6th March 2007 - Linda recalls Sheffield women's role in abolition of slavery to inspire others into community leadership

Yorkshire and the Humber MEP Linda McAvan will join the Academy for Community Leadership and South Yorkshire Women's Development Trust (SYWDT) on International Women's Day - Thursday March 8th - to join the celebrations and speak at the launch of a new course programme which aims to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to take on leadership roles within the local community.

The event comes around the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade. Even after the end of the trade, the ownership of slaves continued, and in 1827 the Sheffield Female Society became the first anti-slavery society in Britain to call for the immediate emancipation of slaves.

Linda McAvan said;

"Two hundred years ago, Sheffield women were leading the world in the fight to end slavery. They were public figures ahead of their time - forerunners of the suffragettes. Today Sheffield has a female council leader and two female MPs. We have come a long way. But we need more women to be school governors, councillors and magistrates. That is why I wanted to support the work that SYWDT and the Academy for Community Leadership are doing in putting together this course."

Julie Berrisford, SYWDT Outreach & Development Co-ordinator said;

"March 8th marks a celebration around the world of women and the roles that women play in our societies. But it also provides us with an opportunity each year to take stock and to renew our determination to allow women to play a full role in civic society. Despite all the progress women have made towards greater equality in recent years, there are still far more men active in what we call 'public life' than there are women. That is a waste of the talents of those women, but it also makes our public bodies and agencies less representative - and therefore effective - than they should be."

Anyone wishing to find out more about the courses should contact SYWDT on 01709 515880 or e-mail sywdt@btconnect.com.