We?ve been celebrating Nottingham?s women today (Friday) as part of International Women?s Day.

It?s really important that we mark their achievements and, while there are clearly far too many to mention, I?d like pay to tribute to mathematician and writer Ada Lovelace, actor Vicky McClure, England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps (pictured), and music event producer Rastarella.

We are, and continue to be, so proud of everything that they do and their representation of Nottingham on a national and international stage.

Additionally, on the wider subject of women in our city, I was pleased to see the launch this week of the Nottinghamshire Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

We?ve teamed up with our colleagues at the county, district and borough councils, together with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Nottinghamshire Police, to make a firm commitment to protecting women and girls in Nottingham and the wider area.

Sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, female genital mutilation and forced marriage have no place in our society, and no place in Nottinghamshire. Itis vital that we do not allow these crimes to be accepted as normal and that we come together as a united community to change the statistics that continue to shock us.

This forward-thinking strategy outlines our combined area of focus and we firmly believe it will make women and girls safer.

Tomorrow (Saturday) marks 20 years since trams returned to our city streets after an absence of almost seven decades.

It?s incredible to think that 30 years after Nottingham City Council?s first woman leader, Councillor Betty Higgins, set her vision in motion for returning trams to our city streets, our modern tram system has now been running for two decades.

The tram is the backbone of the city?s integrated transport network, underpinning all our efforts to reduce congestion, improve air quality and make Nottingham a great place to live, work and visit.

It?s great to see the Nottingham 10K return this Sunday with a new and improved route around the city. You can sign up on the day from 7am at the race office if you?d like to take part.

Or, why not pick a point along the route to cheer on the runners? Dedicated ?cheer points? are at Huntingdon Street, Forest Recreation Ground, Castle Boulevard and the Park Estate. If you're watching from the Forest Rec, Homemade Cafe will be open from 9.30am serving coffee, brunch, cakes and shakes (booking in advance is recommended for brunch).

During the event there will be some road closures, mostly from 8am until late morning - click here to see the road closures and timings.

Certain bus routes will also be affected - check before you travel and find out more via Trentbarton and Nottingham City Transport.

Find out more: https://rb.gy/1izm9l