Barnsley College students are inspired this International Women’s Day

To celebrate and raise awareness of #InternationalWomensDay2021, @BarnsleyCollege’s Enterprise department organised a day of virtual talks, presentations and activities from inspirational female speakers.

Kick-starting the day was Carole O’Neill, the very first female High Sheriff of South Yorkshire. Carole spoke to students from across the College about the history of High Sheriffs in the country whilst sharing her Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen.

Carole shared her life experiences as she expressed the importance of education and its ability to open doors in the world of work. She told students of her personal journey through education and how she went from a qualified nurse running the Accident and Emergency department at Doncaster Infirmary through to becoming a magistrate and later Deputy Chairman for South Yorkshire before retiring to become High Sheriff.

Highlighting this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Choose to Challenge, students also received a wealth of resources about positively challenging themselves through interactive Nearpod presentations and information packs.

Nat Jackson, Founder of Totally Runable and Director at Barnsley Women’s Football Club, was part of the interactive presentation and explained the importance of confidence in physical ability and having female role models in life. Nat also discussed how students have a responsibility to bridge the gender gap in sport by recognising how it is portrayed in the media, whilst positively engaging with social media content which celebrates sport regardless of gender.

Students also had the opportunity to take part in a step-by-step football activity put together by Sophie Ibberson, the College’s Women’s Football Development Officer.

Lee Perks, Cultural Capital and Personal Development Co-ordinator at Barnsley College, said: “This year, we have worked with several of our contacts including Talent United Partner, Nat Jackson of Totally Runable, to collate resources to send out to our students as well as hosting a number of guest speaker sessions such as one with the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Carole O’Neill, who provided a brilliant talk to our students highlighting her own personal journey and success.

“Barnsley College is committed to being actively involved in the social and cultural development of our community, raising aspirations and driving social mobility through recognising the importance of International Women’s Day. The progression that has been made so far is great, but we know there is still a long way to go to ensure equality for everyone.”