This week was International Women’s Day and there have been thousands of events taking place over the last few days – as there will be throughout March - to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. This year’s theme for the website is ‘Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures’, which we love as it sends out a great message about the way to challenge and change inequality – focus on the present and the future, not the past.
It’s great to be reminded of how far things have come, of course, as we’re doing as part of our 175th anniversary celebrations. But that’s exactly the point – they are celebrations of how much we have achieved as an organisation, and more importantly how much our students have achieved.
Reminiscing, reflecting and celebrating are one thing, staying stuck in the past is another.
Let’s be excited about how much there is to change, to make better, to work towards. So much has happened but there is so much more to come and only by positive thought and action can we improve the career prospects and aspirations for ourselves and the generations below.
For those affected by the current economic climate – particularly in the UK where redundancy, benefit cuts and rising cost of living are affecting many people, particularly working women who are raising families and working in part-time roles which are often the first to be cut – we know this may seem like a step too far.
But if we step away from the negativity of the news and start to look for positive alternatives, the future could start to take on a different shape.
If you’re not happy with your current job or career, can you change it? What can you do to inspire future generations of women to not accept unequal pay, treatment and opportunities. If funds and time are tight, then have a think about alternatives and let’s change the rules – not be confined by them.
Is there something you’re passionate about that could form a business but you need to learn the skills that can help you manage it? Could you train as a part-time book-keeper or virtual assistant to fit around family life?
We were very lucky to attend an event at the start of this week to mark International Women’s Day and it’s left us feeling very positive about the future – because we spent time in a room full of people talking about positive things, and they were doing those positive things too. They were making things happen.
Happy International Women’s Day/Week/Month to everyone – enjoy the celebrations, whatever you do!