To celebrate this year's International Women's Day, we asked some of our apprentices for their thoughts on women, working life and who inspires them…
Tanya Ollivierre, 20, works in the Education and Youth team
I’m a very independent young woman who doesn’t conform to society’s expectations. Despite having three A-Levels, I never considered university.
Working life at City Hall has been the ultimate dream. The team I work with are extremely supportive. l feel myself maturing and developing every day I’m here.
I’m inspired by my grandmother. In the 1960s, aged 22, she left St Vincent to start a new life in England. She faced discrimination and found it difficult to find work. I am truly inspired by her bravery. She entered the unknown to find a better life, a better home and a better future.
Bevin Anandarajah, 19, works in the Diversity and Social Policy team
After my A-Levels I decided to take a break from academia to get some experience of work. When I saw the apprenticeship at City Hall, I knew it was an opportunity not to miss.
Everyone’s so friendly at work. Every morning I look forward to seeing what the day will bring. Being an apprentice at City Hall really is brilliant and I’m both grateful and proud to be here.
The woman who inspires me most is my mum. She has instilled in me a sense of empowerment and self-worth. Her energy and patience as a working mother of six never ceases to amaze me.
Abira Fernandes, 17, works in the Digital team
I’m inspired by any woman who can be unashamedly feminine, or unabashedly not. I hope to become more confident in myself and my capabilities as a woman as I progress in my life and career.
I really enjoy working at City Hall. No matter how minor or major the project you are involved in you’re always aware of your impact on Londoners’ lives. It’s an exciting and fast-paced place to work. There are lots of training opportunities here too.
Iqra Mahmood, 19, works in the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
Women that are ambitious, kind, work hard to follow their dreams and stay fabulous all at the same time inspire me.
I studied Government and Politics at sixth form, so an apprenticeship at City Hall sounded perfect to me. Getting the chance to contribute to the future of London and work for Mayor is an amazing opportunity for a young person like myself.
The projects I’m involved in are very intriguing and no two days are the same. I hope to be leading my own project soon! I’d tell anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to go for it!
You can find out more about International Women's Day and how you can get involved at www.internationalwomensday.com.