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2 ANTI BULLYING WEEK
International Women’s Day
Sara El-Khamlichi, 5E, Aurora Strong, 3W and Aria Bapna, U4N
This year, the theme of International Women’s Day
was ‘Balance for Better’ with the aims of emphasising
the importance of a gender-balanced world and
accelerating future change. To celebrate IWD Bancroft’s
pupils came together to recognise the achievements
of women as well as to raise awareness of issues
surrounding gender equality by organising various
events throughout the week of 8 March.
The week kicked off with a thought-provoking assembly which
highlighted several taboos around menstruation, particularly in
less developed parts of the world, alongside issues surrounding
stereotypes and toxic masculinity. We chose to support “The Red
Box Project” which aims to end period poverty by donating boxes of
menstrual products to secondary schools. In order to raise money,
a bake sale was organised as well as an Own Clothes Day when
pupils were encouraged to wear a purple item of clothing (the main
colour of the IWD campaign, which picks up on the purple of the
Suffragettes) to show their support. Research by Plan International
shows that 10% of young girls in the UK cannot afford sanitary
products, therefore, it is hoped that our contribution will help
to ensure that young women do not miss out on their education
because of menstruation.
Alongside fundraising, there were opportunities for pupils to get
involved in a variety of activities to mark the week. Events organised
by staff and pupils included a book club on
Feminists Don’t Wear
Pink
, an aerial quad photo with the Prep School, a film night showing
Suffragette
, a talk on Sappho, a mixed football match (which turned
out to be an intense house competition!) and an rehearsed reading of
In the Parlour
by Judy Tate which commemorated the Afro-Caribbean
suffrage movement and the historical fight for gender equality. Aria
Bapna said, “The most meaningful event to me was the senior chapel
when the work of empowering women in their communities and
globally was commemorated. It was inspiring to learn about women
who used difficult aspects of their lives to start NGOs to help other
people in similar situations and how hard they worked, against the
odds, to achieve their dreams.”
A highlight of the week was a Careers Fair organised by Ms Chana
when we had the opportunity to meet women from a range of
technical and creative backgrounds, from an earth observation
scientist to a senior TV games producer. Since a key focus of this
year’s IWD campaign was the importance of gender balance in the
workplace, it was particularly inspiring to learn about the different
paths each of the women had taken to pursue their current careers,
some in very male-dominated industries, such as engineering.
In an increasingly progressive and forward-thinking society, gender
balance is essential for growth, both economic and social, and we
hope that through continued awareness and through the inspiration
of the current generation and generations to come that we can begin
to create a more equal society, free from bias and prejudice.
Many thanks must go to Ms Chana, Ms Picton and other members of
staff and pupils who helped make the week a success.