International Women’s Day, established in 1911, serves as a day of global collective activism. This year’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ celebrates positive female role models, empowerment aspirants, stereotype challengers, advocates for women’s issues, and promoters of inclusivity.

As we count down to International Women’s Day on 8th March, we were fortunate to have GDST alumna Mrs. Sumathy Rajanayagam visit our Senior School assembly last Monday. She shared insights into her journey into the world of work, highlighting the noticeable gender imbalance she encountered transitioning from school to studying Chemistry at Imperial College, and later into finance.

Her insights into behaviors, working patterns, equity, and opportunity were insightful. She explored necessary changes for more women to enter workplaces where they’re underrepresented: awareness of microaggressions, unconscious bias training, flexible working options, addressing the pay gap, and fixing the ‘broken rung’.

Mrs. Rajanayagam shared insights from the 2019 Harvard Business School study, which stated that ‘women make highly competent leaders,’ according to those who work closely with them. The study highlighted that what holds women back is not lack of capability but rather a lack of opportunity. Women were praised for excelling in taking initiative, demonstrating resilience, engaging in self-development, driving results, and displaying high integrity and honesty. In fact, they were deemed more effective in 84% of the competencies frequently measured. Men were rated as superior in two capabilities: developing strategic perspective and technical or professional expertise.

She concluded her presentation with the question: “Why does all this matter?”

  • It will take nearly 140 years to bridge the gender gap — another four generations.
  • In the United States, there are fewer women in leadership positions than men named John.
  • The character of the Joker has won the same number of Oscars as all women directors combined.
  • 181 million girls and young women are not in education, employment, or training.
  • 72 countries don’t allow women to open a bank account.
  • Women are responsible for three times as much domestic work as men.
  • Women face higher poverty rates than men, particularly if they are from a non-white background.

Gloria Steinem, feminist, journalist, activist, once said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist or organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” For me, this statement provides a clear call to action.

When women are absent, I must ask, “Why not?”
When women face discrimination, I must call out poor practice.
When the treatment of women is inequitable, I must take action.
I must do this each time, every time.

When I see our Bromley High School girls courageously navigating their own paths, I see them inspiring inclusion through their stories of relevance, belonging, and empowerment. They are shaping a better, fairer world, and I have confidence that future generations’ equality rests in their capable hands.

One way our girls are harnessing their bright minds for bright futures is through our sustainability strategy. Mrs. Lovett is collaborating closely with the girls to plan a Zero Waste Week, during which we will reduce energy, technology, paper, and food waste across the school. The girls are learning to thoughtfully consider their resource usage and behaviours to address the climate crisis. Initiatives include ‘power off’ hours, eliminating photocopying, donating old technology, organising clothes swaps, and hosting House competitions focused on reducing food waste.


Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress