WOW International Day of the Girl: Speed Mentoring on the London Eye

By Dorcas Maxwell: staff support for our pupil-led Feminist Society.

Today, I had the great pleasure of attending the first WOW Girls Festival, which was launched on UNICEF's International Day of the Girl. I was able to take six Alleyn's students from our Feminist Society for Speed Mentoring on the London Eye, followed by a panel discussion at the National Theatre. This discussion featured WOW Founder Jude Kelly and space scientist Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

The conversation ranged from the importance of having role models and understanding the scope of possibilities to being honest about enjoying family life and addressing the horrors of gender-based violence, along with exploring potential solutions for the future.

The overarching message of the day was that we should "know we are powerful and capable of changing the world." I particularly appreciated Aderin-Pocock's message that women have been studying various areas for years, even if their contributions aren't widely recognized. She emphasized that we should follow our passions. She gave the example of her love for archaeoastronomy, which has inspired me to consider it for one of my upcoming MOOCs.

The girls were encouraged to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work, and that includes being caregivers and mothers if they choose, while also pursuing their dreams. This can only be achieved by involving boys in the conversation from a young age.

The most impactful moment of the day came when we discussed the societal lies we are often told. Sometimes, to create the future we desire, we must deviate from the norm and break with tradition. The day was deeply moving for me.

One of the guides for the day mentioned that they had never experienced such a lively and continuous discussion as when the mentoring session started in the London Eye pod. I was incredibly proud of these six wonderful girls, just as I am of the team I work with week after week in Fem Soc. All the mentors and speakers consistently emphasized one underlying theme: education matters.

As I looked at the girls during a quiet moment at the National Theatre, amid all the activities and conversations, they were engrossed in their books. What a remarkable group, and what an inspiring morning! Thank you, WOW!