International Women's Day

To celebrate International Women's Day today, March the 8th, we asked two of our staff members about Woman that inspire them.

Mrs Swale - 

Who is a woman that inspires you?

A woman who inspires me is Malala Yousafzai. Malala is a 25-year-old Pakistani Human Rights Activist who advocates for the rights of women to receive an education. She is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize due to her persistence and resilience in fighting for this cause. 

How have they made a difference?

When the area where Malala lived began to be taken over it was mandated that all girls’ schools be shut down and women were no longer allowed to vote or to have a job. Malala loved school and dreamed of becoming a teacher, doctor or politician. She decided to write a blog about the destruction of girls’ schools in Pakistan. She became famous for speaking out to advocate for the rights of women to receive an education and risked her life to fight for this cause. 

Why do they inspire you?

Malala has shown great persistence, resilience and bravery when fighting for her cause. She believes in everyone having the equal right to access education opportunities, which is a belief that I share too.

Mrs Baker -

Who is a woman that inspires you?

To me the most inspirational woman in my teaching career was a former principal, Joan Gibbs. No, she isn’t famous but as a teacher and a principal had all the qualities that I aspire to, not only as a teacher but as a person. Joan was the first female principal I ever worked under and her dedication to her entire school community was always something to behold. 

How have they made a difference?

Joan was the first ever female Principal at Romsey Primary, a changing of the guard. She showed a level of compassion and empathy to her staff and students that was second to none. Something I always aspire to. This personality trait transfers into her community engagement, where in her retirement she is still an active member of many local organisations. 

Why do they inspire you?

When I returned to teaching after having my daughters (that was a long time ago), Joan was on the beginning of her leadership journey. I was lucky enough to be teaching in adjoining classrooms and I would often doubt myself. Her reassurance and confidence in my abilities was probably the thing that inspired me to be not only the best teacher I could be, but to some degree follow on in a leadership path. Eventually, I became a member of the Leadership Team and learnt in this time what a great school leader she was. A fabulous teacher and a truly great leader and somebody I still call a friend!

Thank you to the male members of staff who put on a lovely morning tea this morning :)