INSPIRATIONAL women will speak at an event next month for Teesside International Women's Day.

Judges, vice presidents, local business people and community activists from the local area are among those who will be making presentations at the free event, at Teesside University on Saturday, March 5.

Guest speakers include Judge Gillian Matthews, Carrie Supple, director of Journey to Justice and Susan Mansaray, a Sierra Leoneon journalist and female genital mutilation campaigner.

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements throughout history and across nations.

This year's theme - ‘Women’s Voices’ - seeks to recognise the social, political and economic advancements of women, while highlighting areas that still need to be addressed.

Its aim is to raise awareness locally and to engage with women and families in the Teesside area and offer women, and particularly young women, equality of opportunity.

Organiser Sharon Caddell said: “We particularly want to engage with younger people while offering an event that provides inspiration, information, advice and assistance on opportunities to be taken up, or followed up at a later date, if they wish.

“Our vision is for the event to promote the considerable value of gender equality to families, communities and society as a whole.

“We hope to provide information stalls on the various opportunities and services available to women in Middlesbrough, cultural and multi-media displays, internationally themed food, entertainment, and guest speakers who, in sharing their stories and achievements, will also provide inspiration to local women and girls.”

The event has been organised and supported by a range of agencies including local authorities, the university, charities, girl guides, and businesses including law firms.

*Female volunteers are needed to help out at the event. Contact organiser Sharon Caddell on Sharon_caddell@middlesbrough.gov.uk