International Women’s Day Celebrations

Saturday, 8 March marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

Across campus, various celebrations have been taking place to mark the occasion. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people.

In the Library the focus has been on World Book Day, with a special emphasis on influential female authors. Over at the Sir Ben Ainslie Sport Centre, the team have put together a feature wall dedicated to women in sports. Pupils are invited to nominate inspirational female athletes and explain their choices, with the PE team awarding cream eggs for the best suggestions and reasons.

Staff have also been engaging with the movement by posing with pledge cards with the logo, statements and hashtag of the movement too provoke conversation amongst pupils.

A key event in the Truro School International Women’s Day Calendar is the  ‘Cornwall Women’s Fund Fashion Show’, hosted by Truro School parents Amanda, Kathryn and Caroline. This fashion show highlights the strength and beauty of women and girls in Cornwall who are excelling in their fields.

Sustainable fashion entrepreneur, Uzma Bozai will showcase her designs as part of the celebration, which includes an impressive line-up of speakers – all successful women from the South West. Truro School pupils are also joining in with the event, with many modelling Uzma’s designs.

Sixth Form student Hattie, who is one of the models, said; “’I’m excited to be modelling at the Cornwall Women’s Fund’s International Women’s Day on 8th March here at school. It will be interesting to hear from influential and creative women who are the leaders in their chosen field. As I prepare to leave Truro School in just over a year it will be a great opportunity to be inspired by these women who have used their passion, creativity and determination in a way I hope I can.’

Along with Uzma, speakers include BBC Springwatch presenter Gillian Burke, Vick Bain, founder of the F list (directory of female musicians) and fierce champion of equality in music and Genevieve Flintham, international marketing director and novelist.

All four powerhouses have chosen to support the Cornwall Women’s Fund (CWF) event on Saturday 8 March at The Heseltine Gallery, Truro School, from 11am to 2pm, celebrating the global day of recognition of female achievements and also five years since CWF began.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day  is ‘accelerate action’. This event also ties in with Truro School’s academic theme, ‘The Year of Creativity,’ showcasing local creative women from various industries and providing inspiration for pupils, parents, and the wider community.

Amanda Stratford, a founding member of the Cornwall Women’s Fund, said: “As a giving circle we work together as a collective to give our time, skills and money to improve the lives, inspire hope and nurture the ambitions of women and girls living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“We are so grateful to our speakers for their support, to Truro School for giving us the opportunity to use their wonderful Heseltine Gallery, and to everyone who has so far booked a ticket to come along.”

Cornwall Women’s Foundation has raised over £65,000 and distributed 22 grants to projects and organisations across Cornwall and the Isles Scilly , including Cornwall Music Service Trust, which also offers music workshops for new mothers and babies in Camborne and Truro.

Vick, Uzma, Gillian and Genevieve will share the secret to their successes and the challenges, and also inspire their audience to make the next step. Uzma said her advice to other women chasing their dreams is first and foremost “be gentle on yourself. Society puts enough pressures on women, we don’t need to add more onto ourselves. As an ambitious woman you’ll be used to going it alone and creating opportunities for yourself but I’ve learnt that I can achieve more and feel more fulfilled when surrounded by other strong, accomplished women. We’re stronger together.” It is because of this reason that she was delighted to be asked to host the IWD fashion show. She said: “Through each look, we hope to highlight the strength and beauty of the girls and women of Cornwall, excelling in their fields, breaking down barriers for future generations and inspiring us all to be bolder and braver.”

Fellow speaker, Vick Bain, said: “I believe in collective action and change happens when we support each other, share opportunities, and push against the systems that hold us back.”

Some of the projects and organisations supported by CWF will also be sharing their motivational stories and showcasing their work.

Genevieve, who started at the bottom of the marketing industry ladder, said: “As someone who comes from the South West, I’ve always been passionate about ensuring that girls and women can succeed in an industry which hasn’t always been equal, and where it’s not always clear on how to get started. I hope to help show others from the South West that we are no longer in a world where London is King, the playing field has equalled, and it’s time to grasp the opportunities.”

Tickets for this event are free and can be booked at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cornwallwomensfund2/

On Friday, Rev. Helen led an International Women’s Day prayer in Chapel, offering pupils a chance to reflect and join in a prayer that will be repeated worldwide in celebration of women. Notably, Rev. Helen is Truro School’s first-ever female chaplain in its 145-year history.

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist reportedly explained, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” So, make International Women’s Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.