Celebrating Inspirational Women

Alleyn’s pupils marked International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March with a host of activities to celebrate the amazing women who have inspired them through their lives.

Some of the ways they paid tribute to inspirational women included a word cloud made up of pupil, parent and staff nominations of women who have inspired them in some way. Nominations came from throughout history to the present day, from the worlds or politics to science and sport, as well as more personal nominations of family members. Each nomination, from Rosa Parks to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was supported with a sentence explaining why that person was important to them.

Poet Amanda Gorman was nominated “for her talent, poise and activism work for racial and gender equality, and youth literacy.” Nobel, Peace Prize winner, Shirin Ebadi was nominated “for her tireless efforts to fight for democracy and human rights in Iran.” And athlete Paula Radcliffe for “her work ethic and determination simply to enjoy the sport, whatever challenges it threw at her”.

Other celebrations of women included a special podcast episode produced by four Gold CREST students dedicated to women in Science alongside the theme ‘Choose to Challenge.’ It is available to all pupils through the Hub.

Alleyn’s Alumnae also shared their advice to current pupils. Edith Goakes (Dutton’s 1990-96), who won the Institute of Physics Outstanding Physics Teacher Award in 2018, said “Don't be afraid to apply for opportunities just because you think you can only do part of the job. Can you do most of it? Can you learn the rest reasonably quickly? Yes? Then go for it!” Others included Amy Dury (Tyson’s 1982-87) who is now an artist and who was asked to paint Cornelia Parker live on International Women’s Day by the Tate, said “Find what makes you happy and trust in it!”

And moments throughout the history of Alleyn’s were also celebrated by the Alleyn’s Alumni & Development Department, from 1975 when the first girls entered Alleyn’s in the sixth form to 2021 when we welcomed Jane Lunnon as the first female Head.

Thank you to all pupils, staff, alumnae and parents for your passion in celebrating amazing women.