Our Inspiring International Women’s Day Assembly
Every year on 8th March, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) — a day dedicated to recognising the achievements of women, advocating for gender equality and reflecting on the progress still needed. At our school, pupils from Years 5–9 gathered for a special assembly to honour this global occasion, learning why IWD matters and hearing from five extraordinary women who shared their stories of resilience, passion and purpose.
Why Do We Celebrate
International Women's Day?
First observed in 1911, IWD has its roots in the fight for women's rights, including fair pay, safe working conditions and the right to vote. Over a century later, the day remains vital. Did you know?
Globally, women earn roughly 20% less than men on average (ILO 2022).
Only 27% of parliamentary seats worldwide are held by women (UN Women 2023).
Nearly two-thirds of the world's 771 million illiterate adults are women, with gaps persisting in access to education (UNESCO 2023).
These inequalities underscore the urgency of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) — a global commitment to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” by 2030. From closing the literacy gap to ensuring equal representation in leadership, SDG 5 aligns perfectly with IWD's mission.
Our assembly featured five remarkable guest speakers, each offering unique perspectives on empowerment:
Angy Pataroyyo
Dreaming Big in Science
Kicking off the event, Ms Pataroyyo, a trailblazing scientist, shared her journey navigating a male-dominated field. From childhood curiosity to a career in forensic science, she emphasised that “science needs diverse voices” and urged pupils to “embrace failure as part of discovery”. Her message? “Dream big — and don't let anyone tell you it's impossible.”
Educating Girls in Rural China
Breaking Barriers
Representatives from the Educating Girls in Rural China charity highlighted their mission to provide education, mentorship and resources to girls in underserved communities. With 1 in 5 rural girls in China unable to attend secondary school, the charity's work — building schools, funding scholarships and hosting STEM workshops — is transforming lives. Pupils learned how education empowers girls to become leaders, doctors and changemakers in their communities.
Charlotte Stirling
Redefining Careers in Streaming
As a parent and popular streamer, Ms Stirling captivated the room with her unconventional career path. She spoke about turning a hobby into a profession, battling stereotypes in the gaming world and fostering inclusive online spaces. Pupils bombarded her with questions — from “How do you handle negativity?” to “Can I be a streamer too?” — proving her talk was a hit!
Rosy Favicchio
Passion Meets Academia
Academic Ms Favicchio took pupils on a journey from her childhood fascination with nature to her career in scientific research and academic publishing. She stressed the importance of curiosity. Her story showed how passion for natural sciences can evolve into impactful work shaping global knowledge.
Yalda Saeedvafa
The Power of Choice
Closing the assembly, Ms Saeedvafa delivered a stirring reflection on how everyday choices shape our world. She linked IWD's history to its modern relevance, explaining that equality benefits everyone. Her call to action? “You can be anything! It's all about choice.”
A Day to Remember
The event concluded with resounding applause for our speakers and a heartfelt thank you to pupils for their thoughtful questions and impeccable engagement.
International Women's Day is more than a date — it's a movement. As our pupils left the atrium, buzzing with inspiration, it was clear the lessons of courage, ambition and solidarity will stay with them long after 8th March. Let's keep the conversation going!
Thank you to our incredible speakers and to every pupil who made this assembly so memorable. Together, we are building a future where everyone can thrive.
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