WOMEN throughout East Lancashire have been celebrating the achievements of successful 'sisters' throughout the world.

They turned out in force to support International Women's Day, for many a day which opened the door to a wide range of opportunities available to women today.

But it was also used to highlight some of the serious problems facing women, including health issues and domestic violence.

One of the largest events was at King George's Hall in Blackburn where visitors included Shadow Home Secretary and Blackburn MP, Jack Straw, and Darwen and Rossendale MP, Janet Anderson.

Lancashire's Pauline Clare, Britain's first woman chief constable, gave a talk and the Lancashire Red Rose Majorettes provided entertainment.

Numerous organisations, including Women's Aid, the Brook Advisory Centre, Zero Tolerance and Breakthrough, the breast cancer appeal, also took part. Across in Hyndburn, schoolgirls were given the opportunity to find out more about career prospects when an open day was held at Accrington Town Hall.

The problems caused by domestic violence were tackled at a convention involving Hyndburn Council, police and women's aid. As a result, the organisations are looking at setting up a domestic violence forum.

And, on a happier note, Rishton and Great Harwood Soroptimists presented their women in the community awards.

THE Mayor of Blackburn, Councillor Maureen Bateson, challenged the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to publish her photograph five times in one edition so that a sponsor would pay £100 to her charity. We thought International Women's Day was the perfect opportunity - and published six for good measure!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.