WLN #FEWomenspeakly

Our WLN board members were excited to be joined at our meeting at the City of Westminster College last week by Ann Limb, who was the original founding chair of the Women's Leadership Network — nearly 30 years ago. But of course, that's not the half of it. Youngest woman principal of an FE college, founder of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, the list goes on and so do the accolades. Google her, and you get dozens of results.  Northern Power Women named her their Person with Purpose this month and spoke to her about her amazing career in the #NPWPodcast at https://buff.ly/2FV2oVZ ). On her Twitter profile @AnnLimb she describes herself as "Philanthropist mover & Quaker 1st woman Chair @UKScouting; Chair @UKICNewshttp://www.innovationcorridor.uk @ENTRUSTReg @IFMKfest; Vice Chair @cityandguilds."  So, before the board meeting, Kathryn James couldn't resist grabbing the chance to catch up with Ann to bring you a #FEWomenspeakly podcast and find out about the early days of WLN; why over the last 2 or 3 months Ann's begun speaking out about her own intersectional identity; and what mentoring she'd go for as #FlippingMentoring network. There's loads more, but you'll have to listen because I'm running out of space.

In the FE, skills and lifelong learning sector, and in politics and policy more generally, women's voices are desperately missing from the debate. In this week's #FEWomenspeakly podcast, Cath Murray, Commissioning Editor for #SchoolsWeek and #FEWeek, grabs the Women's Leadership Network microphone to explain why she thinks it’s so important for more women to get their voices heard and influence the debate on key issues. And to help us do just that she gives us loads of great advice.  Cath spends her days as Commissioning Editor for Schools Week and FE Week. She also heads up the digital side of things for both publications.She loves encouraging people who are passionate about what they do to get involved in the debate. @CathMurray_ cath.murray@feweek.co.uk  https://feweek.co.uk/category/news/   

The Women's Leadership Network is very happy to announce a new podcast series, #FEWomenspeakly. An unashamedly feminist, insightful, witty and thought-provoking take on gender equality in the education sector. This short teaser introduces the themes and topics we'll be covering in the series. If you have any ideas or would like to contribute, please use the hashtag #FEWomenspeakly on Twitter or email our team.