Her Voice: A Day That Teaches Girls to Believe in Themselves
What does it take to raise a confident, curious, and resilient young woman in today's world?
One school in North Yorkshire is doing just that. On 24th September, Queen Mary’s School – ranked among the UK’s top 10 independent schools without a sixth form – will host Her Voice, a one-day event for Year 5 girls across the region. The aim? To spark early leadership, build resilience, and show young girls just how powerful their voices can be.
This is no ordinary open day or career talk. Instead, Her Voice is designed around immersive, hands-on experiences that stretch imagination and build confidence in equal measure. Girls will be encouraged to use their strengths as they take on a range of real-world challenges, balanced with energising activities and supportive workshops that build resilience, confidence, and the tools to make every day their best. The message is clear: learning isn’t just about grades. It’s about energy, agency, and joy.
The event is led by a dynamic team of female professionals, many of them Queen Mary’s alumnae, including artist Tania Still, actress and broadcaster Ionica Adriana, Rebecca Wilson – recently named in The Times Young Power List 2025 – and a fifth generation farmer and podcaster who exemplifies modern leadership rooted in tradition. Adding to the excitement this year, the event will also welcome special guests such as Vanessa Ruck, a TEDx speaker known for her inspiring talks on resilience and empowerment.
Their presence adds something crucial: representation. For girls on the cusp of adolescence, seeing women succeed in creative, scientific, and public spheres can be profoundly inspiring. It gives them permission to imagine themselves doing the same.
This kind of early enrichment matters. Research consistently shows that by the age of 10, many girls are already beginning to doubt their abilities – particularly in subjects like science, leadership or sport. The shift can be subtle but significant. That’s why events like Her Voice aim to intervene early, offering not just encouragement but actual tools: how to manage stress, how to collaborate, how to speak up.
Importantly, Her Voice welcomes any Year 5 girl from the region, not just Queen Mary’s pupils. This open approach reflects a commitment to education that goes beyond academics – focusing on developing curious, confident, and independent young people prepared to navigate their own paths.
It’s also a reminder that education doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes community, creativity, and opportunities like this one – opportunities that show girls they don’t need to wait to be older, braver, or more experienced to make their mark.
They can start now.
