NOMINATIONS are now open for the Inspiring Women awards recognising the outstanding effort of women in Redcar and Cleveland, after a project was launched on Friday, January 22nd.
The week-long schedule of events is in response to a call sent out across the borough by Redcar’s MP Anna Turley seeking ideas to recognise the late MP Mo Mowlam.
Kirkleatham Museum is also set to host an exhibition in June representing the life of Gertrude Bell, who has a nationally recognised history of being one of the first females to gain a degree at Oxford, and has achieved many international accolades.
The events will begin on Monday, March 7th to coincide with International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8th.
The week will then conclude with the awards ceremony, which is supported by the Royal Air Force and managed by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, at the Bellamy Pavilion at Kirkleatham Museum, Saturday, March 12th.
Accolades for individual achievement, individual progress, volunteering, community contribution, innovation, inspiring others, and young women will be awarded, and an overall winner will receive the Mo Mowlam Award.
Other activities over the week will include an RAF Operation X competition between groups of girls and boys from schools across the borough, work experience and work shadow opportunities for girls in school years 10, 11 and 12, a Women in Politics lecture for A Level Politics students hosted by Anna Turley MP, a talk at Kirkleatham Museum about the life and exploration of Gertrude Bell by Gordon Hetherington on Tuesday, March 8th, and more.
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar said: “I am really excited about the Inspiring Women project. It is going to be a brilliant week of events, engaging and inspiring our young people and celebrating the achievements of extraordinary local women, particularly Mo and Gertrude.
“This project has really flourished, with the support of the council, following my call for a new tribute for Mo. Education was an important lifeline for Mo in her childhood and so I am particularly pleased that we have been able to arrange work shadowing opportunities for young girls in the Borough.
“I hope all of the young people involved will be inspired to aim high in their own education and future careers.”
Cllr Sue Jeffrey, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “This event is not only a fantastic way to celebrate the inspiring women in our community who deserve such recognition for their work and dedication, but it is also a great way to encourage the next generation of girls and young women.
“This council especially shows a great example of women in leading positions and it is important we inspire our younger people who may one day wish to become Mayors, executives, MPs and leaders themselves.”
Flight Lieutenant Dan Jones, Officer Commanding at RAF Careers said: “Royal Air Force Careers are delighted to be given the opportunity to support this event, inspiring women to one of 50 roles available in the RAF– many of which offer apprenticeships with exceptional opportunities.
“We want to highlight to the people of Redcar and Cleveland that engineering and aircrew roles are career options within their reach and we look forward to working with the council and schools over the next few months to ensure that this event is a positive and memorable one.”
The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 19th, and forms can be downloaded here:www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/inspiringwomen These can be returned by emailing:AdultEducation@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or posted to: Nominations, Adult Learning, Redcar Adult Learning Service, Redcar Academy, Cotswold Drive, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4AB.