Anyone interested in a career in the creative, digital and media sectors were invited to two major events in Birmingham and Leeds this week. BBC Fierce Women in Media marked International Women’s Day.
Why Fierce women?
We have been asked by a variety of people why we chose to label it Fierce Women so we asked our audience on Instagram to share what being ‘fierce’ means to them and they came up with a variety of interpretations.
I think this sums it up: Fierce women are strong, independent women who stand up for what they believe in.
How did it go?
More than 1,250 people attended the events, with both days full of inspiring panels, interactive workshops and tons of networking opportunities.
In Birmingham, audiences descended to the Glee club, with queues around the block to hear from speakers including Polly Vernon (journalist and author) and Fiona Campbell (Controller BBC Three) who spoke to audiences about their careers, the challenges they faced and how to get into their fields of choice.
Here’s some of the highlights from the fierce females sitting on the panels:
Laura Bowen, Executive Producer BBC Three
"You can’t be perfect at everything; no one is perfect... too often we hold ourselves back because we’re worried we’re not quite the ‘total package’, but this shouldn’t stop you applying for new opportunities."
Kate Horlor, Development Coordinator BBC Drama Village
"It’s never too late to change your career. Just go for it! Skills are transferrable and you don’t always have to start from the bottom. Your life experience matters."
Tee Cee Johnson, Development Coordinator BBC Three
"Speak up, stand out and show up... Find your voice, and what it is that you are truly passionate about. Be courageous and unapologetic with who you are, and most importantly if you are going to do something, then really do it!"
Polly Vernon, Journalist and Author
"I think you find something more honest if you’re principally writing for yourself in the early days."
Nylah Ahmed, Core Writer, The Archers
"When you decide you want to do something, it’s easy to get caught up in structures. If you’re a writer, the best way in is to put something in front of them that blows them away!"
Meanwhile in Leeds, the BBC took over the Northern Ballet, a wonderful place to bring audiences, celebrating both roles for women in the media and the growing media landscape across the north of England, showcasing the plethora of jobs outside of London in the shape of workshops and masterclasses.
High-profile BBC talent such as Anita Rani, Naga Munchetty, Ellie Flynn, Annie Price, Lindsey Russell, Stephanie Hirst, Alice Webb, Rozina Breen and Mona Qureshi, all brought their own inspirational messages and words of wisdom to packed out sessions; while Kay Mellor, Lauren Mahon, head of drama at Channel 4 Caroline Hollick and Renee Hunt, Sky’s director of digital platforms gave an insight into their companies and respective fields. All offered lots of advice and told stimulating anecdotes.
It’s important that those already working at the BBC and across the wider media landscape realise what a privilege it is to work in our industry and the amount of platforms we have. Events like these give us the opportunity to find and raise voices to those who may not have the chance and tell their stories!
Thank you to all those involved, and let’s make this an annual event!
