Rencontres Inspir’elles : une journée inédite pour inspirer des collégiens !
A first-of-its-kind event in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin brought together 17 middle school students with two female industrial directors to discuss careers in technical fields and higher education.
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On November 2025, 17 fourth- and third-grade students from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin met with Muriel Lenglin, director of Naval Group’s Cherbourg site, and Stéphanie Gaiffe, director of Orano La Hague, during the inaugural Rencontres Inspir’elles. Organized by the Departmental Directorate for Employment, Labour and Solidarity and the Normandy Careers and Trades Agency, the event aimed to inspire students—especially girls—to consider technical and industrial careers. The students prepared questions in advance, engaging in a one-hour dialogue with the directors about their career paths and the role of women in industry.
The directors shared their educational and professional journeys, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and ambition. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities in industrial leadership roles, providing students with a realistic view of the sector. The event highlighted the need for greater gender diversity in technical fields, with both Lenglin and Gaiffe underscoring the value of inclusive workplaces. Their transparency and openness left a lasting impression on the students, many of whom left with a renewed sense of possibility.
The initiative was part of the national Industry Week, supported by Naval Group, Orano, and the Union of Metallurgy Industries and Trades (UIMM). The collaboration aimed to bridge the gap between education and industry, offering students direct exposure to professional role models. The event’s success has prompted plans to expand the program to other schools in the Cotentin region, reflecting growing interest in such engagement activities.
Following the positive response from students and educators, the Rencontres Inspir’elles concept will be replicated in additional middle schools. The goal is to reach more young people and encourage them to explore technical and industrial careers. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated sectors, fostering early career awareness among younger generations.