MP highlights the power of collaboration and giving back at International Women’s Day Celebrations

Speaking at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s International Women’s Day event, she highlighted the power of collaboration and mentorship, the importance of giving back, and how everyone has a role to play in building a fairer and more equal society.

The sell-out event, which was held at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, saw more than 100 delegates come together to network, share new ideas and draw inspiration from the theme of International Women’s Day 2026, Give to Gain.

Reflecting on a childhood shaped by multiple surgeries and years away from school due to health issues, Marie spoke openly about the challenges she faced as a young child growing up with disabilities and how those experiences gave her the determination to succeed. She shared her journey, which led to a successful career in academia, as well as becoming an active disability rights campaigner, before returning to her native South Yorkshire, where she became the first person in a century to be born in the constituency she represents.

Marie was joined by Ava Jones, Head of Marketing at AESSEAL, a global leader in manufacturing of mechanical seals and seal support systems. Having joined the company as an apprentice when she was just 17 years old Ava she has rapidly progressed in her career and today balances her responsibilities as Head of Marketing alongside overseeing the company’s growth and expansion into Germany.

During her speech, Ava discussed the importance of confidence, resilience and mentoring in helping women reach their potential.

Hosted by Vice President Hayley Koseoglu, the event also featured a presentation from the Chamber’s Charity of the Year, Rotherham Samaritans, and concluded with a Q&A session hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Vice President Hayley Koseoglu, joined by guest panellists Allie Dransfield, Head of Chapter II; Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager at Esh Group; and Stacey Clarke, Director of Operations and Service Delivery at Millgate Construction.

Ava Jones, Head of Marketing, AESSEAL, said:

“Women often don't lack ability, they lack advocacy. International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved, what we’d like to achieve and how we can all support each other to unlock those opportunities. The biggest challenge many women in business face isn’t about gender but one of confidence and resilience.

True growth comes when you ask, ‘How can I help others succeed?’ When we give opportunity, we gain diversity, innovation and resilience. It sends a strong message.  When we share knowledge, we collapse someone else’s learning curve. The lessons we’ve learned the hard way are often exactly what other people need to know. By giving that insight, we don’t just help others succeed we reinforce our own growth and confidence.”

Dr Marie Tidball MP said:

“Throughout South Yorkshire, there are some truly fantastic examples of independently run, women-led businesses. I know that businesses are the front door of our communities and play a vital role in shaping a fairer, more equal society for all.

My parents taught me there's no such word as can't and the importance of serving others. Too often women are told to doubt themselves but success grows when we support and encourage one another. When we lift each other up and share opportunities to build confidence together, we create the conditions for real change — in our communities, our businesses and our politics.

For every woman who wants to make a change, I encourage you to be the difference. Your ideas matter, your questions matter, and your solutions matter. When you feel that fear to speak your mind at the decision-making tables - whether that’s in the boardroom or government - know that there are millions of women stood and sat outside those rooms, spurring you on to succeed. Be part of building a bigger table and always, always put down the ramps as well as the ladders so that other women can rise with you.”

Hayley Koseoglu, Vice President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, giving to gain, is a message that Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has been advocating for many years. We recognise that to build a strong and resilient business community, we must choose to work together, collaborate and support and encourage those around us.

Our inspirational speakers showed that with the right support, commitment and mentoring, anything is possible, and when that happens, we are not just helping individual businesses to achieve their personal goals but strengthening the wider business community, ensuring that opportunities, growth and success are shared by all.”