Author and fat-activist Julie Creffield was the keynote speaker at an international women’s day event at the Barking Learning Centre.

Ms Creffield runs an online resource – Too Fat to Run? - for plus-sized runners, especially women. She enthralled the audience with a speech entitled Setting Big Fat Stupid Goals.

“It’s inspiring to see Barking and Dagenham Council championing the role of women for a whole month,” she said.

“The range of events taking place are a great chance to shine a light on the inequality facing women, as well as celebrating their many achievements.”

Wednesday’s event in Town Square was held in conjunction with the launch of a new website - www.bdwomenservices.co.uk – set up by the council for local women.

Councillor Sade Bright, cabinet member for equalities and cohesion, said: “Barking and Dagenham has been at the vanguard of the women’s rights revolution.

“We are the home of Mary Wollstonecraft and the women of Made in Dagenham fame.

“It’s why we will continue to fight for women’s equality.”