Throughout the month of March, Xaverian College has been celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with a series of activities led by influential women across Greater Manchester.
Focused on this year’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, each event has provided staff and students with an opportunity to share their experiences and advice on how to challenge themselves and those around them within their personal and professional lives.
With close links across the community, the College has partnered with numerous talented women to make the celebrations as impactful as possible.
To kick start activities earlier this month, Xaverian Alumni, Nasima Begum, who is now a performance poet, producer, actor and creative practitioner writing about loss, the feminine and spirituality, visited the College to deliver a spoken word workshop.
On 8th March, International Women’s Day, the College came together to raise money for The Pankhurst Trust by wearing purple and green. Students were able to find out about inspirational women related to their subject areas on a ‘Radical Women’s Trail’ and encouraging messages we’re shared on notice boards all around the Campus. During the day, students we’re also joined by Diane Modahl MBE, Head of Inclusion (England Talent Pathways) at Sport England, Cecilla Goodwin, Owner of Winley Ford Solicitors, along with two colleagues Erin Cowley and Sahar Hanford, and Grace Swinnerton, Relationship Director (Healthcare) at NatWest for a series of though-provoking lectures.
Celebrations ended this week with the newly-launched Inspiring Women Awards ceremony, which highlighted female students who have shown incredible resilience, courage, fortitude, leadership, passion and kindness.
Helen Parkin and Marsell Mackintosh, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Co-Leads, said: “At Xaverian College we believe that celebrating International Women’s Day is not just about acknowledging the achievements of women, but also about fostering a culture of equality and empowerment. Here’s to all the women who lead, empower and make a difference, not just today but every day!”
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit www.xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.