#Highlights21 from #WomenEd Eastern

By Flora Burt  @MrsB_FCCT    Network Leader @WomenEdEastern      

2021 has been a challenging year for all. However, it was also the year that I became a Network Lead for #WomenEd and connected with a truly inspirational group of women in education.

In recent years, I had engaged with #WomenEd, however, when I saw a tweet looking for network leads in my region, I knew it was time to take the leap and be 10%braver. I contacted my local Network Lead, the inspirational Jo Lawrence and began to find out more about the organisation and the role.

#WomenEd has offered me so much already – the network and support systems in place are truly remarkable and have offered support throughout some of the most difficult times we have experienced in education. To have such inspirational and experienced female leaders to discuss things with, vent with and seek advice from has been invaluable.

Attending the Regional Leaders Network Event in September cemented for me the power and positivity of #WomenEd, it was so refreshing to listen to and collaborate with influential leaders across the country. I felt so enthusiastic and motivated following the event. I have also been lucky enough to attend several other events (narrowly missing the face to face #WomenEd Eastern event due to a positive Covid result) that have had the same effect and allowed me to consider my own leadership ability within the current educational context.

The opportunity to observe and watch the organisation of several #WomenEd events and the work that people put into running them, has been a real highlight. The dedication, commitment and effort put into these events and to support women in education has been amazing to witness.

Looking ahead to 2022, I hope to be able to give back to the movement a bit more. Having had the opportunity to find my feet a little, I hope to run an event this year, focusing on supporting women in education with the menopause. I am also hopeful to raise the profile of #WomenEd in my local county a bit more.