A full programme of events has been organised in Coventry to celebrate International Women’s Day, which is being held on 8 March.

The day is marked each year by women around the world and remembered at the United Nations. It is a chance to celebrate women's achievements and strengths, as well as to remember those who have struggled against inequalities and injustices.

In Coventry the day will be marked in West Orchards Shopping Centre with an all-day event including drama and information stalls.

There will be displays in the Council House by Community Education, City Libraries, Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Coventry, Amnesty International, Sports Development and "home produced flags" made to support the theme of International Women's Day.

And Coventry Women's Committee supported by the city council's Community Education Service, Library Services, Arts Development, Coventry Arts Exchange and the Herbert Art Gallery, has organised a free conference for women on Saturday 10 March.

Guest visitors include Judy Ledger from Baby Lifeline, city archaeologist, Margaret Rylatt and Jane Williams, a district nurse who for the last few years has made trips to Romania to work with local women and nurses to help their work with disabled children.

For further information or a booking form for the conference please contact Community Education  on 024 7661 9367.

There will also be an exhibition of Ladies In waiting at the Museum of British Road Transport in Kale Street. Irene Ison and Marion Reeves will be exhibiting shots taken around the city to show how much time women spend queuing and waiting.

Lord Mayor, Cllr Sheila Collins said:

“I hope that all women in Coventry will take part in this year's festival.  The programme seems to have something for everyone.”