St Albans Soroptimists ask whether it’s still a man’s world as part of International Women’s Day

Strong local women appeared on radio to discuss if it’s still ‘a man’s world’, as part of International Women’s Day.

Debating live on Radio Verulam last week, representatives from female club Soroptimist International St Albans and District decided it is still a man’s world but with a big “but”.

Spokeswoman Jane Slatter explained: “The overall conclusion was ‘Yes but…’ There’s still a long way to go before the world is equal. The panelists gave testimony to the improvements they have seen in their lifetimes.

“They all agreed that men need to be more involved in the conversation to address our unequal society and power imbalance. No-one could quite believe it when the two hours was up – time had flown by!”

The broadcast, from The Maltings Arts Theatre in St Albans last Tuesday evening, included guests from all backgrounds, such as Annie Brewster, former mayor of St Albans, and business expert and academic Roma Bhowmick, who chaired the event.

Also in attendance were St Albans High School for Girls head teacher Jenny Brown, commonwealth medalist Amy Whitehead and Royal Navy commander Catherine Jordan.

Issues covered were the importance of following your dreams; how it is not always financially viable for some women to work; that women today are pioneers who are lucky to be living at this time and how inspiring action, transforming lives - the Soroptimists’ mission - is what politicians should aim to do.

Soroptimist president Denise Powell said: “We had the most fantastic successful women on the panel and dream chairing by Roma. We had an audience that asked thought-provoking questions and listened with respect to the answers.

“Thanks so much to everyone who helped make the evening such a success – all of our amazing club members and panelists, Radio Verulam, The Maltings Arts Theatre and Perfect Moment Florists, Marshalswick, who donated six beautiful bouquets of flowers.”

The group, which prides itself as “women serving the St Albans community since 1957”, celebrates its diamond anniversary next month.