Local photographer Angela Fitch opens her first solo exhibition, 2020 Women of Vision, at The Hive, Worcester, next month.

The collection, which will be formally opened on International Women's Day by Dr Abi Masterson, comprises 20 images of women who have carved careers in sectors which, until the mid-20th century and even later, would have been exclusively male domains.

Dr Masterson attained her first degree from the University of Edinburgh; since then she has studied widely and her career has included clinical, education and research posts at St Bartholomew's Hospital, the Royal College of Nursing and the University of Bristol.

In 1998 she established her own consultancy, specialising in helping individuals to succeed at work and organisations to get the best out of their people.

Angela Fitch said: "Although women have always made a massive contribution to society and home life, it has taken centuries for us to become more readily welcomed in many and varied employment sectors.

"2020 Women of Vision is a celebration of the incredible achievement that women have made over the past half century.

"Dedication, ambition and hard work form the cornerstone as we cross thresholds into work that until just a few years ago would simply have not been accessible to us.

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"As a product of the 1970s, I have always been interested in equal opportunities and as the whole equal opps agenda remains a 'work in progress', I wanted to create something tangible which illustrates the great strides already made by women in the workplace.

"It takes courage to step outside the norm and it's hugely gratifying to witness the increasing number of women (and men) who are doing exactly that.

"The 2020 Women of Vision project has taken two years to complete. Making the collection of 20 images has been a unique opportunity and privilege to photograph some of the most successful women across the county.

"I hope that the work and the autobiographies that accompany the images will encourage the next generation who face their first career choices and those who are returning to work or seek a career change to aim high, beat the barriers and go on to enjoy fulfilling careers."

2020 Women of Vision will tour Worcestershire over the coming year.

Tour venues include: The Hive Worcester, from March 5-19 and May 4-24; The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, from July 1-August 12; The Regal Cinema, Evesham, from September 1- 30; and the Artrix, Bromsgrove, from March 1-28 2021.

Entry to the exhibition at all of the venues is free of charge, check websites for venue opening hours.

For more information, visit angelafitchphotography.co.uk or call 07585 904636.