Quaker women speak out for International Women’s Day

Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Judy Dench speak at events in York

The Quaker astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell has said that she would love to see young girls being given more opportunities to play with STEM-inspiring (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) toys and encouraged to take leadership roles.

The Friend, who was famously sidelined for a Nobel Peace Prize for her role in discovering pulsar stars, gave a talk for International Women’s Day last month. She made the comments at a pupil event at The Mount School in York where she was a student.

The school has recently been criticised for hosting a talk by a military recruiter for a Careers Week in March, despite being a Quaker Recognised Body. The Friend approached The Mount for a comment but has received no response.

Quaker Judi Dench also sent a message to the city on International Women’s Day. The Oscar-winning film star recorded a video message for the event. Around fifty guests attended, including representatives from three York women’s organisations: Kyra, the York Women’s Counselling Service, and IDAS.

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