Diane Shipley writes of the iconic women we love: past and present...
Helen Sharman.
Born and brought up in Sheffield, Helen Sharman gained a degree in Chemistry at The University of Sheffield, then got a PhD at Birbeck and worked in London. Her jobs have included time as a research technologist for (yum) Mars chocolate and more recently as a broadcaster and lecturer in science education.
But what she'll be remembered for is answering a little advertisement that said: 'Astronaut wanted - no experience necessary.'
Yes, the first Briton in space was a woman. Not only that, she was just twenty seven. And not only that, she was from my home town...
After beating 13,000 potential candidates to the final spot, Helen trained in Moscow for 18 gruelling months, learning to cope with weightlessness as well as becoming fluent in Russian and polishing up on the necessary science skills for her eight day trip to the Mir space station.
On May 18, 1991, she blasted off, taking one giant leap for womankind.
If we want more women to become involved in science, engineering and maths, we have to give young girls examples like Helen Sharman to look up to. We desperately need more women in these fields, especially young women with bright enthusiastic minds and new ideas.
Not only that, but Helen teaches us the value of taking a risk - of not saying "that sounds interesting" and forgetting about it. Sometimes, pushing yourself could be hugely personally fulfilling... and make you something of an icon.
Basically, we need more Helen Sharmans in this country and in the world - the sky's NOT the limit.
Diane Shipley feels sick in a fast-moving car, so would rather not go into space, if it's all the same with you. She'll just stay in and co-edit Trashionista contribute to TV Scoop and Catwalk Queen, and write her personal blog, What Do You Do?
