International Women’s Day – Inspiring Change at South Downs College International Women’s Day takes place on the 8 March every year to celebrate the achievement of inspirational women around the world and throughout time. It has been celebrated since the early 20th century, and in many countries it is now an official holiday. In the United Kingdom it is not yet an official holiday, but at South Downs College, we wanted to celebrate it as if it was. On the Thursday 6 March, the Skills for Life department hosted the women’s day event in the College Main Reception to get students to acknowledge the success of women in society and the opportunities available to encourage change for the future. The College celebrated by inviting a range of inspirational women who have thrived in male dominated industries. This included police women Jemma Burbury and Lusia Decicilia, Jackie Buckley, the Mayoress of Havant, and accomplished female scientists Debbie Risius, Penny Lancaster and Jeannette Bartholomew all from the University of Portsmouth. Apprenticeships were also represented at the event with three current South Downs College apprentices attending to talk with current students about their experiences. The apprentices were joined by Commander Johns RN and Sarah Clements from Babcock Royal Navy Apprenticeships who provided information about careers and apprenticeship opportunities for females within the armed services. The day also provided an opportunity for students to showcase their accomplishments. Jerry Williams, a young singer/songwriter who studies at the College, delivered an exceptional performance singing her own original songs. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students Juhleka Begum, Abida Sultana and Salma Akter provided a demonstration of traditional Sari and Thai costumes which gave everyone involved a fantastic insight into different cultural dress. Skills for Life arranged a writing competition for their Maths, English and ESOL students to research and write about a specific woman that had inspired them. An Art and Design group also produced work which explored influential women and their accomplishments in art. Sam Cox, Poet Laureate for Portsmouth, said, “The day was really inspirational. It is a real celebration of people’s journeys and it’s fantastic to see the displayed work from students. They’ve really made an impressive effort.” Sam attended the event and is currently writing a poem that will be presented to the College to celebrate the day. The event proved to be very beneficial for all the students who got involved as it opened their eyes to the exciting prospects that are equally accessible for both genders. “This is a really good concept. It is important to inspire women to see that there are different things they can do, the most important thing is having the belief they can do it. Never think there’s something you can’t do.” Maureen Frost, Chief Executive at the Chamber of Commerce South Downs College Inspire • Achieve • Succeed
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 11:43:37 +0000
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