Women of the Future Reception
On Wednesday 27th April, five Year 10 students were invited to attend the Women of the Future Reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Women of the Future are an organisation founded by British-Asian entrepreneur Pinky Lilani CBE. They provide mentoring and support for secondary school aged girls in order to provide them with the skills and the support networks they need to establish successful and fulfilling careers. The Women of the Future Reception is an annual event hosted by the Foreign Office to showcase and celebrate the work of Women of the Future.
Moriom Abdin 10Y, Nabeela Ahmed 10B, Samihah Khanom and Nishat Nahar 10U and Poli Haque 10R joined students from other schools across London in the prestigious setting of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They listened to presentations from a range of inspiring female role models, including Dr Jena Meinecke, an astrophysicist from the University of Oxford; Annie Zadie, a professional football coach; and Karen Pierce, Chief Operating Office at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
After the presentations, our students had a chance to meet and talk with a range of mentors drawn from Women of the Future’s extensive network. Representatives were present from an array of different career sectors, including medicine, science, finance, charity and the arts.
Moriom Abdin was asked to give an interview for a future promotional film. Reflecting on the importance of the event, Moriom talked about how role models are a source of inspiration and practical support for girls, setting a positive example which reassures them that their dreams are possible.
Our students left the event buzzing with excitement and energy. Each girl had had formative and inspirational conversations with women working in career sectors they had previously never contemplated working in themselves. Our students felt that their ambitions had been refocused, and their horizons for the future broadened.
We would like to thank Women of the Future and Pinky Lilani for the support and inspiration they continue to offer to Mulberry girls.