Manchester Celebration of International Women's Day Monday 8 March 2010

International Women's Day was first celebrated 99 years ago on 19 March 1911 in Germany, Austria, Denmark and other European countries. Since then it has gone from strength to strength with events being held to mark the day all over the world and being marked by a public holiday in some countries. The day is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements and continued aspirations for equality in all aspects of life all over the globe.  This year's IWD theme is Women in Action.

Claire-Marie Boggiano, the driver and visionary of the Manchester Celebration of International Women's Day, is a Manchester resident with a chartered engineering background.  Her company, Lurig Ltd specialises in managing and delivering organisational change, plus coaching and support of individuals through personal transition.  She also runs the Bossy Girls network.  With the help of her network contacts she is delivering this event on a time and talent basis.