Girls inspired to do anything they want to do!

Published

6th October 2016

Throughout its history, Dundee has seen many strong and inspiring women take on key roles in the development of the city.

From education to the arts, industry, business and health and social care, women have played important parts.

Now, some of the city’s current top inspirational women are getting involved to encourage Dundee school girls to become the achievers of tomorrow.

At an event organised by city company Michelin, 11 “inspirational females” got together with around 60 third-year girls from seven city schools.

Lorna Reid, personnel manager for Michelin, said this was the third year they had organised the event.

“We have had so much positive feedback from the girls, teachers and schools who have attended the event in the past that we decided we definitely wanted to hold it again,” said Lorna.

“We want to get the message across to young girls that they can do anything that they want to do. We have found that, while many young women are as qualified as men, they often end up not achieving as much.

“We want them to know that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to.

“And one of the best ways to do this is by getting them together with women who have achieved success.

“These women can talk to the girls about the journey they went on to get where they are today.

“Hopefully, the girls will find this hugely encouraging.”

Among the inspiring women on hand to talk to the girls was Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.

Alison said: “It’s important that young girls in Dundee can connect with inspirational role models.

“All too often we see very young girls who have drive and ambition to work in various fields but as they go through life, peer pressure can change these ambitions.

“Girls can be open to working in nontraditional roles but as they progress through school they can find themselves heading for more traditional female roles.

“We want them to know there’s nothing to stop them doing anything they want.

“We want to encourage today’s schoolgirls to aim high.”

City firefighter Lyndsey Dubberley said the fire service was one of the groups keen to attract more females.

“There are very few female fire-fighters in Dundee but there’s nothing to stop them joining the service,” she said.

“Women and girls can bring a unique quality to the service.

“They can be great team players and bring a different approach to some of the situations we find ourselves in.

“We have recently launched a recruitment drive and are keen to attract more women.”

Lauren Duncan, 15, of Harris Academy, said she had welcomed the chance to speak to the women.

She added: “I didn’t realise there were so many jobs open to women but this has made me realise there are loads of opportunities out there.”

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is an internationally renowned centre for contemporary art and registered charity that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create through our four programme areas: exhibitions, cinema, print studio and learning.

Michelin

The Michelin Tyre Company Ltd was incorporated in the UK in May 1905 and is now, more than one hundred years later, involved in many activities alongside its traditional tyre making business: from tyre industry training to economic development to publishing.

Blackadders LLP

Blackadders is one of the leading law firms in the East of Scotland. Legal expertise, professional support staff and technical resources help to create a first class legal service for both business and individual clients.

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