Sheffield student hailed as the next Poet Laureate
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sylvia Chen was among a group of women and girls who attended a dazzling awards ceremony in York, where she was awarded prizes for her entry in a creative writing competition organised by Community Rail Lancashire.
Now in its fourth year, the competition forms part of a wider project, entitled ‘Women in STEM’. It aims to engage with young women from a wide range of backgrounds; not only encouraging them to consider rail career options but also uses their opinions to inform and shape the future of these industries.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPoetry, dance and even raps formed many of the hundreds of entries to this years’ competition, the winners of which were published in a booklet to be distributed to schools, transport providers and other educational facilities across the country to throw the spotlight on rail as a varied and rewarding profession for females.
As it stands, only 16 per cent of the workforce within rail are represented by women.
A spokesman for the competition praised Syliva, adding during the ceremony that she could be the next Poet Laureate for her work as part of a campaign surrounding International Women’s Day.
In attendance at the awards ceremony were industry professionals and the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said: “This has been a truly inspiring event. The girls are just absolutely wonderful, and the talent displayed has been awe inspiring. I will always be a Woman who Wanders!”
As part of the project, schoolgirls from underprivileged areas across Manchester took a train journey to Liverpool, in partnership with Manchester United Foundation, with women who hold some of the rail industry’s top management positions to explore the option of a career in rail and highlight the disproportionate numbers of men and women working within the sector. They were greeted by another inspirational female figurehead - the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery - the UK’s first black, female Lord Mayor who answered questions on her own journey to the top of a traditionally male-orientated profession.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.