Boost for women's causes after fundraising campaign

Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield teamed up with Sheffield Students’ Union Women’s Committee and Unite the Union, to mark the annual celebration last week.

The team raised £750 for charities including Sheffield Rape Crisis, Sheffield domestic abuse charity Ashiana and Women for Refugee Women.

Hundreds of women from all over the city attended a screening of the classic film The Colour Purple at Sheffield University Students’ Union last Wednesday. At the reception before the film, all three charities were able to talk about the crucial work they do to support vulnerable women through traumatic experiences.

Mr Blomfield said: “Hundreds of Sheffielders turned out to the charity event, not simply to celebrate International Women’s Day but also to do something positive for women in our community and beyond.

“We still have a lot to do to make gender equality a reality and to tackle violence against women. The generosity people have shown will help enormously with that work.”

Sharmin Jahan, Sheffield University union’s women’s officer, said: “It’s been great to team up with Paul and Unite again to celebrate International Women’s Day, and with such a powerful film.

“Sheffield students play an important part in the fight for gender equality, both on and off campus. It is important we have events like this to remind us how far we have come, and to work together in the battles we still face.”

Pat Pepper, UNITE regional organiser, added: “It’s important for us to show solidarity by helping to raise funds to support some of the most vulnerable women in our society.”