A Great Day for Elinor – and Welsh Women

Elinor Pritchard, Joyce Watson and Dame Amanda Blanc at the Senedd Women’s Day event

A talented A-level student from Pembrokeshire recently met senior politicians and public figures at the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff Bay.

Elinor Pritchard, 18, was invited by her local Senedd member, Joyce Watson, to be her guest at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Elinor had previous work experience with Mrs Watson, who has mentored a range of young people.

The ‘In Conversation’ evening with Dame Amanda Blanc, CEO of Aviva, allowed Elinor to network with ministers, Senedd members and professional women working in Wales.

After the talk Blanc spoke with Elinor, advising and encouraging her in her plans for her future career.

The event was hosted by broadcaster Betsan Powys. Blanc discussed her career and the barriers she had overcome, and gave advice to the next generation of Welsh businesswomen and professionals.

Speaking after the event, Joyce Watson MS said: “I was delighted to give Elinor this chance to meet role models like Dame Amanda.

“Elinor shows huge potential, and I was deeply impressed when she helped me on an event to mark White Ribbon Day, the international day to end violence against women and girls. I wish her every success for the future.”

Elinor, from Neyland, is a sixth-form student at Haverfordwest High School. She is studying for A-levels in history, government and politics, sociology and second-language Welsh. She is actively involved in various organisations such as the Pembrokeshire Youth Assembly, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Girlguiding Cymru and the Labour Party.