For International Women's Day 2025, FEP celebrated some of the Forest of Dean's inspiring women! The 'Inspiring Women of the Forest' project formed part of the Education & Skills subgroup's Inspiring Forest work, an initiative designed to raise aspirations in the Forest of Dean. Through this project, FEP work to raise awareness amongst schools, young people, and parents of the opportunities, businesses, and skills required in the Forest while improving connections between schools and businesses. 

Research shows that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it, so FEP want to showcase what opportunities the Forest of Dean has to offer. 

FEP filmed short 'day in the life' career interviews with inspiring women across the district, representing a variety of industry and career pathways. These videos are available to watch on YouTube here. 

These videos were shared with the four participating schools in the Forest of Dean, Five Acres in Coleford, SGS Forest High in Cinderford, Dene Magna in Mitcheldean, Dean Academy in Lydney, and Wyedean in Sedbury. We have close working relationships with the careers leads in the Forest of Dean, and they agreed to facilitate a class with students where they can watch these videos and be given the chance to submit some questions. 

The schools booked in a panel session featuring some of the women interviewed, where students were able to ask questions to the panellists and find out all they want to know about their careers. 

Feedback from schools, students, and businesses involved have been overwhelmingly positive, with lots of support for the project to run in 2026. It has been clear that these local, modern, and relatable role models are exactly what young people in the Forest of Dean need to be seeing. 

Take a look at some of the photos from our panel sessions below.