WOMEN from across Keighley learned how to ‘build a girl’ during International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Volunteers and agencies involved in the Women of Keighley group organised a special event at Central Hall that attracted 70 women from diverse backgrounds.

The Build a Girl workshop was led by Fiona Broadfoot, an inspirational speaker and campaigner with the United Nations, who is a survivor of Child Sexual Exploitation.

Fiona’s Build A Girl Project provides a safe and therapeutic environment for girls and young women to raise aspirations and self-esteem, make informed choices and have healthy relationships.

During the event in Keighley, local organisations held stalls and were able to talk to women about the services they offered.

These included Domestic Violence Services, the Creative Butterfly Project, Carers Resource, Health Watch, Everyday Activism, Staying Put, the White Ribbon Campaign, and Keighley women and children’s organisation KAWACC.

Among the organisers of the day was Jo Horrox, coordinator of e5, an empowerment project for Keighley women and girls.

She said: “It was an inspirational day enjoyed with amazing women from across the town. I want to thank everyone for having the confidence to stand up and talk in a room full of people.”

Jo said E5 offered many opportunities for personal development and growth in space spaces with other women.

The group’s next planning meeting will be on Thursday, December 6 at the Lodge, Cliffe Castle, from 10am to 11.30am.

Email joh@cabad.org.uk or call Jo on 01535 665258 or 07539 684668 for further information.