International Women’s Day is always an important moment in the calendar, but this year’s gathering in Milton Keynes felt especially powerful. I was honoured to host a community event bringing together residents, professionals, and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on the work still needed to ensure equality, respect, and safety for all.
One of the most powerful aspects of the event was hearing directly from women working across different sectors. Police officers, detectives, and business leaders joined us to share their journeys – speaking candidly about the challenges they have faced and the resilience required to overcome them.
Participants were able to ask questions about navigating their careers, responding to difficult situations, and building inclusive workplaces. These conversations were open and honest, reminding us that while progress has been made, many women still encounter barriers in professional and public life.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of the White Ribbon campaign, a global movement that encourages people – particularly men – to take a stand against violence towards women. This campaign is deeply personal to me. In my previous work in Milton Keynes, I helped lead the effort that saw our city become the first White Ribbon City in the UK, and I continue to champion this work nationally. The message is simple but powerful: we must never use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.
Alongside discussion, attendees took part in a creative activity – designing posters about women’s rights and raising awareness of issues affecting women and girls. It was inspiring to see participants transform ideas into messages that could help spark wider conversations across our community.
I was particularly grateful for the participation of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Milton Keynes. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to dignity, service, and social responsibility – values that resonate strongly across faiths and cultures.
Events like this remind us that progress comes not only through policy, but through dialogue, education, and communities working together. I’m grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a meaningful and inspiring occasion.