Trailblazers reveal hopes for a future with equality for everyone
REGION’S LEADING LADIES MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day has marked the battle – and achievements – of women for more than a century.
From its first informal observance in 1909, the day has gone on to be formally recognised by the United Nations and will today be celebrated around the world. The original aim – to achieve full gender equality for all women – has still not been realised.
Today, in the North East, a gender pay gap persists and women are still not present in equal numbers in business and many vocations.
To mark International Women’s Day, the University of Sunderland has spoken to a cross-section of women from across the region who have each, in their own unique way, pioneered a path.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, Shirley Atkinson, said: “Since the ambitious Hope Winch established our School of Pharmacy in 1921, and grew it to become a centre for excellence, the University of Sunderland has continued to support and champion women in the arts, sciences, business and industry. My thanks go to the North East’s leading women who have shared their inspirational insight. There is still much to do and our role at the university is to inspire future generations to reach their potential.”
Leading women in the region were asked what their hopes are for International Women’s Day 2018. Julie Elliott became the 307th woman elected to Parliament in 2010 when she took up her position as MP for Sunderland Central. She said: “It was a huge privilege for me to be elected as a member of Parliament representing my home city in 2010 – however, I was only the 307th woman to ever take the Parliamentary oath and there are still only 489 women ever been elected as British Members of Parliament.”
Heidi Mottram joined British Rail in 1986 as a management trainee and rose within the rail industry to become managing director of Northern Rail. In 2009 she was named Rail Business Manager of the Year. In April 2010 she joined Northumbria Water as its Chief Executive Officer, becoming the first woman to take the top post in a major British water company.
Heidi said: “With less than 10% of the UK engineering sector made up of women, we clearly need to do more to encourage female entrants into the industry. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career in both rail and water, both considered to be men’s worlds. I have been welcomed, have had amazing experiences and have never faced barriers to