AN East Lancashire council is focussing on a borough's inspirational females to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The theme of Wednesday March 8's event is #BreaktheBias.

The campaign asks people to cross their arms in solidarity to call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is highlighting women’s achievements and increasing visibility - starting with Barbara Castle.

One of the most influential female politicians Britain has ever seen, she was Blackburn’s MP between 1945 and 1979.

A passionate campaigner for women’s rights and equal pay, a statue to Baroness Castle was unveiled last year in Blackburn's Jubilee Square in the town centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's chief executive Denise Park has thrown her support behind International Women's Day and the #BreaktheBias campaign.

She said: "During my time at the council I have worked with some formidable women.

Women in every area and department that have inspired and influenced my work and environment.

"I have always felt that the council is an inclusive and diverse place to work where my career has thrived and where the achievements of women are recognised and celebrated.

"International Women's Day is a reminder of just how much we value our female workforce and all that they bring to their roles."

Also highlighted are Mischa Russell, a baby-friendly specialist midwife in the borough and GP Dr Yasara Naheed who said: "If you truly believe something is worth fighting for, then don’t give up and keep fighting until you succeed."

The council also celebrates women's digital advancement and seeks to advance gender parity in technology.

It highlights Stella Vazquez, from Blackburn, is a junior engineer at IN4 Group, and Laura Hodkinson, head of the council's award-winning digital transformation team. She said: "Diversity is of huge importance to me. I believe a team can be enormously successful through finding difference and the benefit of an alternative view."

Another featured forceful female is Janet Pearce who established the Keep Darwen Tidy group and its Facebook page.

And on a cultural front, the campaign celebrates the work of Sana Maulvi, a fine artist from Blackburn.

She said: "I break the bias as a Muslim woman, mother of two and a freelance artist.”