THURROCK Council has issued a press release and a video presentation by one of its leading councillors to mark International Women's Day (IWD), saying it not only wants to highlight the achievements of women around the world but also make an official commitment to 'Remember Srebrenica'.

Cabinet member for communities Cllr Deborah Huelin, said: "On Monday, 8 March we proudly celebrate IWD and this year's theme of #ChooseToChallenge, which asks us to continue challenging gender bias and inequality in the community whilst celebrating women's achievements to help create a fully inclusive world.

"As women around the world battle the social and economic fallout from COVID-19, the need to call out gender bias is greater than ever. We stand beside those here in the UK and across the globe to fully educate everyone on the challenges faced by women and how we can continue to overcome them together.

"This year, as part of IWD 2021, Thurrock Council makes an official commitment to Remember Srebrenica. The commitment recognises the Mothers of Srebrenica who pursued justice for victims and their families, fitting with this year's theme of choosing to challenge. Their courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all."

The massacre in Srebrenica in 1990 saw around 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Bosnian Serb forces during the Balkan conflict. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.

The full wording of Thurrock's commitment can be found online here,