Commenting on England’s success at the Women’s UEFA Euro 2022 football tournament, Eileen Perry MBE DL and Jean Mountain, co-chairs of the Enterprising Women network run by East Midlands Chamber, said: “It’s been so wonderful to see the Lionesses unbelievable achievement at Euro 2022 – featuring two of our own in Chesterfield-born defender Mille Bright and Nottingham-born goalkeeper Mary Earps – celebrated up and down the country, and this moment feels like a defining moment for women’s participation in sport.
“At our Enterprising Women events, we hear from so many inspirational people about the importance of having role models to aspire to in any walk of life –highlighting women in leadership positions or traditionally male-orientated industries shows younger girls about what’s possible for them to achieve in life.
“So by showcasing the success of a women’s team in a sport where usually only men’s achievements are in the public eye, the legacy of Sarina Wiegman’s heroes could be felt for decades to come as more young girls realise they too can have dreams in football.
“As the Enterprising Women network marks its 25th anniversary this year, we couldn’t think of a more fitting way of celebrating the power of women than through our national sport.”