Give to Gain: Hounslow Council's International Women's Day 2026 Celebration

Thursday, 5 March 2026

The WLPQ team celebrated International Women's day by attending Houselow Council's celebration. This year's theme, Give to Gain, reminds us that generosity and collaboration create opportunity.

Upon arrival, we began with a networking hour with groups such as: Cycle Sisters, Hounselow Health Outreach Team, Hestia, Cultural Maternity Team, Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), SheWise, Women's Rights Network & NIHR North West. London Patient Safety Research. The groups shared their commitment to supporting the social wellbeing, cultural diversity, and health of women everywhere.

Mayor of Hounslow: Councillor Amy Croft, WLQP's Hannah O'Donnell & Caitlyn Causey, dancer from Tamil Community Centre & Kalaalayam Dance School, with Councillor Ajmer Grewal - Photo by Aubrey Crawley

The day's presentations began with opening remarks from Ajmer Grewal - Lead Member for Residents support, Communities and Equalities.

The first entertainment we enjoyed was a dance performance called: Rhythm of her Power presented by dancers from Tamil Community Centre and Kalaalyam Dance School, most of which were over the age of 65. The school has delivered Bharatanatyam training for over 30 years. The Tamil Community Centre supports refugees, migrants and families, and runs senior dance sessions that forster wellbeing, confidence and social connection.

The first speaker was Whitley St-Luce Federick is the Volunteer Manager at Ealing and Houselow Community Volunteer Service (EHCVS), leading developing volunteer centres across Hounslow. She spoke about the benefits of volunteering to support women into employment. Whitley champions inclusive, person-centred approaches and has suppoted successful projects.

Dancers from Tamil Community Centre and Kalaayam Dance School - Photo by Aubrey Crawley

The second speaker was Angela Parton, Chair of Feltham Green Hounslow Community Award Recipient and current Chair of the Friends of Feltham Green. Her presentation: Give to Gain: A Personal Story on the Benefits of Volunteering where she shared her journey in volunteering which began 15 year ago when she started as Vice-Chair of the Friends of Bridge House Pond and the Feltham History Group.

Finally, we enjoyed Back to the Golden 20s & 30s, a musical performance by Mariola Świetlicka. Mariola is a soloist and the founds of RetroSingers, specialising in repertoire from the 1920s and 1930s. Today she works as an activity coordinator in a care home for people with dementia, where she uses singing as a form of therapy.

Our day wrapped up with an opportunity to speak with Volunteer Opportunity stallholders from EHCVS, West Middlesex University, Hospital Volunteering Team, Feltham Green, SheWise, and HumanAI.

Give to Gain gave our team the opportunity to reflect on how women can have a profound impact on our communities through generously sharing their time, skills, or simply having an eagerness to participate in a better future for everyone.

WLQP has opportunities for everyone to volunteer, you can find out more information by emailing us at: info@wlqp.org