A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Widely celebrated around the world, International Women’s Day holds more importance now than ever. This dedicated day allows us to commemorate the achievements of women, while simultaneously shining a light on the issues still faced today. We spoke to students and staff regarding women that inspire them.
Simone de Beauvoir
By Sofiya, Year 12 Student Leader
Honoured differently all around the world, IWD is a great reflection of many cultures – in some countries, it is a day dedicated to protesting in the name of radical change, while in others, it is a sociocultural celebration of womanhood.
For this international women’s day, I’d like to write about a woman that inspires me.
Her name? Simone de Beauvoir – a French feminist philosopher and activist who dedicated her life to writing essays and novels which
highlighted social, cultural and political issues faced by women. Today, her work has shown to have a large sway on feminist existentialism and feminist theory, proving her to be a remarkable figure in female literature.
Born into a bourgeoise family in Paris, Beauvoir was raised with extremely traditional principles – she would grow up to marry, have a family and be a devout housewife. Unfortunately, this was the reality for many women. Dreams were often compromised for societal ideals, and prospects were rarely given the privilege of being centred around careers and studies. All changed however, when World War One had put the Beauvoir family into a strained circumstance, significantly impacting Simone’s marriage opportunities. This meant that it was up to Beauvoir to pave her own way in a male dominated world. Luckily, with the encouragement of her father, who often said ‘’Simone thinks like a man!’’ Beauvoir became an academic, teaching at the Lycée Montgrand. After completing her studies in philosophy, Beauvoir became heavily interested in exploring different socio-political issues faced by women at the time, later inspiring the literary masterpiece that is The Second Sex. Described as her most famous and influential piece of work, The Second Sex provided a vivid critique of the patriarchy, and boldly challenged the political and religious reason behind the inferiority of women. This, along with many of her other works, greatly influenced second wave feminism, encouraging others to join the movement and acknowledge the sexist injustices faced in our society. Beauvoir sparked progress, change and reformation, forever altering the course of feminist literature.
So, for this International Women’s day, I’d like you to think of a woman that in your opinion, has challenged the odds, overcame struggle and did something remarkable. Whether she is a friend, a family member, or a famous figure, let’s use this occasion to bring attention to their wonderful accomplishments! Furthermore, we can all help raise awareness to the issues being faced by women today, such as the current fight for reproductive rights and the fight for a woman’s right to an education. There are many online resources you can use to educate yourself on the aforementioned concerns, but most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for what you believe in – we can only progress as a society if we stay informed, cultivated and engaged in what we stand for!
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Virginia Woolf
By Viki, Year 12 Student Leader
“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman” – the statement that not only encompasses Virginia Woolf’s pioneering feminism but the catalyst for my personal path in the exploration of my femininity. It was through examining her works and her life around them that I finally felt I found my footing in unapologetically being a woman. Woolf’s beliefs enabled the formation of many of my core values. Her ambition and lack of fear in challenging the stereotypes within her society are qualities that I highly admire. For instance, her 4th novel, Mrs. Dalloway, received rave reviews in addition to presenting topics as such as feminism, homosexuality, and mental illness in post WWI England. In particular, I greatly enjoyed her essays regarding the idea of “Killing the Angel in the House”. However, the central point that inspires me the most is her ability to make a change. Her writing, lectures and public speaking led to society’s shift towards inclusion, diversity, and equality. She was a true advocate for equality between the genders and an icon for her independence, creativity, and determination. The incorporation of her feminist views within her prose allowed me to find myself within her but her appeal transcends gender. Despite the darkness which engulfed her childhood due to the sexual assault experienced at the hands of her half-brothers, as well as the death of her mother, her work is elegant, possessing a delicate beauty which is truly a testament to her perseverance and literary talent. Above all, she pushes me to remove the limits that I place on myself and always strive for more.
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Emmeline Pankhurst
By Mrs Cummings
There have been so many influential women throughout history who provide inspiration for all of us, whatever our gender or age, so it’s quite difficult to choose just one but for me Emmeline Pankhurst has to be one of the most significant women ever.
Emmeline, and her daughter Christabel, were two of the first six women to form the Women’s Social and Political Movement in Manchester in 1903 to demand equality in voting for women with men. Very quickly Emmeline showed that she was a natural leader and she became the spokesperson for the campaigners. At this time, women were not allowed to vote so played no part in the decision-making of politics and were not considered intelligent enough to contribute to the conversation about how the population should be served by their MPs, even though in reality women shouldered almost all of the caring roles within society.
The fight to win the right to vote for women was a very difficult struggle that took decades of work and real courage. The steadily growing movement of women, and some men, were inspired and led by a completely determined and dedicated leader in Emmeline. Winning the basic right for women to vote was an incredibly hard battle with many followers imprisoned, going on hunger strike and some even losing their lives. Without a leader as strong and charismatic as Emmeline Pankhurst, it’s unlikely success would have come when it did, or even at all. Though her complete focus had been this struggle, when the horror of the First World War struck, Emmeline put her energies into encouraging women to take up work to support the war effort and resumed the campaign for voting rights after the victory came.
Today, we accept that everyone over 18 has a right to vote and to be heard about the running of the country and its institutions. It is important to remember that it was only in the last century that this wasn’t the case and it was Pankhurst and her followers’ willingness to do whatever was necessary to make people listen that changed things. Emmeline’s approach to activisim had a profound effect at the time, not just within politics but well beyond, and this continues today. Emmeline Pankhurst showed the influence one person can have to change things for the better, even at a time when men thought women should be silent.
‘Trust in God – she will provide’ Emmeline Pankhurst
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Yoko Ono
By Mr Nicklin
Once upon a time, John Lennon, Beatle John, walked into the Indica Gallery in London, climbed a ladder, took up a magnifying glass that had been placed there deliberately, and looked through it at a mark on the wall. The mark was a word. The word was Yes. The artist who’d created this work was a Japanese immigré named Yoko Ono. They would meet, fall in love, marry, have a child. A conventional relationship one might think. But there is nothing conventional about Yoko Ono. Part of the Fluxus art movement, she created visual art that was witty, startling, angry, playful, joyous, surreal, and utterly unique. Being married to one of the four biggest pop stars on the planet didn’t change that. Finding herself in the international spotlight did not stop her from being uncompromising in her work. Heavily criticised at the time, blamed for Lennon’s divorce, blamed more for the disintegration of The Beatles, Yoko refused to bow. Embracing the recording studio, she formed the Plastic Ono Band alongside her husband. Her earliest music is deeply avant garde, defined by her terrifying ululations. Over the course of the 1970s, she would record a sequence of albums that were as brave, bold, and experimental as anything recorded by her male counterparts. Her songs remain powerful statements driven by her unique vision. In 1975, she gave birth to a son. But it was John who retired from the music industry to raise the child, while Yoko continued to pursue a career in music and art that defied expectations and eschewed the obvious. When John was murdered, Yoko devoted her life to non-violent causes and non-violent protest. A true advocate of peace, as Russian forces attacked Ukraine, Yoko unveiled the Peace Tower, a powerful beacon of light beaming into the night sky in Reykjavik, Iceland. The Peace Tower, like so much of her work, is a simple concept, but startling in its power. It is a testament to her murdered husband and a light that shines for us all in a world shrouded in darkness.
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My Wife
By Mr Round
When asked the question… “What woman inspires you the most?,” I’ve got to be honest, I struggled a little to know who to say… I could of said Mother Teresa, a Catholic Saint who’s charitable efforts got her global recognition, or Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the USA, whose class and approachability won the hearts of a nation. As Academy Chaplain maybe my answer should have be a woman from the bible, there are plenty to choose from, all with fascinating and inspiring stories. However, when I truly and honestly ask myself what woman inspires me the most, there is only one answer. And whilst this might be deemed as cheesy or ‘a cop out’ the position of most inspirational woman in my life can go to only one woman… My wife!
Now I know what you’re thinking…His wife is obviously going to read this and therefore he’s chosen her to earn some husband points. Well let’s set the record straight… Yes this will earn husband points, many I hope, but husband points are so insignificant compared with the joy, love and inspiration I receive from being married to my wife.
Why is my wife inspirational to me?
Inspiration is defined to be left feeling stimulated, excited, motivated or inspired. My wife in so many ways, often leaves me feeling this way. Whether it be how she approaches her work, being disciplined and determined, forging a career, winning multiple awards in a male dominated industry. Or whether it’s her passion and creativity to champion other women, cheering them to achieve greatness and success. Maybe it’s how she puts up with me every day, showing patience, kindness and grace that’s the real inspiration. Or how she has blossomed into this beautiful mother, caring for, going above and beyond to give our son all the love in the world.
All of these things in my opinion are worthy of inspiration.
However, there is one outstanding feature that makes my wife so inspirational to me, and that his her relationship with Jesus. As Christians we are called to Love God with all our hearts, souls and mind and to love others as ourselves. Witnessing how my wife lives her life, loving God and serving others is a real honour and privilege.
One might say it’s an inspiration…And it certainly is!
She inspires me to be better, work harder, love greater and serve deeper.
Thanks Lucy!
And thanks to all the amazing women who are paving the way in making this world more diverse, equal and inclusive. #BreakTheBias
