Sea Cadets is delighted to recognise International Women's Day, a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.
The charity is proud of all the amazing girls and women it works with - so we have shared some of their stories below:
Ordinary Cadet Kacey-Leigh: “There are so many opportunities within Sea Cadets, so many people to meet, courses to go on, and competitions and events to take part in. You find new interests and things you’re good at. I went sailing, and the first time was pretty scary, but I thought to myself, ‘You’re a sea cadet, you can’t be afraid of the water’, and it turned out I was silly to be. I found a new talent of mine: I am now a level-four sailor, I have sailed offshore and I have competed in several sailing competitions and regattas."
Able Cadet Ciara: “Sea Cadets has given me incredible opportunities to travel around the UK and Europe on courses, while gaining skills and qualifications that I can use on a CV and throughout life. I also met my best friends through Sea Cadets. I have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. At Sea Cadets, everyone wants to see each other succeed and pushes each other to be the best they can be. This gives it a real family and community feel. Everyone wants the best for everyone and we care about each other.”
Able Cadet Caitlyn: “I have made new friends at Sea Cadets. One of my favourite things about it is meeting new people and learning new things. Sea Cadets has helped me to become more confident in my work. And the uniform helps to make everyone the same and more accepting.”
Cadet Sergeant Amy: “Before I joined the Royal Marines Cadets I was a quiet and not very confident person. I joined when I was 13, following in my younger brother’s footsteps, and over the years I’ve gone up through the ranks. When I passed my Sergeants Board I became the first female in Scotland to be a Cadet Sergeant and in 2017 I was chosen as the first female Section Commander at the Gibraltar Cup. I never saw myself leading the section, yet here I am. It’s a big step, but one that many others take to further their careers within the Royal Marines Cadets."
Cadet First Class Amelia: “I recently went on a voyage on TS Jack Petchey (one of Sea Cadets’ offshore vessels). I achieved more than I could imagine; my Offshore Hand Level One (Power) is something I am very proud of. Gaining more confidence and team-working skills are all things I can use at my unit and in everyday life. As I was allocated a top bunk, I soon learnt not to sit bolt upright, too!"
PO (SCC) Gayle Roberts: "I entered the Sea Cadets Corps in my late forties without having any previous involvement, other than my older children being cadets. I had an outer brick wall around me and lacked confidence and self-esteem. I distrusted anyone else, especially men. Right from the start, I have been enthusiastic and passionate and threw everything I had into the role. Joining Sea Cadets has been one of the most rewarding episodes of my life, and I hope to be involved for many years to come. To sum it all up, Sea Cadets has made me whole again. It has given me a new lease of life, and I look forward to making many more memories and making a difference to many more young people.”
Nina Guppy: “I joined the Unit Management Committee as a unit assistant. Then I was inspired to get on the water. So I signed up to some courses. I got the bug, I loved it. During my Level 2 sailing, I got hit by the boom, which put me off. But when my son asked if we could go sailing, I knew I needed to get back on the water. I have been on more courses since then, which have boosted my confidence. The more sailing I do, the more I feel like I will be able to instruct the cadets and give back to the unit. I want to do volunteering, it’s rewarding and I enjoy it, and you just fit it in. If it’s something you feel really passionate about, you find the time."
Acting Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Tracy Peel: "I have been at Sea Cadets for more than 24 years now as a cadet and volunteer, and I have worked my way up to become a District Officer and Area Staff Officer for rowing. The best thing about Sea Cadets is the skills and knowledge that I can pass onto young people in order for them to progress. It has been a great benefit to my life as I now work in a secondary school and at my interview they talked about the charity. I have gained many skills and qualifications throughout my time in Sea Cadets."
