EMPOWERING presentations from four women speakers inspired girls to break down barriers and reach for the skies.

Pupils aged 12 to 17 at Chepstow School celebrated International Women’s Day at Chepstow School by hearing how the speakers had forged successful careers in what are perceived to be male-dominated industries.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Youth Enterprise Team organised the event under the title ‘Press For Progress’.

Cllr Sara Jones, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for equalities, talked of her passion to increase the number of women in politics to make a difference for future generations. 

She urged pupils to be active citizens and to become involved in local groups to make changes, citing Monmouthshire’s youth forum, Engage 2 Change, as a model for young people to achieve a collective voice in tackling important issues.

Chemical engineer Maryam Farhanah explored the variety of possibilities for girls choosing engineering degrees at the Thursday, March 8, event.  

The process engineer at Mott MacDonald described her journey and provided a valuable insight into breaking down the barriers in industry.

Poppy Harris, Monmouthshire Council’s 21st century support officer, discussed her career as the only woman in a team of 15 men working on the transformation of schools in the county, including Monmouth Comprehensive School and Caldicot School, where huge rebuilding projects have taken place.  

Poppy talked of her role and how she progressed from apprenticeship in Monmouthshire’s youth service to her current role. 

She shared her wise words by saying: “I’ve learnt not to be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand what people are saying. People assume that the best attribute in the construction industry is strength, but from my experience the most important skill is communication. 

“It’s all about problem-solving and working as a team. You need determination to get through the highs and lows – don’t be afraid to face your fear and get out of your comfort zone. Respect yourself and others will respect you.”

Partnership officer at Newport City Council, Chloe Beth Morgan, a former Miss Wales and Miss Universe Great Britain contestant, also told of the challenges she has faced and how she has overcome stereotypical assumptions associated with modelling.

Cllr Jones said afterwards: “It was heartening to be involved in an event which could inspire and empower so many girls in Monmouthshire. We need more events to break down barriers and perceptions so our future generations have the best opportunities and confidence to be equals in male-dominated careers.”