Empowering the next generation: How Equity is supporting young women & girls
With International Women's Day arriving for 2025, what better time to celebrate the achievements of women, and highlight the importance of gender equality? At Equity, we believe in the power of education, experience, and opportunity to shape the future of young women. Through our school trips, we’re not just creating unforgettable learning opportunities, but also aim to empower the next generation of female leaders, athletes, scientists, and global citizens with every travel experience.
You may be surprised to find our commitment to these values goes beyond our services for schools. Read on to find out more about how we support young girls and women – both inside and outside our organisation.
Broadening horizons through travel
It’s no secret that school trips have a profound impact on students, giving them the chance to explore new cultures, develop confidence, and see themselves in new roles. Whether it’s visiting historic landmarks, engaging in STEM workshops, or participating in regional and national sports tournaments, our trips provide young women with the experiences they need to envision a future without restrictions.
We also know that representation matters. When girls see women in leadership, they begin to see the possibilities for themselves. That’s why we take special care to curate trips that showcase female pioneers – whether that’s visiting the Anne Frank House to learn about courage in adversity, the Florence Nightingale Museum to discover her influence on modern nursing, and even the Sanctuary of Athena in Dephi to reflect on the role of goddesses in Ancient Greece.
Championing girls in sport
Sports are also a powerful tool for building confidence, resilience, and teamwork among girls and women. That’s why we’re proud sponsors of the Woodingdean Wanderers Wildcats U14 Girls team, a youth football team that’s near to our headquarters. Through our support, each team member has a fresh kit to take them through the year, so they can perform their best on the pitch. We’re thrilled to be part of their journey, and watch them demonstrate their passion, teamwork, and determination on the field.
Leading by example: Women in our business
With 64% of our management team made up of women, we are proud to be a company where female leadership thrives. For International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on some of the incredible women behind Equity. Below, key members of our team share their experiences, challenges, and advice for the next generation of female professionals.
Sharon Confue, Director
What inspired you to pursue a career in the school travel industry?
“I started my travel career at the age of 17, working for a competitor as a waitress chambermaid in Austria. I knew from the age of 7 that I wanted to work overseas after seeing a Thomson Holidays rep whilst on holiday in Spain.”
Who are the women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
“I have been really lucky with the women who I have worked with – all of them in their own individual way have inspired me. We should all be each other's cheerleaders.”
How do you think school trips help empower young women?
“School trips are invaluable, every child should be able to experience one. They promote independence alongside social skills and help boost confidence and generate curiosity – they take learning beyond the classroom and create memorable experiences that will always be remembered.”
What message do you want to share with girls and young women this International Women’s Day?
“Be each other's cheerleaders! Never underestimate the true value of an ally.”
Laura Williams, Head of Sales
What inspired you to pursue a career in the school travel industry?
“Having lived in four different countries growing up, travel has always been an integral part of my life. The experiences I’ve had in diverse cultures have profoundly shaped who I am today, giving me a unique perspective on the world and an appreciation for the power of cross-cultural exchange. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that exposure to different environments can have on young people. The ability to learn in a different part of the world broadens horizons and encourages personal growth in ways that no classroom lesson can fully replicate.”
Who are the women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by strong, inspiring women throughout my life. My mother and both of my grandmothers instilled in me the powerful motto, ‘There’s nothing in life you can’t do if you put your mind to it.’”
“One of my grandmothers served in the Navy, a male-dominated environment, never allowing fear to hold her back. My other grandmother fostered children for over 20 years while raising her own three children, all while my grandfather worked. Their strength and dedication continue to inspire me to this day.
“My mother, in particular, taught me the importance of confidence. We had to restart our lives multiple times in different countries, and she showed me how to adapt, build new networks, and connect with people from all walks of life. Living in diverse cultures and learning different languages was a powerful lesson in resilience and the importance of embracing change.
What message do you want to share with girls and young women this International Women’s Day?
“Believe in yourself. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Remember, everyone is equal, and there are no boundaries to what you can accomplish as a woman. The world is full of opportunities, and your potential is limitless. Never let anyone or anything hold you back – stand strong, embrace your uniqueness, and pursue your dreams with confidence.”
Stevie Glover-Banks, Operations & Transport Manager
What inspired you to pursue a career in the school travel industry?
“With fond memories of my own school trips and a passion for travel, I believe it’s important to experience new cultures and destinations from a young age; being out of our comfort zone is so good for us!”
Who are the women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
"My head of year at school wrote, “Go for it! Be yourself! Promise me!” in my Yearbook at the end of Year 11, I’ll always remember that.
How do you think school trips help empower young women?
“School trips help build confidence and independence and give girls exposure to different role models and opportunities, hopefully breaking down gender stereotypes! We can do anything!”
Peggy Lippold, Head of Contracting – Ski
What inspired you to pursue a career in the school travel industry?
“I actually ‘fell’ into the industry by coincidence, as I was not actually aware that this industry existed. I grew up in Eastern Germany and even though the wall came down the year I finished primary school, school travel was not something that was a thing at that time.
“After I finished my degree in International Tourism Management, I was looking for a job and a friend of mine worked for STS. She offered to forward my CV as they were looking for Tour Coordinators. The rest is history I suppose.
“It struck a cord with me – it represented all the things that resonated with me from my studies about sustainable tourism development. Also, the very personable, flat hierarchy and quite quirky nature of the industry appealed. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to travel, discover new things and meet a diverse and very interesting set of people from all backgrounds! Even after over 18 years I have not become bored of it.”
Who are the women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
“I grew up with my mum and grandparents. Both my mum and granny are very strong women in their own rights. They both worked full-time and juggled family life with work. I learnt my independence and persistence from them as I just had to follow suit with what they were doing to make family life work. Otherwise, there are lots of inspiring women I have met along the way – from very proud hoteliers to ski school owners who really want to make their mark on the industry and make being a ski instructor a career, rather than just a seasonal job.”
How do you think school trips help empower young women?
“Going on school trips opens up a different world to many children on so many levels. Especially when they come from a slightly more deprived background where they might not have the opportunity to travel abroad with their families. It gives them a taste of a world that they might not have had any idea about. Also, the industry attracts people that are passionate about travel from all sorts of backgrounds – no matter whether they are male or female – and this follows through to management and leadership.”
What message do you want to share with girls and young women this International Women’s Day?
“Don’t think your personal background sets you up for life. Stay open-minded and if something feels right, just give it a go – even if it is a new world to you. You never know where it might lead. Also, do not give up too quickly and be open to change – it might open up opportunities you might not have thought of before.”
Our commitment to the future
At Equity, we are committed to ensuring that every young woman who embarks on a school trip with us leaves feeling more confident, inspired, and empowered. Whether through travel, education, or sport, we believe in giving girls the opportunities they deserve – to empower them to step into the roles they wish full of self-belief, and confidence in creating their own futures.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the past, present, and future achievements of women everywhere. As an organisation, we will always be dedicated to playing our part in shaping a world where every girl knows she belongs, wherever her journey may take her.
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Equity!
