Published on 12th April 2017

Pittville School students visiting the Mayor's parlour after giving a presentation for International Women's Day

As part of the ongoing pledge for International Women’s Day, 10 pupils from Pittville Secondary School were invited to come along to the Municipal Offices for a discussion last week.

The young women addressed Councillor Chris Ryder, mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Klara Sudbury, deputy mayor of Cheltenham and Pat Pratley, head of paid service as well as other officers with an interest in this topic.

They talked about inequality, issues of body image and the pressure of social media. They also came up with ideas to tackle these issues and discussed how to celebrate women and encourage girls to think about wider career choices.

Pat Pratley, head of paid service, said: “The presentation was fantastic, the girls made thought provoking points and it delighted my colleagues and I to see young women speaking passionately about equality and making a difference.”

As part of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Pat Pratley and council officers pledged to be #boldforchange, celebrating the role of women in the community, and wider society.

That day saw a global web of rich and diverse local activity connecting women from all around the world ranging from business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatrical performance and more.

For media enquiries, contact: Katie Sandey, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 775037, email [email protected]

Photographs are available on request. Please contact Katie Sandey as above.