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Year 12 students took part in an inspiring 'Words For Work: Women In Leadership' programme recently, organised by The National Literacy Trust and Lancôme.

The programme helps girls and young women develop the literacy skills, leadership abilities and confidence they need to achieve their potential – and challenge inequalities in employment opportunities for young women in post-16 education.

The event, which was hosted at Harris Academy Peckham, gave students the chance to meet an inspiring panel of women leaders (pictured) and also deliver some speeches of their own too. The panel included:

• Victoria Azubuike, CEO of the Us Group, which helps to educate and inspire young females mainly from socio-disadvantaged and ethnic minority backgrounds
• Josephine Jengo, Projects Manager and Women in Parliament Lead at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK
• Siobhan Wight, Group Marketing Manager at Immediate Media Co
• Cara Conquest, Sales Director - Online (International) North America & South Africa at Penguin Random House UK
• Madeleine Macey, CMO/Acting Creative Director at Liberty

The panellists spoke about their own journeys to their leadership positions and answered students' insightful questions.

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HAB students give breathtaking speeches

Three HAB students, Lilo, Amina and Kandia (pictured) also delivered incredible speeches at the event, bringing the panellists to tears.

Lilo spoke about shame and encouraged people to live authentically instead of worrying about the judgements of others. “It is natural to care what others think, and so shame is also natural,” she said. “But shame in excess is dangerous - and it has contaminated women for far too long. Treat yourself with the respect that you deserve. You will naturally grow into yourself, and it may seem like you never will - and that everyone else has figured themselves out. But that doesn’t matter. Do the things that make you happy.”

Treat yourself with the respect that you deserve. You will naturally grow into yourself.

Kandia spoke about gender equality and the importance of intersectionality in our fight for a fairer future. “We must act,” she said. “But first, we must listen, watch those around us and come to understand a reality, a lived experience different from our own. Then, go forth into the world and act to break barriers.”

Amina spoke eloquently about the representation of women in the media and the dangerous tropes that we are exposed to. “When considering these tropes and standards, it is imperative that we reflect on how we generalise and stereotype women, and force them to submit to what precedent has dictated is ‘the ideal woman’,” she said. “We must celebrate our individuality, and intersectional identities that truly represent us.”

The audience – students, school staff and panel guests alike – were incredibly impressed with the breathtaking and inspiring speeches delivered by HAB students.

“It was amazing!”, said one attendee. “The HAB girls who gave their speeches were incredible and moved the panel to tears. The girls who were interviewed afterwards were also eloquent and fantastic and the feedback forms were brilliant. So many inspired and positive students left that hall."

So many inspired and positive students left that hall.

Ms Morris was incredibly proud of the students who spoke on the day. They all demonstrated the HAB values of compassion, ambition and respect in abundance.

The next activity in our partnership with Lancôme and the National Literacy Trust is a literacy and business immersion day at Lancôme HQ in Hammersmith at the end of June. Three lucky students are going to attend the event at which they will engage with female leaders, exploring the language and literacy skills required for success in the workplace. During the day, students will:

• Attend seminars from leading executives at Lancôme
• Complete group work activities with students from other Harris academies
• Interact and ask question to female leaders at Lancôme
• Go on a tour around the offices
• Enjoy a spoken word workshop hosted by Sophia Thakur
• Receive a book and Lancôme goody bag