19 Mar 2025
An inaugural International Women’s Day event at St Columba’s College focused on the theme of ‘accelerating action’.
The event featured St Albans MP Daisy Cooper, owner of the award-winning Dressing Room boutique Deryane Tadd, head of fundraising at cancer charity Look Good Feel Better Nicola Ellul, Kendalls Florist owner Louise Wilkes and St Columba’s own deputy head Katie Marson.
An exceptional turnout of just over 100 people, including SCC’s Sixth Form girls, staff and external guests filled the Alumni Hall which was adorned with a bouquet from Kendalls Florist.
The four inspirational speakers gave an insight into their careers, personal lives and covered topics such as businesswomen and politics, leadership and education, domestic violence and misogyny, and discussed how International Women’s Day should be inclusive not exclusive, and how this message can best be fostered.
Daisy said her teacher recognised her talent for public speaking and entered her into competitions which supported Daisy with the job she does now.
Deryane talked about when she was focused on starting her business she put her heart and soul into it and followed her dream and vision.
Nicola said she champions growth within her workplace and is constantly encouraging women to grow and move within the company.
Katie talked about how she transitioned from a career in management consulting to teaching and how much she enjoys her role and the variety it offers while maintaining a work-life balance.
Leading the panel’s questions was one about this year’s theme of Accelerate Action.
Deryane said investing in women-led businesses is the way to go, and fostering allyship in order to make progress.
In the world of politics, Daisy emphasised the need to encourage women into politics, ensuring they have a space in the political sphere and the support to succeed. Nicola stressed the need for good role models, adequate opportunities for training, and educating women to navigate through challenges.
The panel expressed some of the hardships they experienced as women in competitive industries, agreeing that despite all the progress that has been made, we,as a society, still have a substantial way to go, as many still face a glass ceiling and other obstacles when entering the job market.
In order to overcome these challenges and accelerate action, the panellists agreed that we must change our culture around childcare, language, and education, while encouraging and strengthening our female community.
