CELEBRATIONS to mark International Woman's Day were a truly multi-cultural event in Omagh this year as females from across the globe congregated at the Community House to observe the occasion.

The day, designed in many countries as a national holiday, was commemorated by Omagh Women's Area Network in conjunction with Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group.

Ladies from many different continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, came together to tell their stories and listen to speakers talk of women's struggle to participate fully in society on an equal footing with men.

Giving the occasion a local flavour, Orla Conway, from Omagh Women's Aid, spoke of abuse suffered by woman, locally and internationally, which continues, despite the changing role of women in society.

This was followed by an impassioned speech from Cllr Jo Deehan highlighting the depredation of health services locally, which puts the lives of women and children at risk. She informed those present that services years ago were better than what is on offer today and questioned how women's health could have slipped so far down the agenda.

From an international perspective, Ecuadorian Lorena Perez spoke of the tradition of women across the globe struggling for equality and justice, and the continuing need for women to look to the future and make their voices heard .

Also participating in the event, ladies from India, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Philippines and South Africa gave a brief overview of their home countries and the role of women on the different continents.

With so many countries represented at the Omagh event, organisers were delighted that the ethos of International Women's Day was truly depicted as increasingly the day is a time for women to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate the contribution of ordinary women to society.

The event also afforded the local groups the opportunity to extend the hand of support and friendship to women from different nationalities, now residing in the Omagh District Council area, an action which truly reflects the core value of the day.