Women's Day event was sell out

OVER 160 entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers from across the South of Scotland and beyond gathered at Gretna Green to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) at a sold-out event highlighting the ambition of the region. Hosted by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) at Smiths Hotel last Thursday, this year’s theme was Give to Gain. And it set a clear tone that progress can be made through working together. The day challenged attendees to not just to celebrate women’s success, but to accelerate it — by calling out stereotypes, confronting bias, challenging discrimination and opening doors for others. Keynote speaker Karis Gill, multi-award-winning founder and specialist in storytelling for sales, demonstrated how powerful narratives build trust, influence decisions and drive commercial success. The event was hosted by former US military commander, investor and board chair Yvette Hopkins, who was joined by Sarah Schofield, founder and director of The Safe Woman, who has developed accredited personal safety training designed around the realities women face. Also taking part were Genna Jodie Masterton, founder of educational technology business Kinoro; Tanya Russell, director and co-founder of GTR Contracts Ltd; and SOSE chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross. Workshops covered topics including resilience, stress management and mindset, alongside practical sessions on exporting, sustainable growth and securing investment. Jane Morrison-Ross said: “International Women’s Day isn’t just a moment to celebrate — it’s a moment to accelerate. “The momentum in the room shows what is possible when we back each other - now we build on it.”