The Women's Organisation

As one of the founding members of Train 2000, Rita Bebbington devoted much of her working career to women's enterprise and in particular she was an active campaigner on equal pay for women and low pay issues.

Since Train 2000 started up back in 1996, Rita played an instrumental role in the organisation - not only as a board member but she also dedicated a great deal of time, energy and passion to Train 2000 on a voluntary basis.

Rita had a keen interest in the development of a centre for women entrepreneurs and worked tirelessly over the past years to help source and secure funding and much support for WICED (Women's International Centre for Economic Development) which is set to open in Liverpool during December 2010.

In the past, Rita held a distinguished career within the Transport and General Workers Union where she developed her skills in engaging with a wide range of women from both the private and third sector.

Aside from her career Rita was very much a family person and loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren and close friends.

Rita was very proud of the many achievements made by Train 2000 in raising the profile of women entrepreneurs and changing the lives of the women that the organisation has been able to support over the years.

But - she was keen that still 'much more' needed to be done and her memory will now live on as the organisation strives continuously to change and improve the economic position of women.

Rita made a tremendous impact upon improving the many issues and challenges faced by women and her efforts will be rewarded and celebrated when the new centre opens later this year.