Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, visited the Basildon Upper Academy today
to see a host of inspiring women imparting their knowledge and wisdom to girls
at the school.
Among those in attendance
were Samantha Cameron, writer and broadcaster Clare Balding, former Royal Air
Force fast jet pilot, Mandy Hickson, and Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, partner of
Dechert law firm.
The event, organised by the
charity ‘Inspiring the Future’ aims to break down pervasive gender stereotypes
in the job market and to provide girls all over the country with the chance to
meet women from all backgrounds and gain first-hand experience into different
jobs and routes into them.
The first part of the event
saw sixth formers ‘speed networking’ as their guests moved around from table to
table. In a next door hall, employers from all walks of life gathered for a
careers fair, providing girls at the school with an opportunity to meet women
from science, engineering, hospitality, and Government backgrounds to name just
a few.
The local MP commented: “75%
if women still work in the five Cs of employment: Cleaning, catering, caring,
cashiering, and clerical. There is of course nothing wrong with these professions
but if girls want to choose maths, science, engineering, or any other career
path, they should not be put off from doing so by stereotypes and
misconceptions.”
“As was shown today, women
can excel and are excelling in a whole range of careers, from fighter jet
pilots to broadcasters. This event was about making this known to the girls, to
inspire them, and to encourage them to broaden their horizons. I hope that it
did this and that they were encouraged to go on and fulfil their huge
potential.”
