Conversation, cake and bunting at Blairgowrie community gathering
Community groups came together recently to mark International Women’s Day in Blairgowrie.
The St Catharine’s Church Hall in George Street was the venue for a special event on Saturday, March 9, co-hosted by Blairgowrie International Cafe and local members of Soroptimists International Perth.
The International Cafe supplied the venue, while the Soroptimists commissioned a cake created by a locally-based baker.
International Cafe member Andy Scott explained he had a chat “with the right person, in the right place, at the right time” and organised last-minute support from the Co-op in the form of additional cake, as well as an activity pack – including ideas for discussion, making bunting and entering the supermarket’s
International Women’s Day competition to win £100 for the group.
There was also a history display including photos of women from around the world marking the day.
Other groups represented on the day included Blairgowrie’s Nest Creative Spaces, the Women’s Walk and Talk Group, Blairgowrie Ukuleles and St Catharine’s Church.
Gina Purrmann, of Blairgowrie International Cafe, said: “What a lovely afternoon, full of chatter and fun.
“And we all enjoyed meeting women from other groups in town.”
Gameeda Barnard, of Soroptimists International Perth, declared: “In every part of the world, women continue to face barriers to their full participation in society.
“Whether its unequal access to education, limited economic opportunities or systemic violence – the challenges are real and multi-faceted.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and pledge to take action to create a future where every woman and girl can realise her full potential.”
In addition, Nest Creative Spaces hosted an all-day drop in.
Janine Seymour, of the Women’s Walk and Talk Group, explained: “Members made bunting at Nest while singing along to a special rendition of ‘Lean on Me’, adapted for International Women’s Day by the Blairgowrie Ukuleles group.
“They also discussed the Co-op conversation starters, particularly about inclusion and the challenges which might be an obstacle to a woman achieving her goals.”
International Women’s Day itself took place on Friday last week.
• Pictures by: Nick Charles.