As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Seren Skills Network is celebrating women in business, and more specifically, women in the education and training sector in the UK.
This year, the theme is “Choose to Challenge”, and it encourages everyone to challenge gender bias and inequality wherever it is found.
In the education and training sector women have made significant strides and continue to push boundaries in their respective fields.
Dr. Ann Limb is one such individual. She served as the Association of Colleges’ previous president and is currently the chair of the South East Midlands Local Business Partnership. Limb has dedicated her life to enhancing educational and career prospects for young people, especially those from underprivileged families. As a supporter of lifelong learning, she has also promoted apprenticeships and is an advocate for higher education.
Another notable woman in the education and training sector is Dr. Hannah Fry, a lecturer in the Mathematics of Cities at University College London. She is also a broadcaster and author, and her work has been instrumental in making mathematics accessible and exciting to a broader audience. She is an inspiration to young girls who may not have considered mathematics as a viable career path.
However, we must also acknowledge the important work of women who may not have the same level of visibility as Dr. Ann Limb or Dr. Hannah Fry. These are the women who work day in and day out in classrooms and schools, helping to shape the minds of future generations. They are the ones who create inclusive learning environments, support students who are struggling, and inspire a love of learning.
One of the most significant achievements of women in the education and training sector in the UK is the increased representation of women in leadership positions. Women are now occupying more top positions in schools, universities, and other education institutions than ever before. Women leaders in the sector have brought about a significant positive impact on the learning experiences of young girls and women. Here at Seren Skills we are proud to have a strong female workforce that includes two female directors. We are also proud to work with some incredibly strong female directors, managers and those providing training across our networks. These females are strong, determined women who strive to inspire the next generation of leaders, managers and entrepreneurs.
However, we must also acknowledge that women in the education and training sector, like many other industries, still face significant challenges. The gender pay gap remains an issue, and women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with many women having to juggle work and caring responsibilities.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of these women and promise to support them in their efforts to have a positive impact on the world. We must all continue to “Choose to Challenge” and work towards a more inclusive and equal world.