This year the whole school committed to marking International Women’s Day on 8th March and on the day, and that week gender equity was the topic of discussion in most classrooms. Many lessons began with a fun visit to the wonderful world of ‘Horrible’ Histories’ as pupils in all year groups listened to, watched, and even danced along with the songs about inspirational women from History. In the Junior and Senior Prep and Senior school there were fascinating and exciting assemblies about the history of the day itself and about the women that have made a day like this possible.
The theme for IWD2023 was #Embrace Equity and whole class groups, tutor groups, teachers, support staff and all our fabulous catering staff threw themselves into the challenge of being photographed striking the #Embrace Equity Pose. At lunchtime, the food was themed with wonderfully delicious purple cakes and inspirational mottos. The cakes were not the only purple visible as across the school, staff could be spotted wearing purple from Mrs WS’s vividly purple tights to Mrs Baldwin’s fabulously lilac shorts.
The lunchtime societies also embraced the theme. The documentary Feminists: What were they thinking? drew a crowd and spawned thoughtful, and often heated discussions about the changes in society and law and whether we are moving closer to equity or regressing. The Wollstonecraft Society held an open discussion about abortion considering Roe V Wade and listened to the songs Sally’s Pigeons and Voicemail for Jill considering why they might have been re-released. At HurstSpeak the debate was held ‘This House believes sanitary towels, tampons, and items of personal hygiene should be available free of charge to all who need them.’ The arguments for and against the motions were mature, well-informed and very persuasive – definitely some future leaders in the making.
It really was a super whole-school celebration of all things female and heartening to see so many Embracing Equity. Now we need to ensure we continue to Embrace Equity every day until March 8th 2024.
