MEDIA RELEASE

First Women photographer Anita Corbin joined BBC's 100 Women Debate to discuss image, perceptions of women and their role in the UK

"In the past year there have been more images taken than in the whole history of photography," according to Somerset photographer Anita Corbin who made the statement when she took part in the BBC's100 Women debatesat the BBC's London headquarters at Broadcasting House. The event was part of a series of debates held around the world and discussed what it means to be a 'good girl' or an 'ideal woman' in different regions and cultures. The debates are available to view on:http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06t3k0v/bbc-100-women-debate

Anita was approached as her project First Women gathers momentum and she continues to create a legacy of inspirational photographs of ordinary women in the 21st century who have achieved extraordinary things. Due to launch in 2018 to mark 100 years of Women's Suffrage, Anita is creating and curating 100 iconic portraits of 21st century women who have achieved the landmark title "First Woman" across a range of fields.www.1stwomenuk.co.uk. The ground-breaking project is already attracting international attention from Europe and the USA.

The types of pertinent questions being asked by the BBC such as ‘are beautiful women more likely to succeed?' and ‘what kind of women are more likely to become leaders?' are considerations Anita has pondered since she started First Women in 2009. She comments, "In these debates the BBC is exploring image from a variety of different angles and cultures. For me it is all about maintaining the integrity of the image and bringing a different take on the way we photograph women. I always encourage my subjects to be true to themselves and when I capture their image I want to show something beyond any superficial packaging - it's about passion, not fashion.

"With more images being created than ever before, it is time to provide an alternative to the mainstream and focus on creating images of women that demand people look beyond the exterior and find the inner truth. I hope that the First Women series will inspire future generations and help them see that it is possible to break down barriers. I want these powerful images to offer emotional support to women who seek to be the best they can be; those women who want to aim high and will look at my pictures and see they are not alone.

"When the 100 portraits go on display I am confident that the power of the group as a whole will inspire every woman who goes to view them; empowering them and enabling them to feed off their energy and achievements. If you like it is a gathering together of outstanding women to support and champion women's collective energy and power."

Joining Anita at Broadcasting House is one of her subjects, Bellatrix, First Woman to be World Champion Beatboxer. She is one of many powerful women amongst Anita Corbin's collection of First Women portraits achieving "Firsts" in many different ways. The portrait of Bellatrix will eventually stand alongside the other 100 "Firsts" chosen by Anita and including a mix of different women from shepherdess Katy Cropper, the First Woman to winOne Man and his Dogin 1990, to Baroness Usha Prashar, First Woman Civil Service Commissioner. It is this impressive mix of diversity that provides an alternative to the mainstream images usually seen in the media that makes First Women such an outstanding project.

Anita will complete the photography part of First Women in 2016 and says, "I haven't yet made my final selection, but what I have worked on is selecting a good cross section of women working in different sectors who come from all walks of life and backgrounds. I want ordinary women, not just those who have achieved through privilege and birth right. I still have a few spaces to fill before I reach my 100 and so would welcome any suggestions as well as like-minded sponsors who can help me bring First Women to the public eye in 2018."

Picture captions: Bellatrix, 1st to be world champion beatboxer

Katy Cropper, 1^stto win One Man and His Dog 1990

Baroness Usha Prashar, 1^stto be Civil Service Commissioner

Further information: Anita Corbin, Tel: 01823 662329 or mob: 07802 613911 or check out:www.1stwomenuk.co.uk

Press information and images from Jane Adkins, Tel 01935 813114 or email:jane@aheadforpr.co.ukor visit:www.aheadforpr.co.uk

Editor's Notes

First Women

Anita Corbin's First Women Series will reach its culmination in 2018, a significant date marking 100 years of Women's Suffrage. Her vision is to provide answers to important questions that will be posed at that historic juncture: "How will women be remembered over the past 100 years?" "What have women achieved in the fields of Sport, Science, Politics, the Arts and Education?" "Who were these remarkable "first" women"?

BBC 100 Women Debate

With more than 100 conversations happening across the globe, in more than eight languages, the BBC will live link to debates in other parts of the world to reflect many of those voices on a live page onbbc.com/100Women, as well as World News and World Service Radio.

December 2015 (PR 19 BBC 100 Debate)