HASWA Women Shine Bright at International Women’s Day Celebration
On 4 March 2026, the Havering Asian Social & Welfare Association (HASWA) in Elm Park hosted one of its most memorable International Women’s Day celebrations, bringing together around 70 local residents for an afternoon filled with speeches, laughter, music, dance and community spirit in recognition of women’s achievements and ongoing contributions across the borough. The event, themed around inspiration and collective celebration, began with motivational talks from Neighbourhoods Superintendent Sharon Brind and health advocate Dr Maheen Shahid, whose reflections on professional journeys and community wellness set an uplifting tone for the gathering.
Hosted by Councillor Stephanie Nunn, the programme included interactive moments — such as a lively quiz on the meaning of International Women’s Day and local civic representation — which drew smiles and engagement from attendees. After a shared lunch, performer Sonia delivered a dynamic dance set that evolved into a workshop encouraging full audience participation, led with infectious enthusiasm by Mayor Sue Ospreay and supported by councillors including Philippa Crowder and Christine Smith. Members of HASWA then shared their own songs and poetry, creating a warm and personal atmosphere before a raffle and closing thanks from the mayor, who ended the afternoon with a humorous and heartfelt poem that drew laughter and applause.
The celebration at HASWA reflected not only the organisation’s long‑standing role in supporting community cohesion but also the wider global context of International Women’s Day (IWD), a movement that annually honours the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while calling for accelerated gender equality. This year’s global IWD theme, “Give To Gain,” emphasises how collective support, advocacy and resource‑sharing help advance opportunities and rights for women everywhere.
Founded in 1998, HASWA is a registered charity based in Hornchurch that delivers social welfare, cultural and recreational programmes to people of all ages and backgrounds, with particular emphasis on reducing social disadvantage and supporting vulnerable and isolated individuals in the local community. It provides a broad range of services including welfare advice, social activities, health and wellbeing classes and community events that celebrate diversity and connectedness. The charity is also active in partnerships such as Havering Changing, a local arts and culture initiative that brings together multiple organisations to foster inclusive cultural opportunities for residents.
International Women’s Day is widely marked across Havering through a range of civic and community activities, from business networking and market events to local celebrations that spotlight women’s stories and contributions. Such events reinforce the importance of gender equality in every sector of society and provide platforms for shared experience, learning and upliftment.
The HASWA event on 4 March offered a blend of celebration and community affirmation, reminding attendees that recognition of women’s roles — whether in public service, welfare advocacy, cultural expression or within families and neighbourhoods — remains central to building resilient, inclusive communities.
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