We welcomed an exceptional group of inspiring women to Roedean to mark International Women’s Day 2026. Students from local schools joined our students to hear from 15 remarkable speakers who have all overcome gender barriers to achieve their dreams.

From academia and law, to the military, medicine, activism, and the creative arts, the diverse guest speakers shared their journeys, offering powerful reminders of the impact education can have in opening doors. Their talks encouraged our students to embrace opportunities with confidence and determination, sparking ambition and inspiring bold futures.

Trailblazers and Pioneers

Claudine Eccleston, a member of the Windrush generation, captivated her audience with her story of becoming the first recorded female plumber in the UK in 1977. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced: “It was the most painful thing I have ever done. I was physically and verbally abused by the men I trained with… When I finished training, no-one would employ me.” Despite these obstacles, she persevered, eventually finding work with Camden Council in London, and today she continues to make an impact as founder of Playing The Race Card, a Hastings project using art to spark conversations about race and social justice. Ms Eccleston has also fostered 40 children, worked in social care, and is now devoted to local history in her retirement.

Finding Your Voice

Students were also treated to a live performance by Josephine Vander West, one half of the alt-pop duo Oh Wonder. With three billion streams worldwide and headline shows in 45 countries, Josephine shared her journey in her talk, Finding Your Voice: “As a woman, the most important thing in order to get where you want to go is authenticity… Embrace your quirks and uniqueness. Don’t try to hide those bits. Give yourself permission to live life on your own terms. You must have blind faith in what you do and have no self-doubt.” Her words resonated deeply, showing how determination and resilience can turn passion into achievement.

Academic Excellence

Associate Professor Dr Jane Lavery, a linguist who studied French and Spanish at Cambridge, spoke about the value of languages in the modern job market: “Three quarters of the UK cannot speak a foreign language, while in the EU 56% of people can speak at least two. There is high demand for linguists, and I don’t believe Google Translate will ever replace humans who can communicate with nuance, intonation, and eye contact.” Her talk offered reassurance and guidance to young people navigating career choices in an uncertain world.

Celebrating Diverse Achievements

Other speakers included celebrity vocal coach Candi Underwood, archaeology professor Joanna Sofaer, lieutenant colonel Rachel Grimes, GP Katie Spensley, education professor Anna Robinson-Pant, and author Juliet Nicholson. Together, they painted a vivid picture of what it means to break barriers, pursue ambitions, and lead with courage.

Roedean School is grateful to these remarkable women for sharing their insights and experiences, inspiring our students to chase their dreams and embrace their potential without hesitation.

Our deputy head, Dr Ross Barrand, said: “A quarter of the way through the 21st century, more than 122 million girls worldwide are still denied an education because of their gender. For nearly two years, women in Afghanistan no longer have the right to speak outside the family home, and 1.5 million Afghan girls have deliberately been deprived of their right to any education. We are incredibly fortunate to be educated in the UK, and it is beholden upon us to take full advantage of whatever opportunities we have. Education is a right, but it is also a gift, which should be cherished. The school was delighted to welcome a diverse group of speakers to this event – a GP, academics, a lieutenant colonel, a plumber, an entrepreneur, musicians, an author – all women. To hear from speakers who are all at the forefront of the fields is exciting, enlightening, and, most of all, empowering.”