As part of this year's International Women’s Day celebrations, we invited 30 mentees and ambassadors to join us for a trip to 10 Downing Street to take part in a speed networking event.

Girls from two of our schools in Sussex and ambassadors from across our regions, gathered in London to attend the event. The girls were treated to a tour of the building, a photoshoot outside the famous black door, some posh nibbles, and even a cuddle with Larry the cat!

During the speed networking, girls met with incredible women role models from a wide range of backgrounds who work in industries such as fashion, motor racing, music, engineering, the NHS, the military, catering, business, and politics. Girls spoke to the women about their careers, challenges, and what inspired them when they were younger.

It was an amazing experience; I didn’t feel out of place; it felt like a big community, and everyone was trying to lift me up.

Felicity - Mentee from Shoreham Academy

I've been so blown away by this experience. It's so vitally important that girls get to come into such influential buildings and meet with such influential women

Hilary - Ambassador

We were invited to Number 10 by Mrs Akshata Murty as part of the Lessons at 10 initiative which aims to provide children and young people with the unique opportunity to experience what goes on behind the scenes of the famous black door of 10 Downing Street.

Akshata Murty said:

 “I’m so pleased to mark this International Women’s Day by celebrating women in business. It was
 fantastic to host a special mentoring session with female role models and business leaders for girls and young women at Downing Street.

“I know the phenomenal work that goes into running a business. My mother’s endeavours in science, technology, engineering and maths allowed her to push boundaries both academically and professionally and gave her a ringside seat to the technological revolution.

“I hope other women and girls are inspired by role models around them to pursue their own passions.”

It was a fitting way to spend International Women's Day, and the girls and young women who attended were fantastic advocates for our work and the impact that being part of our network makes.

Thanks to the girls, their teachers and of course the inspiring women who attended for making the day so special.

If you would like to support our International Women's Day appeal, please click here.