More than 180 people attended the New Forest Business Partnership's International Women's Day (IWD) event.

The event was held at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, in Brockenhurst and aimed to celebrate this year's theme of 'Accelerate Action', which focuses on the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

There was also plenty of time for networking and discussions.

The event was sponsored by Parker Bullen LLP and had Louise Atkinson, chief people officer at Babcock International Group, as its keynote speaker.

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Event raises £2,000 for Oakhaven Hospice through IWD celebrations (Image: Carrie Bugg Photography) Louise delivered a speech on the importance of listening to women's voices and rebuilding crucial traditional support systems, such as the kitchen table, in our modern, fragmented society.

She said: "Modern life has evolved in ways that have fundamentally changed how we interact and connect with others.

"Amid the hustle and constant business, we've lost something vital—traditional support systems, like the kitchen table, where people once gathered to share wisdom, find encouragement and face challenges together.

"These spaces were more than just physical locations; they were the foundation for emotional and mental support, helping individuals build strength and resilience."

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Local businesses unite to accelerate action on gender equality (Image: Carrie Bugg Photography) Every attendee received a copy of Louise’s new book, Her Voice, which features inspirational stories of personal struggles and successes from women she knows.

Matthew Lawson, chair of New Forest Business Partnership, said: "The power of the NFBP IWD event extends far beyond a networking event.

"It's about recognising talent, sharing wisdom, creating connections and lifting each other up.

"When we come together as a community, the possibilities are limitless.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators who make our local business ecosystem so vibrant."

As with all NFBP events, this one was open to everyone and was not-for-profit.

It raised £2,000 for the New Forest Brilliance in Business Award’s charity of the year, Oakhaven Hospice.