International Women’s Day — Meet the Speakers
On Monday 9 March 2026, we’re bringing together a brilliant group of women for our IWD event in South Shields: Not All Women Wear Capes. Here’s who’ll be sharing their stories.
On Monday 9 March 2026, we’re hosting Not All Women Wear Capes at Sinia’s in South Shields — a free, welcoming International Women’s Day event celebrating real women, real stories, and real life.
It’s not about corporate speeches or polished presentations. It’s about hearing from women who are building, caring, creating and leading in their own way — often without anyone noticing.
We’re thrilled to introduce the brilliant speakers who’ll be joining us. Each one brings a different perspective, a different kind of strength, and a story worth hearing.
Meet the Speakers
Sarah Cookson MBE
Co-Founder and Director, The Charlie & Carter Foundation
Co-Founder and Director of The Charlie & Carter Foundation, more importantly Charlie and Carter’s Mammy. “I see my role as doing everything I can to help and financially support our CCF Families, driving our charity forward in the name of our two very special angels, Charlie & Carter. Our charity is unique as we have lived and breathed the…
Laura Jane Forbes
Charity Fundraising and Events Manager, The Charlie & Carter Foundation
Charity Fundraising and Events Manager at The Charlie and Carter Foundation. “I organise and promote fundraising events throughout the year to raise funds for this incredible charity and also build mutually beneficial relationships between businesses and the charity. The Charlie and Carter Foundation is a charity that makes a huge difference with…
Sarah Calder
That Cake Girl
“My business is built with customers in mind, because without them I wouldn’t get to do what I love for a living! I’m always striving to bring something new and a little different. It took me years to take the leap and dive into self-employment. I started in 2023 from my home kitchen, selling celebration cakes and cake boxes, eventually trading at…
Janis Blower
Janis Blower was born in South Shields and, after leaving the town’s Girls’ Grammar School, joined the Shields Gazette as a trainee reporter. She went on to hold the posts of Women’s Editor and Assistant News Editor, and in 1986 launched the paper’s popular Cookson Country column, telling the stories of local people through the prism of the…
Di Wilkinson
Hair by Di
Di Wilkinson is a dynamic entrepreneur, creative professional, and proud mum of four beautiful children. As a dedicated landlord, she brings professionalism, reliability, and care to her property portfolio. In the wedding industry, Di shines as a talented, award-winning wedding hair specialist, helping brides feel confident, radiant, and…
Sharon MacArthur
Miss Menopause
Miss Menopause was formed over eight years ago in response to the lack of information about menopause in the workplace. Sharon works face to face and online around the country with organisations large and small. She spends a lot of time working in manufacturing, which is often still dominated by men. Often reluctant to come along, some of her…
Corinne Devine
CEO, WHiST (Women’s Health in South Tyneside)
For almost 40 years, Women’s Health in South Tyneside (WHiST) has supported women to improve their health, wellbeing and life opportunities. Founded by local women in response to gaps in local provision, WHiST has grown into a trusted, women-led organisation whose ethos is rooted in empowerment, inclusion and community. Corinne Devine has worked…
Join Us
Not All Women Wear Capes takes place on Monday 9 March 2026 at Sinia’s, South Shields (doors open 8:15am, event 8:30am – 12:30pm). Tickets are free.
We’ll share timings and final details soon.
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Want to come along?
Not All Women Wear Capes is free, welcoming, and open to all women aged 18+. Grab your ticket and join us.
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