On Friday 8 March, it is International Women's Day(IWD) and we're celebrating all the fantastic women who make the University of Bedfordshire a great place to study, work and thrive. This year’s theme is 'Inspire Inclusion', inspiring others to understand and value women's inclusion and encouraging women themselves to be inspired to create a sense of belonging and empowerment.

First year student, Fleur O’Brien tells us what IWD means to her, who her female role models are and her proudest achievements to date.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Fleur O'Brien and I am a first year, marketing student at the University of Bedfordshire. I am creative, so studying media marketing and public relations is great for me as it allows me to tap into my creative side and try different things like filming!

What course are you studying?

I study media marketing and public relations and love how versatile it is. We get to go on exciting trips and get networking opportunities. A few weeks ago we had an incredible opportunity to look around Capital Radio in Leicester Square - you just never know who you will meet!

What does IWD mean to you?

IWD is the celebration of women, acknowledging our differences and applauding our achievements. This year, I will celebrate womanhood by going on a train to visit my sister, who has just had a baby girl. I am looking forward to being around my sisters, celebrating each other, and the new life that has been born into the world.

Who are your female role models and why?

Every day we should aspire to do better and it's important to have female role models to look up to that have shown this. When I think of great empowering women, I think of Malala Yousafzai, a brave woman who fought against the restrictions of the Taliban for the rights of girls to have an education in her country. Malala is also the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

I also think about the suffragettes and how their resilience led to my ability today as a woman to vote. 

My nanny Irene Gearey, also comes to mind when I think of inspiring women. She worked for many years in a hostel, helping hundreds of vulnerable and homeless women with relationships and drug and alcohol problems. My nan listened to these women and would help them come up with solutions when they needed them. For many years after, people would come and thank my nan for all her hard work that helped them to change their lives for the better.

How does the University of Bedfordshire make you feel included?

The University of Bedfordshire is fantastic at helping people feel included. There are always fun events at Beds SU The Metro that encourage diversity and celebrate different cultures. I also know that my voice is always heard when I want to share my opinion. There is always someone ready to listen whether that be the student union representatives or even my course leader who I know I can go to if I need some support.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest moment so far has been getting two A stars in a row, after suffering from a chronic illness for five years and being told I would never be well enough for university. I now know I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I am looking forward to the rest of my journey at the University of Bedfordshire to see what is next to come.