A DOCTOR, a scientist, and an actor were among those to give inspirational speeches at a school to mark International Women’s Day.

Roedean School, near Brighton, welcomed 19 women “at the top of their careers” to speak with pupils at the all-girls school.

They spoke of the struggles they faced in their respective fields, that men may not, during the event on Tuesday, March 8.

Dr Emily Grossman, an expert in molecular biology and genetics, told the pupils: “It is very easy, especially as a girl, to let people tell you what you should and shouldn’t be.

“I was a girl who loved science, which some people were dismissive of. I was a scientist who also wanted to act, and people said that was impossible.

“I had no idea as a teenager that becoming a science communicator was even a job; that I could combine the things I love.”

The Argus: Roedean's pupils listened closely to the inspiring speechesRoedean's pupils listened closely to the inspiring speeches

Dr Grossman in now an actress and singer, and a resident science expert on television.

Also speaking at the event was Royal Sussex hospital consultant Dr Kirsty Lawton. She told of being thrown into the frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic, working in emergency rooms, acute medical wards, all while handling motherhood.

“I was right in the eye of the storm and in those early days,” she said.

The Argus: Dr Lawton during her speech at Roedean schoolDr Lawton during her speech at Roedean school

“It was logistical mayhem, and we had no PPE, no visors. With early patients, we were giving oxygen, but they weren’t improving and for the first time I felt fear.

“After a while I realized what deep, deep reserves of expertise the NHS had as we began to understand the disease. Managing small children at home, and home schooling them on top of all this, was incredibly tough.”

The event marked a return to Roedean’s annual day of speeches in the wake of the pandemic, as pupils listened to success stories, but heard the “necessary setbacks” from along the way.

READ MORE: International Women's Day: Royal Mint launches new Britannia coin

Deputy head at Roedean, Ross Barrand, said: “The pupils were so encouraged and inspired by all our speakers.

“We hope that hearing what they had to say encourages them to take advantage of the opportunities they have, strive to dismantle stereotypes, and chase their dreams.”