A fundraising event titled “Lunch With Virdee” will take place on October 2nd at The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, featuring renowned TV journalist Suzanne Virdee. The event aims to inspire and empower young girls, addressing critical issues such as self-esteem, body image, and the impact of social media.
Suzanne Virdee, a familiar face on both local and national television, will share insights from her successful career in media, including the challenges she faced along the way. Known for her roles as an award-winning news anchor and journalist, Virdee has presented for major networks including ITV, Channel 5, and BBC. She co-hosted the Midlands Today regional news programme for over a decade, becoming a prominent figure in the Midlands media landscape.
At the event, Virdee will discuss her two books: “A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome” and the best-selling “A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous.” Both works aim to equip young girls with the tools to navigate the difficult teenage years, particularly in today’s challenging environment.
Born in Solihull in 1969 and raised in Edgbaston, Virdee’s journey began as a trainee reporter for The Solihull Times before transitioning to television. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women entering the journalism field, often mentoring aspiring female journalists. Her dedication to empowering women is underscored by her recent concerns over the declining self-esteem of young girls, which she attributes in part to the pressures of social media.
Virdee expressed her passion for this topic, stating, “I wish it wasn’t needed, but it is – more than ever. The NSPCC has reported a deeply rooted notion that girls and young women’s bodies are somehow the property of boys and young men. It’s limiting and dangerous. We all have a responsibility to ensure our next generation of girls find their inner sparkle so they can truly thrive, not just survive.”
The event, organised by the Ladies First Professional Development Group, aims to raise funds to purchase 50 copies of Virdee’s book for disadvantaged and vulnerable young girls in the area. Co-director Tracey McAtamney emphasised the importance of supporting young people, noting, “Suzanne’s book is a must-read for young girls everywhere, touching on life skills, social media, body image, and self-esteem.”
Tickets for “Lunch With Suzanne” include a welcome drink and a two-course lunch, with proceeds supporting the initiative to empower young girls. They are available for purchase online.
As the event approaches, anticipation is building for an inspiring afternoon that promises to uplift and motivate attendees, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among women. With Virdee at the helm, the gathering is set to be not only a celebration of girl power but also a call to action for all to support the next generation.
