Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber celebrated International Woman’s Day on Tuesday 8th March 2022, at the astounding Wentworth Woodhouse as the 130 guests arrived to be welcomed by Women in Business Chair Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley.
The Chamber was honoured to be joined by distinguished guests HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, the High Sherriff of South Yorkshire – Martin McKervey, Mayor of Barnsley – Cllr Caroline Makinson, Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham – Cllr Jenny Andrews and Mayoress Cllr Jeanette Mallinder, Master and Mistress Cutler – James and Jo Tear, along with Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL of Wentworth Woodhouse Trust.
Over a splendid lunch, the attendees heard from a range of guest speakers, commencing with HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Dame Hillary Chapman, on the foundations her parents set for her to excel and achieve her aspirations, as well as to have the confidence to challenge where bias is present.
Following Hilary was Chamber President, Joada Allen, who explored the entirety of challenges women face to be comfortable in their skin and life’s path.
The final speaker was Pam Goodison of Pam Goodison Glass. She openly described her historical mental health issues, which, over time, positively redirected her life away from a corporate banking career to pursue her life’s passion and found solace in the arts.
Supporting the Chamber’s Charity of the Year, Rotherham & Barnsley Mind, the event raised £347.50 via a raffle, which wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of attendees, members and sponsors.
The Chamber would like to thank Martin McKervey, Chris Rea and AESSEAL for their kind sponsorship of the event, and it was a pleasure to welcome their guests, including seven female apprentices who are thriving at the company.
Imagine a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Together we can forge women’s equality and #BreakTheBias.
