The 8th March will be known the world over as International Women’s Day in recognition and celebration of the achievements and progression of women. The last century has seen the rise of powerful, intelligent, strong and inspirational women, to positions of influence and authority.
On Wednesday 28th January 2015, facilitated by the Department for Work and Pensions, John Callaghan, Principal of Solihull College led a session of appreciation and admiration towards women, particularly those in the work place.
Minister of State for Employment and previous business woman, Esther McVey, also attended the event to raise awareness and encourage employers and educators to help women reach their potential in the run up to International Women’s Day. Esther met with young women in education from the college, studying engineering, construction and travel/ tourism, to discuss career and work aspirations. It is hoped that International Women’s Day will encourage the advancement of women and inspire women to pursue careers that are normally male dominated such as those mentioned.
Attending as a figure of inspiration was fellow businesswoman and graduate of The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, Katie Buckingham. Founder and Director of Altruist Enterprises, Katie has won various awards including the New Entrepreneurs Foundation 'Future Face of Business' Award and Solihull College's 'Business Enterprise Student of the Year. She was also invited to attend the prestigious 'Women of the Year Lunch' in honor of her work raising awareness of mental health. She has also been featured in both The Guardian and Evening Standard Newspapers. Talking about her journey as a businesswoman, Katie described how the academy enabled her to realise her potential, helped her learn about business and improve her confidence. She was also asked for tips and advice on how other women could succeed in business and discussed how she felt employers could provide more opportunities and support for women.
Overall, the day was a great success and everyone enjoyed celebrating women for their achievements and appreciating them for their work. It is imperative that society acknowledges and values women, but also that women have confidence in themselves and their own abilities. Altruist is just one business headed by a talented woman, striving in a direction sure to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
To find out more about the day and to see what Peter Jones CBE had to say, follow #notjustforboys on twitter.
Written by Tara Quinney, Altruist Volunteer.