate in.

It should be a fantastic time, and we hope as many women as possible come along to join us in celebrating this Day."

Free childcare is available, but places are limited and early booking is essential.  For more information  and to confirm your attendance contact Paula at 043 3341511 or 086-8265751.  E-mail: poconnor@longfordwomenslink.org