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THE ALLEYNIAN 710
Half the world
A SPIRIT OF ALLYSHIP, POSITIVITY AND CELEBRATION WAS THE KEYNOTE OF THE COLLEGE’S MARKING OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, SAYS SUE MULHOLLAND
International Women’s Day felt like a good time to take a moment and reflect, following on as it did from Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day, DC Identity Awareness Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, not to mention BLM, the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. We approached International Women’s Day (IWD) from a place of reflection and with an energy to work cohesively, in solidarity and in allyship. Our opening assemblies, led by a duet of female and male teachers, focused on the achievements of women through history, as well as acknowledging the stark realities of gender bias. They explored what is it like for young women and girls to exist in spaces that have exclusion zones and are sadly still not safe. This was a call to action: making change happen is not just a female responsibility; it is the responsibility of all of us. In talks, lessons and special IWD events, the female voice was heard. It was listened to and celebrated. Helen Thomas, CEO of Blonde Money, spoke of the space and place for women in FinTech and politics, championing the impact of allyship, while Elif Shafak spoke about her own lived experience, the challenges and pressures of the patriarchal society for all, and the importance of working together, of being heard and also of listening. Samina Ali presented on ‘Women in Surgery’ to MedSoc for both Dulwich College and JAGS, and Politics Soc explored ‘The Future of Feminism’. Art Soc welcomed Clare Twomey MBE, who discussed the importance of empathy when making art, and pupils enjoyed the annual Judy Chicago-inspired Art Tea Party with a focus on women’s contributions to the creative industries. We went on a journey with inspirational women in Geography, and Nyagoa Nyuon, the founder of the charity Catwalk to Freedom, spoke to the African and Caribbean Society about the importance of educating women, about her work rescuing girls from child marriage, and about the importance of securing them an education. A common thread in all forms of discrimination and prejudice is division and ignorance; the divide and conquer approach makes us more vulnerable, stealing our freedom, and stunting our growth. Allyship, listening and being heard bring hope; they close this gap and make society a safer and better place to work and live. We all benefit from being part of a diverse society where differences are valued. As Elif Shafak memorably wrote: ‘the moment we stop listening to diverse opinions is also the moment we stop learning.’
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