As part of International Women’s Day, King Henry VIII School hosted workshops for its Year 9 students.

Monmouthshire Inspire’s Rhiannon Taylor launched the event by giving the students a snapshot of equality issues.

“Across the world, around 15million girls will not receive an education, while the figure for boys is 10million. Out of 585 Nobel Prizes awarded for economics and science, only 49 have been awarded to women. Things are improving but there is still work to do,” she said.

The event brought together inspirational speakers designed to help young women consider their future goals and feel a sense of empowerment.

These included Jayne Brown, from Big Ideas Wales, who talked about her career path. This has included working as a ski instructor, a fitness instructor and joining conservational projects.

“If we help each other, as women, we can do anything,” she explained. “Decide what you want to do, and know that you can do it.

“Any teacher or head teachers in schools, colleges and universities who’d like a role model to come in to speak to them should visit the Big Ideas Wales website.

Meanwhile, successful property developer Mandy St John Davey said, “I’m a Valley girl. I took every challenge, I said no to nothing.”

As National Chairman of Women in Property, Mandy works with women in the construction industry. Explaining the potential of careers such as becoming an engineer, an architect, a solicitor or in a construction role, she said, “Be the change, make your mark. You can be anything you want to be. The world is your oyster. Most importantly, always remember your value.”

In addition to a team from MonLife, who talked to the students about the pledges they wanted to make for themselves, such as to be kinder, to be happier, and to pursue their career goals, firefighter Kelly Christopher, of South Wales Fire & Rescue, was also on hand to share her experiences.

She talked to the students about life as a female firefighter in what is a male dominated role, explaining that she does exactly the same job and finds it incredibly rewarding.

Cllr Sara Jones, Cabinet Member for Social Justice said, “I feel really proud to live in a county where people can achieve their goals whatever they might be - career, sport, volunteering – the list goes on. The International Women’s Day events were fantastic, with lots of advice for young people about how to plan for the future. I hope the young women who took part in the workshops today feel inspired to pursue their dreams - whatever they might be. I fully support this year’s International Women’s Day campaign which is committed to building a gender-balanced world. Everyone has a part to play.”