In December last year, we announced our partnership with the Young Women's Trust (YWT) to celebrate the young women shaking up the world of work. A charity that supports women aged 16-30 struggling to live on low or no pay in England and Wales, they're doing vital work.
Roughly 14 million people - one fifth of the population - live in poverty in the UK. Women are disproportionately impacted, too. Between October and December, 65,200 more young women were out of work and full-time education (either unemployed or economically inactive) than men.
Add in the fact that 18 to 24-year-olds are the most pessimistic age group in the UK, and we've clearly got a problem. In a recent poll, nearly half said where a person ended up in society was largely determined by who their parents were. They simply don't think social mobility exists.
Still, the YWT is doing exceptional work with young women. They've campaigned on issues from workplace sexual harassment to the gender pay gap. At risk of being trapped in poverty? They'll help you find a job, and provide guidance and coaching throughout the job application.
And last night they recognised five young women who are smashing the glass ceiling at an awards ceremony in London.
The winners – including 24-year-old who overcame homelessness to land a job in the Houses of Parliament – show people are breaking down barriers at all levels of work. But who exactly are these wonderful women? Let us introduce you.
Georgie Yates, 20, Apprentice award winner
Georgie Yates is a tenacious young woman. After her A-Levels, she moved to Manchester to start the BBC's scheme as a legal apprentice - over two hours away from her family. At the BBC’s prestigious ‘Next Generation Committee’, which provides the BBC with the younger generation’s perspective on a range of issues, she spoke passionately about financial independence for apprentices.
The 20-year-old gave a compelling presentation about how hard it was to balance her finances and, not long after, as part of the BBC’s work to develop its apprenticeship offer, a pay increase was introduced for all apprentices. Other changes include covering travel costs for potential apprentices who attend interviews. Smashing the pay ceiling only one year into your working life? We can't wait to see what she does next.
Tara O’Reilly, 24, Trailblazer award winner
Tara grew up on London’s council estates and was made homeless three times before teaching herself A Levels, getting a job in Parliament and starting her law degree. She worked for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on his election as Campaign Assistant to become the first Muslim Mayor of a western city.
She also attended the World Youth Forum in Egypt as a young leader with over 5000 others from across the world to recommend initiatives to decision-makers and influential figures. She taught herself Spanish and is learning Portuguese.
Yep, we're also tired just reading all that. Furthermore, Tara is blazing a trail by using her skills to help other young women to succeed. Having taught herself programming, she is now helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds to set up their own portfolio websites. She was also a mentor to other young leaders and is a trustee for a human rights charity.
Priscilla Casey, 22, Influencer award
'Jobless, homeless and hopeless.'
'These three words pretty much sum up my life just before signing up to [the Young Women's Trust programme] ‘Work It Out’. I was desperately unhappy and had no idea how or when I would get out of the daunting situation I was in. I was living in a homeless hostel, unemployed and on benefits. I had pretty much got to that point where one just believes life will never get any better.'
Things did, however, slowly begin to improve. After a few months of coaching from the YWT, she found herself living in her very own apartment in London.
She built her confidence, set up her own baking business and now works to empower other women. Priscilla runs events, sponsored and supported by high-profile brands, to bring young people together to connect, share advice and develop essential skills for success. She is truly a wonder woman.
Tayah Turay, 20, Everyday SHEro award
'At 18, still studying, I fell pregnant and my life fell apart,' explains Tayah Turay. 'I was not prepared to be a single mother nor give up on my education and my teenage life, but I did. Becoming a teen mum didn’t come easy and the judgement, dirty looks and scrutiny from people I knew as well as from random members of the public didn’t go unnoticed.
'I was already being hard on myself for failing to achieve society’s expectations for my life but the pressure of everything else piled on top, just got too much for me.'
The now 20-year-old suffered with severe depression and postnatal depression. Not long after, her mum’s health deteriorated, and Tayah stepped up to care for her mum and siblings.
Amongst this, Tayah contacted Young Women’s Trust for support and realised that she was, in fact, doing so much more than she realised. 'I was being selfless, putting other people’s needs above my own and caring for my loved ones. I realised that my life is a journey that comes with unexpected turns, that my setbacks are in fact opportunities for my comebacks but most importantly, I will always persevere.'
Now? Well she has made plans for her future, grown in confidence and taken steps towards getting her dream job as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police.
Mattea Sykes, 20, Inspiration award winner
From a young age, Wirral youth worker Mattea Sykes has suffered from a plethora of health problems. The chronic illnesses got so bad she was often left bed ridden, confined to a wheelchair and unable to attend school. But she persevered and, despite still being in constant pain, is now working and volunteering to help young people in her local community, studying at university and caring for her mum.
Through everything, she has maintained a positive attitude and helped to support others with severe health conditions by sharing her experiences through her blog. Those around her say her love of her work 'shines out of her'.
'Winning this Award has given me a sense of pride in myself I didn’t think I would ever have,' she said, 'and made me reflect on where I have come from to get here and more importantly where I am going in the future.'
