Today is International Women’s Day, a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience, and potential of women across every corner of our communities and around the world.
This week, in recognition of this special day, I was warmly welcomed to a women’s tennis and pickleball day at Maidstone Lawn Tennis Club, led by the inspiring female coaches at Hotshotz Tennis. It was a fantastic experience — we had great fun, learned from each other, and enjoyed some highly competitive games! The energy, enthusiasm, and skill on display were truly remarkable and a powerful reminder of the role sport plays in building confidence, community, and teamwork.
International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration; it is a global reminder of the strength, brilliance, and unstoppable potential of women everywhere. Whether in politics, sport, commerce, science, or the arts, women continue to challenge barriers, inspire those around them, and make transformative contributions to society. Today we honour the women who lift communities, break boundaries, and shape a more hopeful and equitable future for everyone.
It is also a moment to reflect on the work still to be done. Achieving true equality means ensuring women have equal opportunities in every field, from leadership roles in business and government to access to education, sport, and healthcare. It means supporting women who mentor, innovate, and lead in their communities, and recognising the often-unseen contributions that strengthen the fabric of society.
I am proud to celebrate International Women’s Day with everyone here in Maidstone, and I look forward to continuing to champion and support the brilliant women in our community — on and off the court.
See my video commemorating the day here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/921951677433655