Women in Business event inspires girls

The event was hosted by The Southern Co-operative through their Business in the Community Business Class partnership with the school.

Taking place in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the event highlighted the broad spectrum of possible industries the girls could choose to enter in future.

The girls also heard from experts in the field, including director of international development at Southampton Solent University, Jo Nesbitt, and assistant buyer at Bouygues UK, Diana Noguera Gomez.

The women motivated and inspired the pupils and let them know that business success as a woman is possible.

Jane McMaster, assistant headteacher at Portchester Community School, said: ‘This has been an invaluable opportunity for our students.

‘They have come away with words of wisdom and memories of conversations which will empower them as they face the demands of their forthcoming examinations.’

During the session, the girls also had afternoon tea and sat down in pairs with each of the business women to discuss career opportunities.

They covered topics from first jobs to first pony bought, whilst talking about how to get ahead and overcome self-doubt to succeed.

Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications at The Southern Co-operative and one of the ‘Women in Business’ participating in the event, said: ‘Engaging with the girls has hopefully encouraged and inspired them to think outside of the typical box for their future job prospects.

‘The key message we would like them to take away today is that self-confidence and determination is the answer to their future success.’