The theme for this year is #ChooseToChallenge. 

"A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day" - IWD, 2021

To join hands with others in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women, we'll be delivering #IWD tutorials to our learners from the 8th of March until the 12th of March.

We've invited 3 guest speakers - Joanne Shaw, Fiona Smalls and Sanisha Winter to deliver inspirational sessions with hopes to inspire our learners to unlock their own potential.

11/02 – 11.15am – Joanne Shaw will talk about her career journey and share her personal experiences and challenges in relation to being a successful female leader and working in male dominated industries. She will also provide advice and tips to empower students to be able to fulfil their potential and overcome gender stereotype.  

Joanne is an experienced Director, supporting industry leaders across Energy, Resources & Marine (ERM) and Life Sciences achieve business objectives through her  Strategic Meetings Management programme. In previous roles, Joanne has held leadership positions in both the private and public sectors: Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, International Sector of the Queen’s Baton Relay and American Express. Joanne is also an independent council member.

Joanne is passionate about effective communications & mentoring. Outside of the working environment Joanne volunteers  as a mentor with young people to raise their aspirations and achieve their potential.

11/02 – 1.45pm – Fiona Smalls (Young Mums Support Network) – Fiona will be sharing her personal journey; Young single mother turned business owner and inspirational speakerFiona Small | Award Winning Speaker, Mentor, Entrepreneur.

12/02 – 11.15am - Sanisha Winter   speaking about her experiences of a successful career and her challenges along the way with regards to her sexuality, race and inspirational personal journey.  Sanisha Wynter is a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant who has worked in various roles in the charity sector, aiming to further inclusion and advocate for marginalised people in the workplace and communities. She has developed empowerment programmes and guidance on race equity, LGBT inclusion and disability accessibility. She enjoys uplifting young peoples' voices, empowering workplaces to be accessible and supports national campaigns for girls and young women. In 2019,  Sanisha was listed as a bi icon of the UK LGBT charity Stonewall.Sanisha Wynter | Speakers Collective