A day to celebrate women   04/10/2006

Starting with a debate at 11am on the modern day input of women in rural areas, the day offers a range of activities for all ages. There will be a five mile walk/run in the Wye Valley; a treasure hunt for kids; stalls held by local businesses with the emphasis on women’s businesses; workshops and private sessions in shiatsu, reflexology, stress management, spiritual healing, manicures, pedicures and belly-dancing.

Local and Fairtrade produce will be served for lunch around midday. The day will cost £10 per adult (£5 for under 18’s and free for under 5’s) and all proceeds will go to Concern Universal, the Herefordshire based charity which is working to relieve the effects of poverty around the world.

The debate is called ‘Are women leading the way in diversifying rural incomes the world over?’ The panel consists of: Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes (councillor, former mayor of Hereford), Bev Haywood (of WiRE – Women in Rural Enterprise), Felicity Norman (speaker for the Herefordshire Green Party), Roslyn Aubrey (of MONEW – Monmouthshire Enterprising Women) and Carey Glyn-Jones 9dairy farmer who diversified into ice cream making and also has international development experience).

Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to speak at the World Rural Women’s Day event and will be in good company on the panel. I’m looking forward to taking part in the walk, too.” Of rural women’s issues, she said: “I’d like to see more political representation of rural women both here and abroad. I want to see women achieve more, but under their own merit – they shouldn’t have doors opened for them. Women make excellent politicians because we are able to see the far-reaching consequences of our actions. We have a holistic approach to problems – working through co-operation and collaboration. After all, we are known for our multi-tasking.