On Tuesday 8 March from 7pm to 10pm, the Henry Bloom Noble Library in Douglas is throwing open its doors for an evening of poetry and music to celebrate International Women’s Day 2016.

Organised and hosted by Stacey Astill, the Manx Bard, the event will feature poems from a diverse line-up of poets, including Stacey herself, Di Benson, Bridge Carter, Usha Kishore, Janet Lees, Georgia Lisette and Hazel Teare. Singer and guitarist Susie Coyle will be providing some soul-stirring music.

‘This is going to be a wonderful multifaceted event,’ said Stacey. ‘The poems and songs will all relate to International Women’s Day in some way, from the personal to the political. It is a great way for the island to mark this globally recognised day which celebrates the achievements of women.’

International Women’s Day started life in 1908 when, in the face of oppression and inequality, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Today IWD is celebrated around the world and is a national holiday in many countries.

Worldwide, women are contributing more and more to social, economic, cultural and political achievement. But while there’s a lot to celebrate, the World Economic Forum predicts that at the current rate of progress, the global gender gap won’t close until 2133.

With numerous studies showing that gender equality is vital for economic prosperity, the IWD campaign theme this year is ‘Pledge for Parity’.

The event is free, but space is limited and so tickets must be collected in advance from the library or booked over the phone – call 696461.