SI Tenby and District celebrated International Women’s Day by holding a special lunch at the Giltar Hotel, together with Soroptimists from other local clubs and guests recently.

Soroptimists support women and girls across the world and strongly believe that it is important to ensure that women are encouraged and allowed to reach their full potential.

SI Tenby president Iris Davies was therefore delighted to welcome the Right Reverend Joanna Penberthy, Bishop of St. Davids, as the guest speaker.

In her address, Bishop Joanna spoke of the need for women to be treated as equals in every sphere of life. Whilst everyone should indeed be celebrating the fact that it is 100 years since the right to vote was granted to women, the job is not yet done. There are still too few women in public office or in positions where they can bring about change and it is still necessary to improve women’s status and rights without fear of ridicule, violence or any form of misogyny.

Bishop Joanna also praised the ongoing work of Soroptimist International and of the Mothers’ Union in supporting women’s efforts to bring about change in today’s society. She subsequently described her own personal calling to the priesthood and the unique journey that had led her to her current position as Bishop. Finally, she found it remarkable to note that in 1908 Emmeline Pankhurst had visited Pembrokeshire, spending time at St. Davids Cathedral where Bishop Joanna had, earlier in the day, opened an exhibition commemorating Emmeline’s visit, and that of other suffragettes, 110 years ago.

President Iris, on behalf of SI Tenby and guests, thanked Bishop Joanna for giving such an interesting talk, and one which was so well suited to the occasion. Everyone concurred that this had been an excellent way in which to celebrate International Women’s Day.

SI Tenby’s next charity event will be a fashion show at the Heywood Spa Hotel on Tuesday, April 10, at 7 pm, in aid of Tenovus. This will feature clothes from the prestigious clothing outlet Ededa J, based in Newcastle Emlyn. Tickets are available from SI Club members - we look forward to your support for this worthwhile cause.