What an incredible day we had at Kyra’s International Women’s Day event! This year, we welcomed inspiring speakers, creative workshops, and a real sense of community, all celebrating the strength and resilience of women.
Held as part of York International Women’s Week, our event created a space for learning, empowerment, and celebration, and we couldn’t be prouder of how the day unfolded. In this blog, we’ll take a look back at the highlights—from powerful speeches to engaging activities and why events like this are so important.
A Day to Celebrate and Inspire
Our event began with a powerful series of speeches that set the tone for the day. Kyra’s CEO, Ira Laketic-Ljubojevic, welcomed everyone, followed by Mayor David Skaith, who shared his commitment to making York a city that truly supports women. MP Rachel Maskell then spoke about the barriers women still face, both in the workplace and beyond, emphasizing the need for continued progress.
To close the speeches, Nicola Shepherd, the Chair of Kyra’s Board of Trustees, reflected on the strength and resilience of women and the importance of pushing forward for meaningful change. Each speaker reinforced the vital role of women’s spaces, community support, and collective action in creating a more equal future.
Workshops
Beyond the speeches, the day was packed with engaging activities. Glynis’ poetry session provided a beautiful space for creative expression, while Joy’s craft table offered a range of creative opportunities, including lino printing for those wanting to explore a new technique.
Visitors also had the chance to see some of the beautiful fabric work created by Kyra members as part of The Meadows Project, a creative initiative led by our lovely Glynis over the past few months. This stunning display showcased the talent and dedication within our community.
The beautiful artwork created by the Meadows Project
Our taster sessions—Group Coaching with Bryony and Sound Bath with Gladys—gave attendees the opportunity to try something new, focusing on personal growth and well-being. The energy throughout the day was one of connection, creativity, and empowerment.
Community, Connection, and Delicious Food
Throughout the day, visitors had the chance to browse stalls from various different organisations, all dedicated to supporting women in York. From York in Recovery to IDAS, Survive, and York Women’s Counselling, each group brought valuable resources and knowledge, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn more about the support available in our community.
And of course, no Kyra event would be complete without delicious homemade food! A huge thank you to Sally, our wonderful cookery teacher, for preparing the incredible homemade vegan lunches, and to Sue, one of our dedicated volunteers, for baking delicious cakes that kept everyone fueled throughout the day.
Our tombola prizes included chocolate bars donated from York’s Chocolate Story
Why Events Like This Matter
In times of uncertainty, spaces like Kyra provide hope, connection, and support. Events like our International Women’s Day celebration aren’t just about coming together—they’re about strengthening our community and ensuring that women have the tools, resources, and encouragement to keep moving forward.
This year’s York International Women’s Week aimed to create spaces for openness and progress, and we are so grateful to have played a part in it.
A Huge Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our staff, volunteers, stallholders, speakers, and attendees. Your time, energy, and passion made this event a true success, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!
We’d also like to give a special thank you to our event sponsor, McMillan and Associates, whose generous support helped bring the day to life.
If you’d like to help us continue running events like this, consider donating, fundraising, or becoming a corporate sponsor. Your support ensures more women have access to the resources, workshops, and community connections that empower them to build resilience and improve their well-being.
