Harriet Harman MP, Leader of the House of Commons and Equality Secretary, was in Newport for the annual International Women’s Day dinner at University of Wales, Newport.

She joined more than 400 women at the University’s Caerleon Campus, including Rosemary Butler AM - the organiser of the dinner - and Glenys Kinnock MEP. Other guests included Jessica Morden MP, Eluned Morgan MEP, Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Deputy Mayor of Newport and Deputy Mayoress Fabiola Berrettoni.

Harriet Harman made a keynote speech during the event, when there was also a candle lighting ceremony to highlight discrimination against women in various parts of the world.

The dinner, which has been an annual event in Newport for the last nine years, also celebrated the achievements of women throughout the world.

Rosemary Butler said: “It’s too easy to forget that there are many countries where women don’t get the chance to make full use of their talents in the fields of politics, education, business or the professions. In the worst societies they don’t even enjoy basic human rights. That’s what this event is all about.”

Friday, March 7, 2008