PUBLISHED 02 March 2021
#ChooseToChallenge
International Women’s Day 2021 celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It provides an opportunity to reflect on progress, as well as recognising areas for further action to promote further gender equality. Reflecting this year’s theme, ‘Choose to Challenge’, Miss Worthington has created a week-long event programme between 8-14th March, comprising a range of inspirational speakers and messages:
1. External speakers (6.30pm Facebook, 6.45pm YouTube) – will share their stories of how they have challenged traditional stereotypes, these events are open to all and include:
- Monday: "The power of words, finding my voice & having the confidence to use it" - Olivia McCrea-Hedley, Deputy Chief Sub-Editor at Elle Magazine
- Tuesday: "Tackling gender inequality in sport - reflecting on personal experience" - Laura Perrin, Sale Sharks rugby player
- Wednesday: Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council - further details tbc
- Thursday: "Levelling the playing field, recognising women in rugby & considering what changes need to be made" - Christian Day, Head of Player Affairs at the Rugby Players’ Association
- Friday: The Reflection Section: "A round-up of the week's celebrations" - Martha Worthington, AKS Drama Teacher
These sessions will be c.20 minutes providing an opportunity to consider differing perspectives.
2. Student speakers (8am Facebook, 8.15am YouTube) – will share their views in a short daily 'thought for the day' session, covering: inequality, the changing landscape of gender, impact of inequality on women of colour, stereotypes, impact of media and why everyone should be a feminist. These sessions are short bursts of inspiration of c.10 minutes to kick-start your day!
4. Inspirational Icons - students share posters celebrating inspirational women linked to the subjects they are studying at school. View on Facebook from 1pm.
5. Bedtime stories (5pm Facebook, 5.15pm YouTube) about inspirational women for our younger pupils, read by members of our Senior School.
6. Invitation to all our community to get involved by striking the #ChooseToChallenge pose with your hand high to show your commitment to choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world. See Miss Worthington's photo attached as a guide. Send your photo to news@akslytham.com to feature in our IWD AKS gallery!
Please save the dates and get involved by sending your #ChooseToChallenge selfie now!
Note: If you miss any of these events, they will all be available on-demand on our dedicated YouTube playlist.