As part of Women’s Empowerment Month, 14 young women from Barking and Dagenham got an insight into working life at the top with the council’s female senior leadership.

The students from Barking Abbey, Sydney Russell and Eastbury Community schools were each given a senior female employee to follow for the day. 

As part of the day, the students were given an insight into how the organisation works and a glimpse of the day-to-day life at the council and the challenges staff and managers face. 

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the young women from our borough to gain some incredible experience from women who have achieved success in their careers – it must have made a lasting impression on the young people. 

“I hope the students have taken a lot away from the day and will continue to work hard back at school and apply what they have learned here.”

The initiative was organised by the council’s work experience programme provider within Barking and Dagenham School Improvement Partnership, which coordinates placements for nearly 2000 students every year.