Women In Media Initiative Launched

The Women In Media initiative launched with a champagne reception at Brighton’s Ha! Ha! Bar, on International Woman’s Day – 8 March 2005. The event attracted over 90 people from a wide selection of the digital media community who enjoyed a breakfast of specially prepared canapés and Bucks Fizz.

Nick Underhill, Wired Sussex Director, and Tara Solesbury, Project Manager, provided an overview of the Women In Media initiative. Business development consultant Hilary Kelsh - who will facilitate many of the training sessions - and Paula Murray from Brighton and Hove City Council also supported the event with brief inspiring speeches. Paula expressed the Council’s support for women working in this sector: 'Creative businesses account for around one fifth of companies in Brighton and Hove and it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the city. However, the industry is fragmented and there is a need for cohesive networking and training initiatives.'

Support for the initiative was also expressed by Jenny Haley of Hastings Creative Media Centre who 'very much enjoyed the launch' and plans to 'let women in Hastings and the surrounding areas know about the opportunities the project offers to all of those who already have, or would like to develop a career in digital media' adding that 'it’s an important initiative and we are very happy to support it, I look forward to working with the Wired Sussex team on the Women In Media programme in Hastings.'

Caroline Clifford, of CDEC at Sussex University, was excited by what she heard about the initiative which she feels 'will be of great benefit to all women considering a career in the industry' adding that 'we’ll be including the Women In Media website to our list of essential online resources to ensure our students are aware of the project and how they can benefit.'

Vicki Hughes Midnight Communications Director, was also impressed with the launch saying; 'the vibe was superb, the speakers were very good and the feedback was fantastic from everyone I spoke to - I found it a really inspiring event and am looking forward to many more.'

Details of the Women In Media events and training programme will be announced shortly. To receive information on this programme and the latest news on the initiative join the Women In Media mail list.

The Women In Media Launch was sponsored in-kind by Brighton Wine School, Gunns Flowers and Simultane and photographed by Sal Jefferies.

Click on the thumbnails below to see full size images.