SPEAKERS encouraged women to give time to serve their communities by volunteering for charities, councils, schools, and courts.

The Women In Public Life event was at North Harrow Assembly Halls in Station Road, North Harrow.

Maleeka Bokhari, of Harrow Women’s Network, said: “We organised the seminar as we are passionate about the representation of women at all levels of the decision making process.

“Women are agents of change and have the power to transform their communities. Their voice must be heard and represented at all levels.”

Attendees heard from:

n Ellie Southwood, a trustee of Royal National Institute of Blind People.

n Sue Anderson, a Harrow councillor for Greenhill ward, trade unionist, and trustee of Welldon Activity Group.

n Ann Groves, a former Mayor of Harrow and ex-councillor, chairwoman of the Harrow and Hillingdon branch of Alzheimers Society, and chairwoman of Harrow Association of Disabled People.

n Marie Louise Nolan, a school governor and chairwoman of Harrow Mencap.

n Sue Kayser, a JP and a member of Magistrates in the Community.

A broader perspective on the importance of women’s involvement in public life in every sphere was provided by Ivana Bartoletti from the Fabian Women’s Network at the event on Saturday, January 26.

Readers interested in joining Harrow Women’s Network or learning about future events should email harrowwomennetwork@gmail.com or call 07944 031 334.