Rotherham and Barnsley businesses celebrate International Women's Day with a call for action on inclusion

In a message echoed at similar events taking place throughout the world on IWD2023, a lunch at Wentworth Woodhouse saluted the achievements of women in the workplace.

Using the theme #embraceequity, this year’s International Women's Day aimed to illustrate that equal opportunities aren’t enough and businesses must need to create an environment that helps their employees prosper.

Speakers included Master Cutler Dame Julie Kenny; army veteran, pandemic and entrepreneur Kelly Wooller, AESSEAL finance director Claire Dickinson and Rotherham Rise chief executive Sue Wynne.

The event was opened by BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Sile Sibanda with a poem on embracing equity.

Carrie Sudbury, chief executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “We all have a role to play in creating a fairer, more equal society, and International Women’s Day plays a vital part in not just celebrating how far we have come, but how far we still need to go.

“There is still a long way to go to address the gender imbalance within the business community.

“We all have a role to play when it comes to challenging stereotypes, calling out discrimination, and by coming together to celebrate achievements, sharing stories that offer inspiration in the face of adversity, I hope that collectively, we can all play a part in driving positive change across South Yorkshire's business community.”