THURROCK Council's cabinet member for culture and communities, Cllr Qaisar Abbas, organised the fourth annual women's conference in Grays over the weekend.

It took place yesterday (Sunday, 5 March) in the New Delhi restaurant in Grays andwas attended by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, Cllr Georgette Polly, former councillor Abbie Akinbohun, women journalists, lawyers, local residents and representatives of Thurrock Nepalese Gurkha Community (TNGC), NASFAT, AOFAC Foundation, BollyWorld Foundation, Shia Women, South Asian Christian Church, Thurrock Film Club, Art Escape, Nigerian Women, Romanian community, ARAB, Thurrock Hindu Temple, Yazh Tamil School, Mothers Club, Parents Group, Iranian Progressive Women, Thurrock Bosnian Community, African Group and Mr and Miss Philippines UK.

Cllr Abbas welcomed everyone and said: "This is our fourth annual women's conference. I organise these annual conferences to raise awareness about discrimination and to celebrate women's achievements. We provide a safe platform for all women to share their problems, struggles and achievements."

A range of subjects were discussed during the annual women's conference in Grays

Cllr Halden, addressed the gathering and said: "Thank you, Cllr Abbas, for organising this conference. I am very pleased to meet so many inspiring women today and want to thank you all for your outstanding work and achievements. My grandmothers are some of my own inspirations into service for others and I want to thank them for everything they did for my family. "

Mr Joglur Rahman who co-hosted the event said: "I am pleased to support this event. I want to pay tribute to all women of the world for their positive contribution in every field."

Mrs Kamala Gurung, Vice President TNGC, said: "With help of Cllr Abbas, 15 Nepalese women have started small businesses and I want to thank him for his support and for making difference to these women's lives."

The participants jointly made a commitment that "we all will play our part for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated."

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International Women's Day (March 8), www.internationalwomensday.com, is a global day marked annually to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.