Honours even on women’s day

By Irena Bodnarec and Alex Watkins

11 March - TOWN halls all over Alicante province celebrated international women’s day on Tuesday (March 8).

Two years ago, Alfaz del Pi council created the ‘relevant woman’ award, recognising exceptional women as part of international women’s day.

And it was on Saturday that six ladies were hailed for their effort and dedication in their professional career or private work, where each was presented with a bronze sculpture made by the artist Raquel Puerta Varó.

They were Inmaculada Castellote, Pamela Dawson-Tasker, Rosa Pérez, Andrea Prieto, María Moyano and Mercedes Serra – each of whom had a portrait suspended from the balcony of the town hall in their honour.

Pamela Dawson-Tasker was the only non-Spanish representative, who received the award in the Social Sphere category for her ongoing charity work, which over the years has included the Royal British Legion, AECC cancer charity and currently her work with the Alicante association against cancer (AACC).

In addition, her continued involvement offering support and welfare advice to the retired British expat community plus organising fundraising events such as jazz and big band concerts was highlighted.

In 2014 Pamela was awarded the British Empire Medal by the British Ambassador in Madrid in recognition of her charitable work.

She moved to Spain in 1980 and told Costa Blanca News that she feels ‘really honoured, because other foreign residents can see that you don’t have to be Spanish to be part of Alfaz’.

To start off the Women’s Day activities outside Pilar de la Horadada town hall, distinguished female senior citizens related their lives and achievements, including one who turns 99 years old in May.

A manifesto read by equality councillor Susi Sánchez expressed support for victims of gender violence and their families, accompanied by music from the music conservatory trumpet trio.

Residents took part in a photocall and visitors to the council’s equality stand received a free plant.

The plaza was filled with people of all ages and tomorrow (Saturday) at 18.00 the Casa de Cultura will celebrate creative women by showing short films and presenting a new book.

The Guardia Civil staged a debate about equality in Los Montesinos, at which the provincial chief highlighted the significant increase in female recruits, some of whom shared their experiences.

Other speakers included the head of the government’s gender violence unit in Alicante, who summarised the history of women on the force, and a representative of rural women associations (FADEMUR), who called for more jobs for women in agricultural areas and better internet service so they can access online training.