The chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council has said that International Women’s Day is “just a reminder of how much we value our female workforce”.
Taking place today, Sunday March 8, the theme for this year's day is #GiveToGain and encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
The focus of International Women’s Day campaigns is for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
In 2026, International Women’s Day marks 115 years of achievement.
Chief executive at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Denise Park, started her role on May 1, 2019.
She said: “As chief executive, I recognise and appreciate the workforce of the council. There is so much that staff want to make sure they give to our residents, especially making sure our services are delivered to a high standard.
“This would also be an impossible task without the women that continue to support me and the council in each area of work that we undertake.
“IWD is a reminder of just how much we value our female workforce and all that they bring to their roles.”
Barbara Castle was one of the most influential and iconic female politicians in British history and served as the MP for Blackburn between 1945 and 1979.
Her influence included a fierce campaign for equal pay, and fulfilling the Labour government’s pledge to raise retirement pensions and other social benefits.
She also masterminded new earnings-related and inflation-proof pension schemes.
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Ms Castle became Secretary of State for Health and Social Services in 1974, and within the role, she made changes to increase benefits and the mobility allowance.
Additionally, she introduced the Invalid Care Allowance for single women and others who give up their jobs to care for severely disabled relatives and the introduction of a non-contributory invalidity pension for disabled persons.
This was followed up by reforms in child allowances and linking social security benefits to earnings rather than prices.
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