A GROUP has launched a photographic competition to celebrate women.

The Comet has teamed up with the Herts Women’s Centre to coincide with International Women’s Day today (Thursday) and wants your photos for a 2013 calendar.

Readers have until August 31 to submit pictures under 12 categories including women and work, motherhood, women in sport and the lighter side of life.

Once 12 shots have been selected for the calendar by a panel of judges, each winner will receive a prize, with the overall best in show as chosen by Comet readers also given a canvas of their photograph.

The centre, based at The Hyde in Stevenage, offers support and advice to women in the county. The voluntary organisation provides counselling and psychotherapy services, as well as offering family law sessions and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims.

Centre director Vanessa Bednarz said: “For us it’s about celebrating women’s successes and achievements in the county. But it’s open to everyone, so we don’t just want photos of women. For example, there’s the ‘mother earth’ category which could tie in with wildlife and nature, so it’s open to interpretation.”

Vanessa said the centre is also keen for help and donations of any kind to keep it running.

“The competition is about raising the profile of women’s services in the local area,” she said.

“We don’t receive any funding so the centre needs as much help as it can, otherwise it will close.”

The complete list of categories are: women and work, mother earth, motherhood, the age of women, sisterhood, diversity and ethnicity, women of all seasons, women in sport, black and white, the lighter side of life, the goddess inside and connecting girls, inspiring futures.

To contact the Herts Women’s Centre call 01438 742742, search for Herts Women’s Centre on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @HertsWomensCent or visit www.hertswomenscentre.org.uk

*You can submit up to five photos via the dedicated topic page on www.iwitness24.co.uk where all entrants’ snaps will be displayed. Click on the link at the top right of the page to enter.

*To view the full terms and conditions click on the link at the top right of the page.