The latest Bethany blog has been written by Mrs Hill, Deputy Head Academic at Bethany School, who writes about the celebration of International Women’s Day, highlighting this year’s theme “Accelerate Action” and features reflections from pupils on who inspires them the most.

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As I am sure you will be aware, it was International Women’s Day last Saturday. The theme this year is ‘Accelerate Action’ which focuses on the need to emphasise the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality, calling for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

International Women’s Day is also an opportunity to celebrate those women who provide inspiration in our lives. I, for one, have enjoyed celebrating the work of Margaret Mead, the pioneering cultural anthropologist who was a woman ahead of her time – in her approach to following her passions, challenging existing beliefs and making a difference in the predominantly white, male world of the mid-20th century.

Some of our academic scholars have chosen to share their thoughts about the women who they find inspirational.

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‘A woman I find inspirational is my mum. My mum is always there for me and is my biggest role model; she is kind, caring, loving and generous. I aspire to be just like her: a person who boosts people’s confidence, encourages people to be the best version of themselves, someone with brilliant patience who makes people feel valued. She is my inspirational woman, my mum.’  

 

– Sophie F, Year 10

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‘Architecture has historically been a very male-dominated field. Dame Zaha Hadid was one of the most celebrated architects of her time, and her work and achievements have helped pave the way for not just female architects but modern architecture as a whole.

Dame Zaha Hadid grew up in Iraq, so would have been no stranger to people doubting her professionalism because of her gender. She studied architecture in London and in her early career and education was criticised for her designs being too unrealistic. Despite the initial doubt about her complex and abstract visions, she continued to push forward.

Dame Zaha Hadid’s first built project, the Vitra Fire Station, proved to the industry that her designs weren’t just theoretical.

In 1980 she opened her own practice which became known for its cutting-edge use of technology and its distinctive style. Hadid became the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, and after her death in 2016 she was awarded the RIBA Gold Medal which is Britain’s top architectural award.

Dame Zaha Hadid’s legacy is not just in the buildings she created and her massively successful career, but in the countless other women she inspired to pursue careers in the industry.’

 

– Alice C, Year 13

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‘After her Father’s death Virginia Woolf moved to Bloomsbury, London. With her siblings, she bought a house, the place where she would later meet her brother’s friends, including her future husband. Together they would form the Bloomsbury group, a small progressive crowd of poets, philosophers, artists and writers consisting of around 10 -15 key figures.

Virginia Woolf published many novels and became an integral part of 1970s feminist criticism. She influenced feminism through her works which criticised commonly held views on gender, identity, and mental illness. Her novel “A Room of One’s Own” explores historical restriction on women’s opportunities and uses Shakespeare’s imagined sister as an example of how many potential female writers have been erased by gender inequality.

Virginia Woolf advocated for women’s independence and intellectual freedom to create and explore. Her books have been translated into over 50 languages and are read all over the world. Whilst her life came to a tragic end she was an inspirational woman, who refused to let others think for her and pioneered for women’s intellectual freedom.’ 

 

– Stella F, Year 12

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‘The woman that I find most inspirational is my mother. She is one of the most kind and intelligent women I know and she is so hardworking. She is loving, caring and nurturing and not only an amazing mother but simply a good person. She is always resilient and persists with whatever she puts her mind to – so that is why my mother is the most inspirational woman in my life.’ 

 

– Isabelle H, Year 10

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Mrs Hill

Deputy Head Academic