The very first International Women’s Day took place in 1911 and despite the strong levels of respect for gender diversity and awareness of equality within our Quaker-based community, 2022 is the very first year that Leighton Park has formally embraced the phenomenon. This year’s global event falls on the second day of British Science Week’s Smashing Stereotypes initiative launched in Collect on Monday tying International Women’s Day to a broader awareness of respect for everyone regardless of race, gender, beliefs and more. Across the world on Tuesday 8th March the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women were celebrated and the event provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to challenge stereotypes, fight against gender bias and give women the recognition they deserve. During morning break, the female staff at Leighton Park gathered on the steps inside Old School to demonstrate solidarity with International Women’s Day, to support one another and to share inspirational banners.
Nicky Hardy, Deputy Head (Pastoral) commented, “At Leighton Park we have a diverse, inclusive and harmonious community. As a Quaker School, gender equality is very important to our core values and ethos. Through our teaching, pastoral care and co-curricular programmes we aim to promote a school community free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. I am proud to work at school that genuinely values and celebrates difference.”
Not every woman working in education is fortunate to have a supportive environment however and gender impacts on the career progression and working conditions they experience. For example, although 62% of teachers in secondary schools are women, only 39% of secondary headteachers are female. Only 7% of women in education will attempt to negotiate their initial salary offer, compared to 57% of their male counterparts. 1 in 4 teachers who quit the classroom in recent years were women aged 30-39. It is these kinds of statistics that International Women’s Day aims to combat by encourage women to speak up for what they need and what they deserve.
Inspired by International Women’s Day Nicky plans to launch an innovative Women in Leadership Programme later in the year to support female leaders at Leighton Park and to assist with succession planning and future recruitment, helping to #BreakTheBias.
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