THURROCK councillor Qaisar Abbas hosted the second International Women's Day Conference in Grays to celebrate women's day today (Sunday, 8 March).

The programme was started with prayers, read by Ms Farida Khatun and Miss Sabrina Rahman. Miss Izza Alvi read a poem while Ms Preeti Ji (Bollywood singer) and Mr Nafees Irfan (Lollywood Singer) sang various Hindi and Urdu songs.

In his opening remarks, Cllr Abbas said: "I am pleased to organise the second International women's day conference. I am providing a platform for women from different backgrounds to share their experiences and achievements so that we all can learn from them. We know so many women who fight for equality and do not give up. My mother and sister are one of them. Let's work together for an equal, fair and cohesive society."

Cllr Abbas also paid tribute to his very talented late sister who passed away in 2017.

Cllr Susan Shinnick (Deputy Mayor of Thurrock), Cllr Bukky Okunade and Cllr Lynn Worrall talked about their career and achievements. Ms Jasmine Chowdhury made a very emotional speech about the hardships of Bangladeshi women in Bangladesh and here in the UK.

Speaking to the event, Ms Fara Naz said: "Iranian women are now raising their voices for equal rights and one day we will be able to break the barriers."

Ms Fiona Monica said "In this country, as a female, we still have to fight for our rights and one day we will be equal. We need to teach our children about women's rights."

Ms Omobolnle Numbers (CEO BollyWorld Foundation) in her speech said "We need to raise more awareness that forced marriages and domestic violence are not acceptable. The women should be free to make their own decisions in life."

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Mr Joglur Rahman (Assistant Secretary TIECA) thanked the women speakers for their inspirational speeches and said "I am inspired by these incredible women. I believe that the equal world would be more peaceful and beautiful."

Other speakers spoke about their experiences, achievement and also about their continuous struggle for equal rights in different parts of the world. The speakers also urged the world leaders to do more for women's equal rights.

The conference was also attended by Ms Fola Afelumo (CEO AOFAC Foundation), Ms Hagir Ahmed (Yemeni Women), Ms Eva Macadangdang (President ILOCANO Club UK), Ms Taranjit Kaur (Solicitor), Ms Liberty Hornett (Coordinator Miss Philippines UK), Mr Raja Ahmed, Mr Danny Appeah (Chairman FUSC UK), Mr Hassan Ashraf (Principal WIC), Ms Hakeemat Baruwa, Ms Veronica Roberts (Basildon Labour Party), Lecturer Saqib Bashir and representatives of various other organisations.