International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to highlight the achievements of women.
World renowned feminist Gloria Steinem once explained: ‘The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.’
Campaign Theme
The International Women’s Day campaign theme for 2021 was Choose to Challenge.
In Presentation Secondary School Castleisland organisers and students certainly rose to the challenge to showcase their achievements.
Guest speaker, Sarah Culloty, a past-pupil who has just been appointed first ever female Head of College Science in UCC, said that she was hugely appreciative of her Presentation Secondary School education and how it played a pivotal role in her career choice.
Outstanding Speakers
International Women’s Day celebration also included presentations from women who work in STEM companies. Dr Julia Behan from REMDA, a company which makes robots for bomb disposals, spoke on the importance of studying STEM subjects.
Stephanie Collins, from Girl Code, gave a presentation on teaching girls computer coding, which is linked creatively to software development. Aislinn Desmond, JRI America Ladies Captain, spoke on the balance between life as a footballer and a STEM worker.
Importance of Empowerment
Trocaire works in partnership with communities in more than 20 countries, to tackle injustice and relieve poverty.
Guest speaker from Trocaire, Martina O’Donoghue, discussed the marginalisation of women in society and the importance of empowerment.
Action Aid Ireland is an International organisation working for social justice for women and children who live in poverty. Presentation Secondary School student Fiona Brosnan was one the finalists in the Action Aid Competition 2021 and she presented her passionate and empowering speech to the whole school community to mark IWD.
Musical Magnificence
Professional musician Ciara Ni Bhrian, joined music classes for a magnificent virtual performance followed by a question and answer session.
The Art Department invited students to design and create a poster in the theme of IWD that would be used for the school event.
Some outstanding illustrations, portraying empowering female images, were submitted.
Through Baking and Poetry
Intrepid students from the Home Economics Department were invited to bake a dish incorporating the IWD symbolic colours, purple, white and green.
The English Department challenged students to write a poem in the theme of inspiring women.
The uptake and quality of work as well as level of engagement from all departments, was outstanding.
We know that identifying, celebrating and increasing the visibility of women’s achievements can help build equality and create positive change for women globally.
Change from Challenge
‘Change comes from Challenge’ and this is the message that Presentation Secondary School community wished to highlight on the occasion.
Principal Katherina Broderick thanked the student council which planned the events for the whole school celebration and all the participants.
Exciting Opportunities Available
“It was a day which reminded our girls of the exciting opportunities available to them and also a celebration of the leadership skills and talents which are being nurtured in our school.
“Everyone who attended agreed it was a most empowering celebration which made us proud to be part of Presentation Secondary School,” said Ms. Broderick.
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