Almost 100 people are expected at an event in Greenock this evening to mark International Women’s Day 2023.

The Beacon Arts Centre is the venue for an evening of inspirational guest speakers and exhibitions on the annual awareness day today, Wednesday 8 March 2023.

It is being organised by Inverclyde Council and is free to attend by registering online in advance.

Hosted by local leadership coach, Marion Morrison, of Invincible Grit, the event will also feature guest speakers Laura Waddell, police chief superintendent, Dawn Fyfe, of Wise Women, and Janice Hendrie and Collette McGeehan, of Inverclyde Athletics Club.

Each talk will last around 20 minutes and there will be discussions afterwards.

There will also be exhibition stalls, an opportunity to find out about initiatives happening in the local area, and tea and coffee will be served on arrival.

The event starts at 6pm through until around 8pm and although it is a free event, booking a place in advance is essential.

Councillor Lynne Quinn, Inverclyde Council’s women’s champion, said: “As a council and a community, Inverclyde has been a big supporter of International Women’s Day for many years and it’s great to be hosting an event once again in the Beacon.

“It will be an inspirational, positive and empowering event and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, the challenges we still face, and meet other women from across the area and beyond.

“The event will also be an opportunity to discuss and think about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Embrace Equity’, and how we can play our part in getting the world talking about why equal opportunities aren’t enough.

“People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

“I’m looking to hearing from our guest speakers and meeting those in attendance tonight for what is shaping up to be an excellent evening.”

As well as the event this evening, the International Women’s Day flag is also being flown above the council headquarters at the Municipal Buildings in Greenock.

The global awareness day is celebrated on 8 March each year and aims to tackle and bring about change around things like gender equality, stereotypes, positive visibility of women, and celebrating women’s achievements.

To register to attend the event at the Beacon, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-womens-day-2023-tickets-537816843657.

For more information about International Women’s Day, visit www.internationalwomensday.com