SISTERHOOD will be celebrated this Saturday in an event to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women s Day. The event, being held at North Hertfordshire College s Stevenage site, between 10am and 4pm, is about entertainment, information and inspir

SISTERHOOD will be celebrated this Saturday in an event to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day.

The event, being held at North Hertfordshire College's Stevenage site, between 10am and 4pm, is about entertainment, information and inspiration, with a free buffet.

More than 30 stalls will be on site offering advice on a range of subjects, from fitness and health to flower arranging.

Workshops are also available on topics like volunteering, how to be a successful author, IT and the top six women's books that changed the world.

And Amnesty International will be present in aid of its Stop Violence against Women campaign.

Guest speakers at the event include Stevenage MP Barbara Follett who will talk about Being a Woman MP and international speakers Diana Nammi (Stop Honour Killings) and Houzan Mahmoud (Woman in Iraq) who will make presentations, invite debate and answer questions.

Stevenage mayoress Bridy Speller will close the event with a speech.

Indian and Egyptian dancing is among the entertainment on offer. There is also live music from Jus Nach Productions and Hex and the first public performance of the Panacea Steel Pan Players.

Cllr Sharon Taylor, leader of Stevenage Borough Council said: "This event will mark an important day for everyone who strives for equality and celebrates the major achievements that women have made through history.

"One of this council's priorities is to encourage a fair and inclusive community and recognising International Women's Day is an important part of that."

The event has been organised by United Women, a group of women living in or near Stevenage, who had celebrated International Women's Day elsewhere and wanted to organise something for the town. It is free due to a lottery grant from Awards for All.

A spokesman for United Women said: "We are overjoyed at the support from so many colleagues and friends, not only from Stevenage but across Hertfordshire.

"We are delighted that Stevenage World Forum and North Herts College have sponsored this event in so many ways.

"International Women's Day is held every year on March 8 and celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women.