Celebrating Those Making A Positive Difference For International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements but also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

This year, International Women’s Day has partnered with Lean In Girl, a programme which is empowering girls to push back against stereotypes and limiting beliefs, helping them build the confidence and resilience to embrace their full potential.

As we celebrate women across the Wensum Trust, we put the spotlight on three members of staff who are helping raise aspirations for young women.

Kerry Stanley Arnold, Head of Performing Arts
Hellesdon High School and Sixth Form

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women's Day represents and acknowledges women's struggle towards equality, where all people are born equal and are represented as such in society, workplaces, healthcare and pay. The fact that this is international is key, particularly with what is happening in many countries around the world who continue to marginalise and oppress girls and women's rights. 

As an educator, what are you doing to help break down barriers and empower young women?
Our school production this year is ‘Made In Dagenham’ which follows the true story of the ladies in Dagenham Essex who go on strike to protest against wage discrimination and get equal pay for women! In Performing arts we teach many political movements through music and theatre which champion equality from Reggae and Blues in music  to Bertold Brecht and The Suffragettes in drama. The arts have always been a political tool for education and change, and we try to empower young people to have confidence in the power of their voice. 

What one piece of advice would you give to help uplift and inspire women and girls?
If I was to give advice to young women in the UK today it would be that change has come but that there is still work to be done, and that women's rights are also of equal importance to men and boys as everyone who has a sister, mother, daughter, aunt or cousin should want to champion equality for the women in their lives

Amanda Moffat, Design & Technology Teacher/STEM Coordinator
Alderman Peel High School

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the untapped potential in our young women, especially in areas like STEM, where they are still underrepresented. It’s about creating a culture that values their voices, talents and ambitions.

As an educator, what are you doing to help break down barriers and empower young women?
I strive to create an inclusive environment where every student, especially girls, feel confident exploring STEM. Through initiatives like our Greenpower Kit Car STEM Club, Big Bang STEM Days and a range of STEM workshops, I provide hands-on opportunities for girls to see their potential as problem-solvers, engineers and innovators. I work to dispel stereotypes by showcasing female role models in STEM, inviting guest speakers, and celebrating the achievements of women in technology and design. I also encourage girls to challenge themselves by participating in competitions and taking on leadership roles in collaborative projects. My goal is to help them see that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

What one piece of advice would you give to help uplift and inspire women and girls?
Believe in your potential and don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt hold you back. Surround yourself with people who support your dreams, seek out role models who inspire you, and remember that every challenge you overcome builds your strength.

Helen Watts, Principal
Acle Academy

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day for me is an opportunity to reflect on the strength and resilience of women who have helped shape and support me and to celebrate friendship and family. I am lucky enough to have grown up with strong women in my family who although were not given the same opportunities themselves, inspired and encouraged me to believe that with hard work and determination, you can fulfil your aspirations.  International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women who support each other and to remember those that have paved the way for women in the 21st century to continue to challenge gender discrimination to ensure equality for future generations around the world. 
 
As an educator, what are you doing to help break down barriers and empower young women?
At Acle Academy, we believe it is important to expose children to a variety of role models. Without a role model that represents you, it is hard to dream that you can access the same opportunities as others. We conducted a review of our curriculum to ensure diversity in the historical and contextual examples we use to illustrate a topic. We know that it is important to hear the untold stories of people from minority groups across the world and throughout history, which includes the stories and experiences of women. We consistently illustrate a varied range of career opportunities that link to the topic we are learning in every subject. 

We also regularly hold careers cafes and engage in work related learning events that help break down barriers to stereotypical gendered professions. Our partnership with Lovell has helped inspire girls into traditionally male dominated sectors. I am particularly proud of the accomplishments of our ex student; Jasmine Antonellou, who secured a bricklaying  apprenticeship with Lovell when she was in Year 11.  Through her hard work and determination, Jasmine went to be awarded the position of a finalist in the national competition, Young Builders of the Year Award 2024! 

What one piece of advice would you give to help uplift and inspire women and girls?
Resilience is our strongest weapon. Women and girls can have an inherent pre-disposition of self- doubt as limitations have defined women through centuries. We may be more likely to give up when something goes wrong or be too embarrassed to try something again. By embracing failure and knowing that we learn more when we make mistakes, we grow stronger.  Being resilient, determined, reflective and adaptive, you can achieve your goals. Dream big and work hard to achieve it!