Why International Women’s Day Still Matters
Senior School, Nursery and Prep School, Reflections
Every year, without fail, someone asks, “Do we still need International Women’s Day?”
The short answer: Yes. The slightly longer answer: Yes, because while we’ve made huge strides towards gender equality, there’s still a way to go. And as the head of a girls’ school, I see firsthand why this day is as important as ever.
Our students are growing up in a world full of opportunity, ambition, and role models. But they’re also growing up in a world where women are still underrepresented in leadership, still earn less than men on average, and still face barriers—both seen and unseen—that hold them back. International Women’s Day is a chance to acknowledge both the progress we’ve made and the work that’s still to be done.
1. Because Progress Isn’t the Same as Equality
It’s true that today’s girls have more opportunities than ever before. They can study anything, pursue any career, and dream as big as they like. But the reality is that:
- Women are still underrepresented in politics, business, and STEM industries.
- The gender pay gap, while narrowing, still exists.
- Women continue to face discrimination, unconscious bias, and outdated stereotypes about what they can and can’t do.
If we stop talking about these issues, they don’t disappear. Change happens when we keep the conversation going and take action to make things better.
2. Because Role Models Matter
One of the best things about International Women’s Day is the chance to shine a light on the incredible women who have shaped history—and those shaping the future. Our students need to see that success comes in many forms. That resilience, hard work, and confidence matter just as much as talent.
Whether it’s pioneers like Marie Curie and Malala Yousafzai or the women making a difference in their local communities, representation matters. When girls see what’s possible, they’re more likely to believe they can achieve it too.
3. Because Feminism Still Raises Eyebrows
Despite the fact that feminism simply means believing in equality, it’s still a word that makes some people uncomfortable. There are still outdated ideas about what it means to be a strong woman—whether that’s in the workplace, in leadership, or in everyday life.
International Women’s Day is a moment to remind everyone that gender equality benefits everyone. It’s not about one group winning over another—it’s about fairness, opportunity, and creating a world where talent, ambition, and hard work are what count.
4. Because Celebration is Powerful
Yes, International Women’s Day is about raising awareness of the challenges women still face. But it’s also about celebrating achievements, lifting each other up, and recognising how far we’ve come.
It starts with the choices we make every day, the way we interact with each other, and the way we challenge the norms that hold girls and women back. At Royal High School Bath we live and breathe how empowered women empower women and we celebrate our sisterhood at every opportunity. Our values, alongside high emotional intelligence, empathy and the kindness you feel as soon as you step foot through the door, highlights not only the brilliance of our environment but also the reason why girls only schools are so relevant today. Happy International Women's day!
