'More than just a bake sale’: celebrating International Women’s Day

Berkhamsted Girls observed International Women's Day in a powerful and active manner, researching and advocating for women around the world.

'More than just a bake sale:' celebrating International Women's Day at Berkhamsted Girls, part of Berkhamsted Schools Group.

Kings came together to record International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘More than just a bake sale.’ In recognition of the skill, time and resources that every pupil at Berkhamsted has, the Kings community prefects decided that this year they would lead a far more active and reflective initiative than the traditional money-raising events. Houses were tasked to work together to research a girl across the world whose human rights have been affected, and then crucially, to action their research and advocate for their chosen issue.

New Stede have reflected on the catastrophic impact of Haiti’s earthquake on her education. They have focused their ‘action’ on exploring advocacy for the right to education after natural disasters.

Holme have researched Ruksana, in India, who lived on the pavements of Kolkata. They are considering creating a mini documentary and social media campaign to highlight the dangers faced by street living children and support charities providing safe routes and schooling.

Russell have researched Sokha from Cambodia, who grew up orphaned, with no schooling until a life-changing intervention brought her education. Some pupils in Russell are considering writing a letter to the UN referencing the Right to Education, focusing on child labour and educational access.

Stephenson have discussed Afghanistan’s undercover athletes who have been banned from competing under the Taliban code. On Thursday 5 March, they hosted a game of cricket in honour of the Women’s Afghan Cricket team, who are only able to operate because they train outside of their native country.

 

Wolstenholme have focused their work on Suma from Nepal, who was forced into bonded labour. In light of her work to access education, Wolstenholme are continuing to research modern slavery and charities that support Nepalese organisations fighting bonded labour.

Old Stede are researching girls’ education in post-conflict zones and the charities that support them. They have resonated with the story of Mariama from Sierra Leon, who survived war and poverty to become the first educated girl in her family.

Finally, St David’s have explored the life of Senna in Peru, who turned to poetry to reclaim her future after growing up in a mining town where survival overshadowed schooling. St David’s have created their own advocacy speeches and a digital graphic pack to spotlight the impact of poverty on girls’ education.

This research culminated in a powerful chapel service, during which each House shared their research and actions. One by one, each House then rose and spoke aloud the name of a girl whose rights have been taken away. They then lit a candle and held it out in front of them as a symbol of recognition and advocacy. With over 550 people in the room, this was a powerful observation that allowed girls to reflect on their own positions and recognise the millions of girls living in inequality around the world.