Over 100 guests attended the conference that recognised the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women locally and around the world.

As well as guest speakers from Bedfordshire Police, TUI and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, local employers were able to give students information about career opportunities.

Guests were also treated to a business catwalk show by Dorothy Perkins, with hair designed by Luton hairdressers Benedict Hairdressing.

Head of Careers & Employability Michelle Everitt said: “It was fantastic to see the University come together to mark International Women’s Day and recognise the contributions and achievements of women, here and all over the world.”

Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell told the audience: “International Women’s Day is not simply a global event, but the principles it advocates lie at the very heart of what the University does each and every day. Our mission is to inspire you, and to help you to set and achieve your own goals. This is what the conference is all about.”

The conference was joint collaboration between the University’s Careers & Employability Service, Beds SU and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.