Celebrating Women with the Mayoress at Home

The Mayoress at Home event took place on Saturday 2 March at Rochdale Town Hall, organised by the current Mayoress, Naaira Zaman and raised just under £2,000.

In line with the build up to International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019, the Mayoress requested the event take place closer to International Women’s Day in line with the theme of her event - celebrating women.

The event recognised the challenges, achievements and the contributions women have made both in the past and the present in Rochdale and beyond.

The event had a fantastic turnout with over 200 people attending to join an evening of entertainment provided by Bollywood Dancers, actress Sue Devaney, the Voice Choir and the High Sherriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Robina Shah MBE DL JP who gave an inspirational speech as she spoke of her journey to becoming High Sherriff.

The night was hosted by Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Community and Culture, who kept the audience active with her ‘stand up bingo’ and ensured a lively atmosphere throughout.

A number of local businesses also donated prizes for a big raffle draw at the end of the night, with all funds raised going to a worthy cause.

Mayoress Naaira Zaman, who is the daughter of the Mayor of Rochdale, said: “I would like to thank everyone who participated, helped to organise and attended on the day to support the event, all in aid of local charities.

“Celebrating women’s achievements is not exclusive to one day; all year round we have wonderful women who contribute so much to our society, but it is nice that there is a specific day marked internationally for women.

“As Mayoress of Rochdale, I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful women and learn about their struggles, but also their achievements in all walks of life. These women have inspired me, and I feel in Rochdale we have a strong sense of community spirit which recognises and supports women.

“I was delighted with the turnout and humbled by the support received on the night. I hope everyone enjoyed the event and the entertainment as much as I did.”

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mohammed Zaman, commented: “I really enjoyed learning of and highlighting the achievements of women at local, national and international level with some amazing women also attending.

“Naaira worked very hard for this event, so I want to say a big congratulations to her. A big thank you also goes to the mayoralty team who always lend a lot of time and support to make events like this successful.”

Councillor Emsley said: “This was a great evening’s entertainment and social event with a theme of strong independent women in celebration of International Women’s Day.

“It was an honour to compère the night’s programme to help contribute to the Mayoress’ fundraising event for the mayoral charities.

“Thank you to all who contributed.”

The Mayoress at Home event is an annual event that usually takes place in the form of an afternoon tea and aims to raise funds for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

This year, the Mayoress at Home raised funds for six local charities: Springhill Hospice, Parkinsons UK, MoorEnd Trust, Rochdale Community Partnership, British Heart Foundation and Petrus.