Wellbeing - Senior School

International Women’s Day Assembly, Santa Sabina

On Tuesday the 5 March, Ms Santiago and I were invited to attend the International Women’s Day Assembly at Santa Sabina. The purpose of the event was to celebrate women’s achievements, as well as continue the conversation surrounding the gender inequity that many women still face. This was all based on the theme by UN Women, ‘Invest in women, Accelerate progress’.

The special guest speaker, Dawn Caroll, Design Director for TSA Management shared her experiences in the construction industry. Ms Carroll highlighted some of the challenges she has faced over the years as a woman in a predominantly male industry and encouraged the students of Santa Sabina to pursue their passion in STEM subjects. It was clear that as a collective – males and females need to invest in girls by encouraging opportunities in industries like construction to accelerate progress in helping to close the gender gap.

The Santa Sabina student leaders invited a prefect from St Patrick’s College to participate in a Q&A panel. I was fortunate to be part of this panel amongst their Principal, Ms Skerman, their student leaders and staff. During the Q&A we discussed how the media perpetuate negative stereotypes towards women and ways in which these could be rectified; and how Sant Sabina encourage their students to take risks in order to progress in areas such as their careers. My contribution on the panel was that it is important to remember that males and females are human and what connects us is our humanity and this should demystify any idea that that women are any less than men.

The entire assembly was insightful as it allowed me to reflect on ways, I could invest in women to help accelerate progress. It also helped me understand more about how these issues impact the women in my life.

Thank you to the student leaders of Santa Sabina for organising and inviting us to a wonderful assembly.

       Joshua Santangelo | Inclusive Community Prefect