The Newport-based South Wales Argus has hosted an ‘inspirational’ International Women’s Day conference in the heart of the city.
The event, which was hosted by the Argus’ business editor Jo Barnes, included a panel discussion featuring leading women from the area including Olympic bobsleigher Mica Moore, Chief Constable Pam Kelly, of Gwent Police, Dame Rosemary Butler, the first female presiding officer at the National Assembly for Wales, Emma Saysell, chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care, and Andrea Callanan, international coach, speaker and author and founder of Inspire Me.

South Wales Argus:
Emma Saysell, Dame Rosemary Butler, Andrea Callanan, Hussain Bayoomi, Jo Barnes, Mica Moore and Pam Kelly. Pictures unless stated: David Barnes

Andrea Callanan gave a motivational workshop before the panel discussion – which ended with all the guests on their feet singing at the top of their voices.
During the following discussion, the women spoke about what ‘having it all’ means and whether that could be achieved and also discussed how to get younger women interested in politics, especially as the next Assembly elections will be open to 16 and 17-year-olds.
The audience were encouraged to get involved in the discussion, sharing some of their own inspirational stories.
South Wales Argus:
Paris Collingbourne, Natalie Strange, Katie Driscoll

The event, which was well-attended despite the weather and the concerns about coronavirus, was held at the University of South Wales, Newport city campus, and was supported by Nat West, Gwent Police and the university.
Dame Rosemary Butler said afterwards: “That was a terrific evening celebrating IWD. A lot of hard work must have gone into the organising. Thank you for inviting me to take part.”
Pip Gwynn, of Langstone-based Insight, said: "We enjoyed the event – the panel was really open and supportive of each other and the audience. It had the nicest atmosphere of any panel event I’ve been to."

South Wales Argus:
Pam Kelly, Jessica Cooper, Pip Gwynn


Jenny Ashton, of Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions, said: "I would like to extend a massive thank you to the team for organising the IWD event. It was so inspirational and wonderful to hear you and the panel of key speakers there.  Just what I needed and I am sure the same was felt by all the lovely ladies who attended. It certainly left me feeling much more positive about myself especially as I do tend to work in a male dominated industry!"  
Photographer Malgorzata Szydlik said: "The atmosphere, guests, speeches, and conversations filled all attendees with optimism and lots of selfbelief. There were emotional moments, but we also laughed and made new connections.

South Wales Argus:
USW media students were on hand to capture the event. Picture: MKS Photography

Jo Barnes said: “The conference was a fantastic evening celebrating women from all walks of life. It was good to see everyone getting so involved in both the workshop and the panel discussion. We’re looking forward to next year’s event already.”
A team of media students from the university - Ashton Roberts, Chloe Cummings, Lauren Skillings, Elle Twamley, and Ffion Parry - were on hand to video the event and all the attendees also received a luxury goody bag.

South Wales Argus:
Farhat Qureshi, Patricia Szczerba, Bethan Mullens

South Wales Argus:
Mica Moore, Lori David, Sophie Titley, Lucy Keen, Elinor Meloy

South Wales Argus:
Jo Barnes, Andrea Callanan, Jackie Van Baren

South Wales Argus:
Elinor Meloy, Hussain Bayoomi, Simon Pullen, Lolita Byfield Moore, Mica Moore

South Wales Argus:


Leah Morgan, Dame Rosemary Butler

South Wales Argus:


Ashton Roberts, Elle Twamley, Christina Strang

South Wales Argus:
Emma Saysell, Andrea Ovey, Cathy Parsons

South Wales Argus:


Emma Saysell, Pam Kelly, Dame Rosemary Butler, Mica Moore and Jo Barnes

South Wales Argus:
Chloe Cummings, Ffion Parry, Malgorzata Szydlik, Jenny Ashton

South Wales Argus:
Dame Rosemary Butler, Emma Saysell, Jo Barnes

South Wales Argus:
Cathy Parsons. Picture: MKS Photography

South Wales Argus:
The panel discussion

South Wales Argus:
The audience listens to the inspirational speakers. Picture: MKS Photography

South Wales Argus:
Andrea Callanan. Picture: MKS Photography

South Wales Argus:
Luxury goody bags. Picture: MKS Photography

South Wales Argus:
Androulla Webb. Picture: MKS Photography