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A Look Back at International Tameside Women’s Day 2025: Light In The Darkness

On March 8, 2025, the Holy Trinity Church & Community Centre in Ashton-Under-Lyne became a beacon of hope and empowerment as it hosted the International Tameside Women’s Day event, organized by Light In The Darkness. This remarkable event was dedicated to celebrating the resilience and strength of women who have faced significant challenges in their lives.

The evening commenced at 2:30 PM, welcoming attendees from various backgrounds to honor and uplift women who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. The event aimed to recognize and pamper deserving women, offering them a special day filled with care and appreciation.

A Day of Pampering and Recognition

One of the highlights of the event was the initiative to nominate incredible women for a luxurious day of pampering. These women, nominated by their loved ones and communities, were treated to a full makeover, including clothing, hairstyling, makeup, and a professional photo shoot. The initiative focused on women who had shown resilience in overcoming hardships such as domestic abuse, widowhood, caregiving, asylum-seeking, and battling for child custody.

The atmosphere at the event was one of unity, support, and celebration. As the selected women arrived, they were met with warmth and encouragement. Volunteers and professionals dedicated their time and expertise to ensuring that each woman felt valued, beautiful, and celebrated.

Nominate a Deserving Woman

Do you know a woman who has shown incredible strength in the face of hardship? Light In The Darkness invites you to nominate an extraordinary woman in your life for a day of well-deserved pampering and recognition.

Selected nominees will receive a luxurious experience, including professional hairstyling, makeup, clothing, and a personal photo shoot. This initiative is designed to honor women who have demonstrated remarkable resilience while facing challenges such as:

• Surviving domestic abuse
• Seeking asylum and rebuilding their lives
• Overcoming the loss of a spouse
• Balancing the demands of caregiving
• Fighting for child custody and family stability

By nominating a deserving woman, you can help bring joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of self-worth to someone who truly deserves it. Together, we can shine a light on their strength and celebrate their perseverance.

Stories of Strength and Courage

Throughout the evening, attendees shared inspiring stories of perseverance, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of these incredible women. Their narratives served as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming life’s challenges.

One attendee, a mother who had been fighting for custody of her children, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to feel seen and appreciated. Another participant, a former asylum seeker, shared how the event gave her a renewed sense of belonging and hope for the future.

Community Support and Impact

Light In The Darkness successfully created an event that not only celebrated these remarkable women but also raised awareness about the struggles many face in silence. The event underscored the importance of support networks and community-driven initiatives in empowering women to reclaim their strength and dignity.

The event was further honored by the presence of over 12 councillors from Tameside, Oldham, Ashton-Under-Lyne, and Moston. Their attendance highlighted the significance of the occasion and reinforced the commitment of local leaders to supporting and uplifting women in need.

As the evening concluded, the smiles, tears of joy, and words of gratitude were a clear indication of the event’s profound impact. International Tameside Women’s Day 2025 was more than just a day of pampering—it was a moment of recognition, healing, and empowerment for women who truly deserved it.

The success of the event highlighted the need for continuous efforts in supporting and uplifting women facing adversity. With initiatives like these, Light In The Darkness continues to shine a path towards hope, resilience, and transformation.

On January 23, 2025, I had the honor of speaking at the Tameside event, an occasion that brought together individuals committed to building a stronger, more united community. I was invited by Cllr Tafheen Sharif, whose dedication to inclusivity and positive change continues to inspire many.

In my speech, I focused on four key themes: resilience, hope, equality, and togetherness. I emphasized the importance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges, the power of hope in driving us forward, and the necessity of equality in fostering a just society. Most importantly, I highlighted how togetherness strengthens our communities, reminding us that when we stand united, we can achieve meaningful progress.

It was a privilege to share these thoughts with such an engaged audience. The event reinforced the idea that when we uplift one another, we create a future rooted in compassion, fairness, and shared strength.

In January 2025, we were honored to be invited by the Council of Oldham to discuss our upcoming activities focused on children and youth. This meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to align our initiatives with the needs of the community, ensuring that young people receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

A key highlight of our collaboration is the role of Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, who serves as the Ambassador of our Youth. His dedication and leadership will be instrumental in driving positive change, fostering engagement, and creating a nurturing environment for young individuals to thrive.

As we move forward in 2025, our commitment remains strong in empowering children through education, mentorship, and community programs. We look forward to working hand in hand with local leaders and stakeholders to build a brighter future for the next generation.

We had the privilege of meeting with Cllr Tafheen Sharif, Tameside First Deputy for Health & Equalities, at Dukinfield Town Hall to discuss our Holistic Empowerment Women Programme.

The discussion centered on the programme’s goals of supporting, educating, and empowering women through a holistic approach that addresses mental well-being, economic independence, and cultural identity. Cllr Sharif expressed great interest in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of inclusive support systems that cater to the diverse needs of women in the community.

Key points of the meeting included potential collaborations, community outreach strategies, and ways to enhance accessibility to holistic wellness services. Cllr Sharif’s insights and commitment to health and equalities provided valuable guidance, reinforcing our mission to create a safe, supportive, and enriching space for women to thrive.

This meeting at Dukinfield Town Hall set a strong foundation for further partnerships and actions, ensuring that our Holistic Empowerment Women Programme makes a lasting impact on the lives of many.

In October 2024, we proudly hosted the “Every Child’s Voice Matters” conference, bringing together around 120 attendees dedicated to championing the rights and well-being of children. The event served as a platform to showcase our innovative impact and discuss key issues affecting young lives in our communities.

A highlight of the day was the presence of special guests, including:

• Deputy Mayor Kate Green, representing Mayor Andy Burnham.
• Cllr Tafheen Sharif, standing as our dedicated Ambassador.
• Cllr Shaid from Oldham.
• A representative from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
• Alex from UnLtD Social Enterprise, our main ambassador.

Additionally, the event welcomed five tables of statutory services staff, 35 of our beneficiaries, and a diverse range of community services, all coming together to share insights and strengthen collaborations.

The conference was enriched by the warm hospitality of LITD CIC, who provided handmade food and drinks, ensuring a welcoming and community-centered atmosphere.

This gathering was not just about discussions—it was a call to action for collective efforts in supporting every child’s voice and future. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this impactful event.