In Pictures: ATTFE College marks International Women’s Day 2026 with inspiring community celebration

The event brought together local leaders, community partners, learners, volunteers and residents for an afternoon dedicated to empowerment, achievement and opportunity.

The 2026 global theme, ‘Give to Gain’, encouraged attendees to consider how supporting and investing in women contributes to a more equal and thriving society.

This was complemented by the United Nations theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls’, which emphasises the need to remove barriers that limit women’s opportunities and access to justice. These messages formed the backdrop to an event that celebrated progress while highlighting the work still to be done.

Guests were welcomed at midday with a networking opportunity and a buffet prepared by ATTFE College catering learners. IWD Cupcakes created by Butterfly Bakery and table decorations produced by learners from Evolve Alternative Provision added a personal and creative touch that reflected the spirit of community at the heart of the event.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees heard from an impressive line-up of speakers representing leadership, sport, creativity and community development.

Theresa Hodgkinson, CEO of Ashfield District Council, opened with insights on women in leadership and the importance of representation.

Sporting talent was represented through 85-year-old Enid Bakewell MBE, from Kirkby in Ashfield who is a local Women’s England Cricket legend and still playing and coaching cricket, with current Blaze Cricketers Liv Baker and Michaela Kirk, who shared personal stories of resilience, teamwork and dedication through sport and, in particular, cricket.

Emma Hancock from Mill Waters spoke passionately about the Women Outdoors Project, while Katie Mills of Kinver Business Solutions highlighted the valuable contributions women are making in construction and local asset improvement.

Creative inspiration was offered by Ione Vaughan from Ashfield Creates, and guests were treated to a musical performance by Eden Holmes.

The event also included a moment dedicated to celebrating ATTFE College’s female volunteers, including those from Butterfly Bakery and the Community Stars Volunteers, whose contributions enrich the College’s impact across the community.

During the afternoon there was a Golden Whistle presentation to Debbie Aspinall, recently retired from Greenwood Primary School, who has inspired thousands of children, young people and adults to get involved in both school and community sport in Ashfield.

ATTFE College Principal, Liz Barrett OBE DL, spoke and reflected on the significance of the occasion, saying: “International Women’s Day reminds us that when women are supported, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive, entire communities benefit.

"At ATTFE College, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways that allow women and girls to see their potential, believe in it, and pursue it. Today’s event celebrates not only what has been achieved, but what we can continue to achieve - In this Together.”

Speaking about the success of the event, the organiser Carol Hallam, Community Engagement and Learning Lead at ATTFE College, said: “It was lovely to hear the inspiring and empowering stories across a broad range of themes and for everyone to reflect on how they can continue make a difference for women and girls in our local community.”

Dianne Holmes, Head of Curriculum Strategy and Partnerships at ATTFE College said “ATTFE College are delighted to have been able to mark International Women’s Day with this special event.

"The event provided an opportunity to celebrate all that ATTFE College, and our stakeholders do to support women and girls in our local community, as well as considering what more we can collectively do to inspire our next generation.”

International Women’s Day has grown from its origins of an early labour and rights movement into a major global event recognised by the United Nations.

Its themes for 2026 call for greater investment in education, leadership and economic empowerment for women while challenging harmful norms and discriminatory policies. These priorities align strongly with ATTFE College’s mission to support women and girls through education, community engagement and lifelong learning.