One of my favourite days of the year is fast approaching. Tuesday 8 March marks International Women’s Day, a day that provides the opportunity to reflect on progress made for women globally and to consider why and how change is still needed.
In the lead up to Tuesday, today I accompanied our Senior School and Junior School student leaders, Mr Peter McDonald and Mrs Joanna Leaman to the UN Women’s IWD lunch, where the assembled crowd heard from Dr Jane Goodall, interviewed by Linh Do. We were inspired by their message of persistence and activism in making a difference in our global community; and always believing in your passion and ability. In our modern world, where words are easily spread and go viral quickly, it is the power of doing that affects the greatest change. To support IWD, you may have come across some of our senior students selling purple IWD ribbons at Deakin and Manuka shops highlighting to the local community our commitment to the global advancement of women.
One of the events I most look forward to for IWD is the Senior School assembly which will take place on Tuesday. Student-led by the Senior Council, we will hear from current students, staff and impressive CGGS alumni as part of an occasion that is always breathtaking in its energy. It is clear in the Hall on that day that we understand the significance of the community of girls and young women that we are a part of at CGGS. Year 12 student, Lize, articulated beautifully the power of being a member of our community when I asked her for her thoughts, recounting the following story to me:
“I recently experienced something which reminded me just how valuable it is to be part of the CGGS community. I was attending the first day of a computer science program at ANU, when a girl came up to me and tentatively asked whether I was part of the program. When I confirmed that I was, she smiled with relief and said, "Oh, I thought I would be the only girl here, I'm the only girl in my IT class at school." I was shocked! Signing up for the program the number of girls or boys hadn't even crossed my mind.
This girl's experience is an example of how bias against women of all ages still exists in society. At her school, girls had avoided choosing IT due to a prevailing gender stereotype, and thus the one girl who had chosen the subject was absolutely outnumbered. Because of this, my newfound friend's sense of worthiness and her confidence in her abilities had been undermined.
At school, I am part of an IT class of 20 exceptional girls - I am constantly inspired by their skills, intellect, and confidence. This is a reflection of the wider CGGS community, and demonstrates the power of a community whose members support, encourage and inspire one another.
By taking these values out into the world and refusing to be influenced by gender stereotypes, I truly believe that CGGS girls can continue to break the bias, and inspire others to do the same.”
This feeling of pride and connectedness was reflected by Year 6 student, Gresha, as she spoke about her love for CGGS. “I have had many experiences in different schools but this one makes me feel included, respected and cared for and I love that no matter what teacher or student or what grade they are in, I have been looked after dearly. I love being at CGGS and it makes me finally like school. I love the teachers, my classmates and my friends.”
In talking to Year 10 student Aditi, I am regularly left in awe by her wisdom and empathy. When talking about women supporting women, she told me that “I've always been a firm believer that women have power in their individualism, but together, create effect. Women need to stand together to form a collective that empathises with each other and can foster change within the community. Study after study asserts the importance of female unity, particularly with women in leadership. As an aspiring leader as a student and later, an adult, I have found that the confidence and emerging communal strength of women has been an asset to societies everywhere. After all, when one woman helps another, not only do those two individuals benefit, but women around the world are one step closer to reaching true equality”.
While the passion for their community is clear in these student responses, what makes me most proud of our students is their courage and independence in what they do. They seek opportunities to forge productive, meaningful lives, they reflect and seek wisdom with integrity. Our students have grit, are inquisitive and speak up for themselves, and importantly, for others. They know and appreciate the value of being inclusive, and truly do stand by our motto that ‘to the young, anything is possible’.
Thank you to our students every day for making us so proud of you.
Happy International Women’s Day to our community. Enjoy, wear your best purple outfit and if you see our girls selling ribbons please do support them.
Ms Julie Jorritsma
Acting Principal