Women's Education February & March
International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8th. The day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering taking place in 1911. IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. IWD is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action.
To kick start celebrations for Internationals Women’s, Day we have had a number of opportunities to attend inspirational and empowering events celebrating women.
She Can Be - Thursday 13th February
Did you know…
67% of 11-21 females believe that they that do not have the same chances as men (Girls’ Attitude Survey 2018)
Funded by the Lord Mayors Appeal, our school’s Place2B service invited Y10 students to attend the ‘She Can Be’ event. The annual event aims to work with young women who may not have their own networks to gain access into the City. The event enables young women to gain experience of a working environment in the City and empower them to see that aspiring for a career in the City is a viable option.
During the morning session, students were partnered up with Mercer who hosted the girls. Students had the opportunity to design an app that would help people. Students did a fantastic job, designing an app and then using their public speaking skills to present back to the group.
In the afternoon the girls travelled to the East Wintergarden Conference venue in Canary Wharf with all the other young women taking part in the day, and heard from inspirational women who they can relate and aspire to.
New United International Women’s Day Celebration – Friday 28th February
The Sun on Sunday invited students from across London to their amazing News UK building in London Bridge Street to spend the afternoon with Claudia Winkleman, Davina McCall and Alex Scott, who were there to speak to teenagers as a celebration of International Women's Day and shine a light on what still needs to change. It was really inspiring to hear from all three women about their experiences, and the challenges they faced as women.
Students were also invited to take a tour of the News United newsroom, watching a live radio broadcast and a journalist writing the news as we visited.
The girls thoroughly enjoyed the visit, evidenced by feedback from some of the girls below:
- Davina, Claudia and Alex are incredible women who inspired and pushed me into becoming a better woman for myself and to make a proper change in society (Shahmina Akthar, aged 14)
- This event empowered me to strive for bigger and better opportunities, which society doesn’t encourage me to do as a woman (Samiya Rahman, aged 14)
- This event was an awakening! It has made us, as young women, realise that sexism is, unfortunately, something which women and girls are exposed to regularly, which we now have learnt how to tackle (Farea Hossain, aged 14)
- A really eye-opening afternoon with Davina, Claudia and Alex, I realised that they have had similar experiences to what I have in the past and now feel like I can, and should, do what it takes to make a difference in my life (Taite Howe, aged 14)
Canary Wharf Group International Women’s Day Celebration – Friday 6th March
Another International Women’s day (IWD) trip - and another fantastic opportunity!
Y9 students were invited to the iconic Canary Wharf building: One Canada Square to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. Students were joined by Canary Wharf Group staff to share their insights into Leadership and support the IWD 2020 campaign theme #EachforEqual.
After listening to presentations about the history of how Canary Wharf came to be and the infrastructure needed, students were given a tour of the 30th floor, including a viewing of the models of the Canary Wharf area and the transport system which enables people to travel to Canary Wharf from across London. The girls were also given first-hand insight into developments to come. The views and the models were truly mesmerising!
International Women’s Day Event – Be.Inspired – Leaders in Community: Friday 13th March
The last of the International Women’s Day celebrations and one of the most memorable!
Bow School is extremely proud of a group of students who attended the Leaders in Community Project ‘Be.Inspired’ at the Teviot Centre. Students worked very hard planning and organising an international Women’s Day event. Everything from flyers, décor, the exhibition and supporting the team at Leaders in Community on the day of the event. The event was extremely successful, with everyone going away empowered, inspired, ready to celebrate, support and validate all the women in their lives for the amazing people they are.
Leaders in Community is a youth led charity run by a group of active local young people from Tower Hamlets. ‘Be.Inspired’ is the young women’s empowerment project, where young women get to speak about issues that they are facing in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Our Women’s Education Officer was invited to take part in the Panel discussion to talk about ‘Women and Power’ and also how important and special the role of Women’s Education Officer at Bow School is.
The fantastically talented Penelope Mendonca (Graphic Facilitator, Cartoonist, Artist) also multi tasked by being a Panelist, as well as creating a sketch note of the event.
Truly memorable occasions!
Ms Rahman
Adaptability, Curiosity, Determination & Respect
