While the weather tried its best to disrupt celebrations on International Women’s Day today, Bradford’s ladies were out in force to mark the day and the achievements of women.

Numerous events were planned across the district to celebrate the annual event, with more planned for this weekend.

A community event was held during the day at Parkside Community Centre in West Bowling, which involved workshops, talks, discussions and displays.

It was opened by Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee, and looked at what women can do to break away from gender discrimination, and the obstacles, including race, religion, economic, emotional, and physical, which can stand in women’s way.

Also taking place at the event was the presentation of an international accolade to a former Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Great Horton Councillor Joanne Dodds was presented with a Peacemaker International Outstanding Award, for her work as a Female Genital Mutilation Champion.

Cllr Dodds said: “Peacemaker made me a FGM Champion two years ago to work with them raising awareness.

“Last year I brought a motion to Council and we marked the day of zero tolerance about a year ago.

“It’s an absolutely horrific thing that happens to girls and women, despite it being illegal for 30 years.

“There is no reason why it is done, and some of the injuries women and girls sustain from it are horrific.

“I received the award for my ‘dedication towards the eradication of FGM’, and I am very honoured to receive it.

“Peacemaker work tirelessly on this and I look up to them and they deserve an award for their work.

“Receiving the award on International Women’s Day makes it even more special, and it is a day Peacemaker always hold an event to mark which I attend, and they do so much great work around women’s issues and FGM.”

At Kala Sangam in the city centre, an event programmed by Soroptimist International Yorkshire took place, which included music, dance and discussions.

There were also speeches from inspirational women.

A discussion with artists Anne McNeill and Pippa Oldfield at Impressions Gallery also went ahead, focused on their exhibition Feed Your Mind: Women in Photography.

However, some events fell victim to the snow, including the annual Lord Mayor’s lunch in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal at City Hall.

A visit from artist Jean McEwan to Bradford City Library to hold a poster workshop to celebrate inspirational women was also postponed due to adverse weather.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also called on more women to sign up to become a firefighter and challenge gender stereotypes and join the service.