A scheme that inspires young people to fulfil their potential is planning a week of activities involving successful women from all walks of life.

Inspiring the Future – which connects students with the world of work – holds Inspiring Women week on the Island from 21st to 24th March 2016.

Inspiring the Future’s Inspiring Women campaign connects up women with schools across the British Isles. Politicians, TV personalities, writers, pop stars and sports personalities have all taken part. It’s hoped to have 20,000 women involved by next year.

To kick off the local week of events, Castle Rushen High School will host a football match between the Island women’s side and an under-21s’ side on Monday 21st March.

It’s organised by the charitable foundation The Global Community and Sport Foundation and the Isle of Man Football Association.

Amy Beggs-Cairney, Women’s and Girls’ Football Development Officer with the IoM FA, will visit primary schools to talk about her work.

Amy will be among women from a wide variety of professions taking part in a speed dating-style event at Ramsey Grammar School on Wednesday 23rd March. The guests will circulate, speaking with Year 9 students who are choosing their exam options.

The event will be opened by President of Tynwald, Hon Clare Christian, and will be attended by speakers participating in the Island’s inaugural Diversity Conference the previous day, including Dr Fiona Bartels-Ellis OBE, the Global Head of Equality, Opportunity and Diversity at the British Council, and Miranda Wayland, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at ITV.

During the week, Ramsey Grammar will also host assemblies on careers in petroleums and the armed forces.

Helen Butters, one quarter of Yorkshire Rows, the all-women team that recently rowed the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, will speak to students at Ballakermeen High School on Tuesday 22nd March.

Castle Rushen will host a Diversity Day on Thursday 24th March, with Year 9 students participating in activities that challenge stereotyping and foster an understanding of diversity.

Annette Baker, Headteacher of Ramsey Grammar School, is the local organiser of Inspiring the Future.

She said: ‘It is superb that women from all walks of Island life are taking part in this initiative. We hope it will achieve the objectives of dismantling career-limiting stereotypes held by both sexes and open girls’ eyes to a vast range of career options they might not have considered.’

Madam President said: ‘I am particularly pleased that a number of high profile speakers attending the Diversity Conference are staying over to participate in the event at Ramsey Grammar.

‘A wide range of opportunities for women is a trademark of an inclusive and diverse economy. Employer support for this initiative underlines how far we have joined up our thinking in this area, placing the Isle of Man at the forefront of enlightened practice.’

To find out more about events being held during Inspiring Women Week and/or to offer your expertise to schools, visit www.inspiringthefuture.org/regional-partners, email headteacher@rgs.sch.im or ring 01624 811100.

Photo - Annette Baker, Head of Ramsey Grammar School.