Neale-Wade Academy in March hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day event together with the local community on Friday 7 March.
 
Around 130 people attended the weekend event at Neale-Wade, including a good mix of female and male students, community leaders and residents from the local care home.

Topics covered by speakers included their experiences working in fields such as construction, forestry and medicine. 

A student panel asked their questions to professionals, gaining valuable advice, and Neale-Wade’s year 10 student Amy-Lee gave a thoughtful presentation on what feminism really is. The event also included a creative collaging session.

International Women’s Day is marked on 8 March and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality and this year’s theme was ‘Accelerate Action’.
 
This local event was organised by volunteer coordinator Karen Beckwith with support from 20Twenty Productions and Rev’d Ruth Clay. 

Anglia Ruskin University was the main event sponsor and 20Twenty Productions CIC, Rotary Club of March, Lions Club of March, Burmor Construction, March Education Foundation, March & District Nursing Association, Safe Hands Counselling and 1st Thursday Group also funded the event.

Karen Beckwith, volunteer coordinator, said:

“I am absolutely delighted with how the event went - such great engagement from everyone who attended. The feedback has been extremely positive with both students and business people keen to attend next year. Thank you to Neale-Wade for hosting and to all the organisations who have helped and funded this opportunity.”
 
Rev’d Ruth Clay said:
 
“I was delighted to co-host this amazing event to help raise aspiration among the young people of our towns and villages. Let's celebrate, advocate and raise awareness going forward so that every single individual has the chance to thrive and meet their potential, equitably. Listening to Amy-Lee give her presentation was definitely a highlight along with reflections from the many inspirational women who shared parts of their work and life journeys.”

Graham Horn, Principal at Neale-Wade Academy, part of The Active Learning Trust, said:
 
“We were delighted to once again host this incredibly inspiring and inclusive event at Neale-Wade as a very fitting celebration of International Women’s Day. I was immensely proud to see our students contributing so enthusiastically and learning so much from the amazing female role models who shared their time and experiences with us. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising and sponsoring today’s event.”