While International Women's Day may have passed on 8 March, the conversation around equality, opportunity and representation for women continues long after the day itself. It remains an important moment to reflect on the progress made while recognising that work still remains to challenge imbalance and outdated perceptions.
A new partnership between Evolve Women, a community interest group based in Armagh and part of the Tarasis Foundation, and Southern Regional College is highlighting the ambitions and experiences of women at different stages of their lives and careers. Founded by Mairead Mackle, Evolve was created from a passion for supporting a more equal society and developing female leadership. This new series highlights how women of all ages can pursue the paths they want in life, challenging the idea that age, gender or circumstance should define their opportunities.
Across Southern Regional College campuses, women & men from different generations and career paths are shaping their futures through education, ambition and determination.
At just 18 years old, hairdressing student Isabelle Lee is at the beginning of her career journey. For Isabelle, 8 March was simply another day in the calendar, but she is keen to learn more about the meaning and impact of International Women’s Day.
Working in a profession often viewed as female-dominated, Isabelle is quick to challenge that assumption. She believes hairdressing is a career open to everyone and points out that many of the industry’s most recognised names are men.
Also studying at the College’s Greenbank campus is electrical installation apprentice Rachael Carvill. A TaeKwonDo champion who enjoys a challenge, Rachael is gaining experience on site with her employer, Murray & McEvoy. She was first introduced to the electrical industry through the Schools Partnership Programme, a vocational pathway that leads to GCSE qualifications. Now pursuing a career in the trade, Rachael is determined to show that women are just as capable of succeeding in skilled trades as men.
Next is Jessica Sharp, who is taking a bold step in her professional journey. After 14 years working in management roles within the healthcare sector, Jessica returned to education and is currently studying Healthcare Practice, a qualification equivalent to the first year of a nursing degree, while continuing to work within the Belfast Trust.
Driven and focused on the future, Jessica encourages others to be clear about their goals and actively pursue them.
“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. Put it on your vision board and connect with those people that are in those roles and ask them how they got there. Do as much as you can to learn and experience life in the world because life is so short and I think it's really important that you see the world, learn from other people, learn from other job roles and tell people what you want.”
Also returning to education is engineering degree student Louise McQuaid. Inspired by her daughter, Louise made the decision to pursue a degree in engineering later in life. For her, the experience has been a reminder that belief and determination can open doors at any stage.
Louise hopes her journey will encourage others to take the first step toward their ambitions and recognise that it is never too late to follow a dream.
To hear more from these students and others sharing their perspectives on International Women’s Day, visit @evolvewomen_ on Instagram or follow Southern Regional College across its social media channels.
