Exactly a year since the announcement that the Bishop of Huddersfield, Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam would join our diocese from her role as Chaplain of Copenhagen, she attended a special International Women’s Day event hosted by West Yorks Mayor, Tracey Brabin.
Women of West Yorkshire, was organised by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Bishop Smitha was there with Revd Canon Rachel Firth, Women's Advisor for the Huddersfield Episcopal Area and Kaneez Khan of Wellsprings Together.
They joined other prominent women from across the region for a day of celebration, education and inspiration at the Queens Hotel, Leeds.
"Our aspiration is to create a world where women are recognised and included and representation matters," said Tracey Brabin, who stressed the continuing need for women to break the glass ceilings and extend the ladder downwards for others to succeed in life.
Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for policing and crime outlined initiatives to put women at the heart of the police and crime plan through education, prevention, behaviour, change and safe places.
Dame Clare Gerardo, Co- Chair of the NHS Assembly, focused on the need for women from marginalised groups to take control of their healthcare by removing barriers, stigma, and enabling choice.
Speaking after the event, Bishop Smitha highlighted the historic progress towards equality within the Church of England.
"In the year that Leeds Diocese celebrates its 10th anniversary, the CofE marks the 10th anniversary of women's ordination as bishops, and the 30th anniversary of women's ordination to the priesthood, I'm thrilled to be joining Bishop Anna who is Lead Bishop for women in the diocese, to celebrate these milestones in Bradford Cathedral on Saturday, May 4.”
Details of that event will be shared soon.