On the 8th of March every year the world is encouraged to acknowledge and celebrate International Women’s Day. 2019 was no different and in an age of political uncertainty and views that women are already equal, the day is very much needed to work towards gender equality worldwide. This year the theme was #balanceforbetter and here at Burn FM, the females of the committee who lead the station, came up with a few ideas to celebrate women and work towards balance worldwide.
Firstly, we curated an all-female playlist including some of the anthems from the likes of Aretha and Whitney to modern stars Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande. We’ve also thrown in some up and coming talent, fresh artists who are making moves in the industry and women who pen lyrics to inspire everyone. Check out the incredible line up here: https://open.spotify.com/user/theburnfm/playlist/3YwuRFgL52gqha9UprcxYy?si=TewysFUcSE-pJdROPZ2qzg
Playing female tunes is great and we wanted to show off the talent that is out there, but we know that celebrities and musicians aren’t the only ones to inspire us. So each of us came up with a women who inspires us and someone we could all learn from. Check out the list below.
Head of Production – Lucy Durkin
Lucy is a final year English Lit student who leads the production team. Every year the team are responsible for station sound and producing a radio play.
The woman who inspires her:
Kirsty Young – Presenter – Radio 4
“I’ve chosen Kirsty Young as my inspirational woman this International Women’s Day. I think that Desert Island Discs is perhaps the greatest radio show ever, and Kirsty Young plays a huge part in that. Intelligent, witty and a woman not to be messed with, she is a role model for all women”
Deputy Head of Programming – Sophie Rainbird
Sophie is also juggling her final year in Psychology as well as organising the schedule for Burn. From the day to day running to the big creative ideas to set the schedule, Sophie knows how to get sh*t done!
The woman who inspires her:
Ferne Cotton – Presenter and Author
“I grew up watching and listening to her, always thought she was super cool and she’s gone on to do some incredible things with the platform she has. A personal highlight is her Happy Place Podcasts that engage a variety of celebrities to share their personal battles and achievements.”
Head of Marketing – Caitlin Cooper
Caitlin works hard to market the station so that everyone can see all that we have to offer and is currently in her second year of her History degree.
The woman who inspires her:
Her Mum
“She is funny, thoughtful and would do anything for anyone if they needed help. She supports me in everything I do. She once surprised me and came to the studio on my birthday with cake!! It’s cliché but I wanna be just like her when I grow up!”
Head of Music (External) – Alev Omer
Second year English Literature is only a side gig for Alev who is currently making movements in the world of DJing appearing at many high profile and sell out club nights across the city as well as being on air at Burn FM. It’s no surprise that a DJ inspires her!
The woman who inspires her:
Jayda G – DJ and Environmental Campaigner
“What a woman. Jayda G has managed to balance being an international in demand DJ with completing her masters degree in Resource and Environmental Management, and if that’s not enough, produce a debut album too. She uses her platform to engage with her fans and raise issues involving the environment, and music wise plays whatever the hell she wants. Her passion, determination and drive to do what she loves is inspirational. The lady just radiates energy and girl power.”
Deputy Head of Arts – Rachel Baker
The President of UoB comedy society, Footnotes, a regular on the drama circuit and host of a Burn FM show, Rachel just about squeezes in time for her English degree alongside it all.
The woman who inspires her:
Emily Brooks – former Burn FMer
“Emily is a wonderful friend, unbelievably hard worker and all-round funny bud. She strives for her best and I am certain she will go on to do some amazing things. Happy international women’s day to you pal”
Deputy Head of Production – Hannah Reals
As well as Deputy Head of Production, Hannah is also a presenter on the Monday breakfast and Guild TV Secretary, all while in her final year of her English degree. Hannah is a triple threat and shows how busy women succeed!
The woman who inspires her:
Claudia Winkleman – Presenter
“Claudia Winkleman’s career has spanned print, radio, and television, proving that you can be brilliant at just about anything if you work hard enough. Bold, optimistic and hilarious, Claudia exudes warmth to everyone she interviews; and as the highest paid woman at the BBC, she is the ultimate #GirlBoss”
And finally…
Station Manager – Emily Youlton
Station Manager Emily is only the 2nd female to take on the role in the 22 years of Burn FM and spends more time on Burn than her English Language degree. Even though the committee isn’t very female dominated, Emily believes the girls of Burn work hard to include everyone and lead with strength and determination.
The woman who inspires her:
Maria Grazia Giammarinaro – Judge and Campaigner
“Maria Grazia Giammarinaro is an Italian judge and policy maker who has campaigned with huge successes in Human Trafficking. She led the way making human trafficking a human rights issue, not one just about crime and has championed charity work and communication about the taboo topic of child exploitation and human trafficking that still exists in the world. After being able to hear her speak at a Film event, I was inspired by her attitude and strive for change with an issue that isn’t talked about enough.”
So we ask you, think about the women in your life, not just today but everyday, as we all continue to work towards a Balance for Better!
