By Nicolette Maina
On the 6th of March 2026, Nistawi Women attended an International Women’s Day event at the Albert Hall Conference Centre organised by Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. On this occasion, many women-centric organisations across the Nottingham community gathered to not only share information about their work on women’s safety, but to celebrate the importance of all the women whose tireless efforts uphold society.
The wonderful event, hosted by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner – Angela Kandola – focused on the theme ‘Give to Gain’, highlighting that pouring into our communities and into all the women that support them produces a ripple effect in which everyone is empowered. This sentiment was indeed reflected in the multitude of organisations who showed up and supported each other in the event, sharing the work they do for their community.
Other powerful women such as Lord-Lieutenant Veronica Pickering, CEO of Nottingham Women’s Centre – Louisa Matthews, and East Midland’s Mayor – Claire Ward, continued to re-enforce the importance of women in our communities, by providing attendees with inspiring speeches and messages of empowerment that celebrated women’s achievements, while encouraging continued progress toward equality and opportunity for all. This created an atmosphere of solidarity and shared purpose, where women from different backgrounds could connect, learn, and uplift one another.
The event was also packed with excitement from performances of poetry, music, belly dancing, and henna – creative expressions which not only entertained attendees but also served as powerful reminders of the diverse cultures and talents that are shared within the Nottingham community.
In addition to the performances, the event provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration, with informational stalls that allowed attendees to learn more about the services available to them – Nistawi Women being one of them. Here, the exchange of knowledge reinforced the importance of community-driven support systems in addressing the challenges women face. The discussions that took place throughout the day, therefore encouraged women to reflect on their own journeys while inspiring them to take further steps toward personal and professional growth.
Overall, the International Women’s Day event was a powerful celebration of achievement, resilience, and community. It highlighted not only how far women have come but also the ongoing work needed to ensure equality and safety for all. Events like this serve as a vital reminder that when women come together to support and uplift one another, they create stronger, more inclusive communities for everyone.
