FEATURES
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY CELEBRATED AT SCOTCH
TWO EMINENT WOMEN SPEAK TO THE BOYS
International Women ’ s Day this year was celebrated across both Senior and Junior School campuses at Scotch . Zoom presentations by notable leaders in their professions , Jayne Hrdlicka and Laureate Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO , were delivered to boys in form and house groups , with students compering the sessions .
Our Junior School staff and students gathered both onsite and remotely to watch the live Zoom presentation from our special guest speaker , Professor Ingrid Scheffer . Prior to this event , the boys spent time in their classrooms learning about Professor Scheffer and her work . They were eager to listen to her speak about her career as a physician-scientist whose work has led the field of epilepsy genetics for more than 20 years .
Professor Scheffer began her presentation focusing on three main issues – Resilience , Gender Styles and Bias – and her career mantra : enjoy the journey and don ’ t be too worried about the end point . Her career began with the altruistic aim of helping people , but looking after her patients drove her curiosity to ask scientific questions , because she wanted to better understand their diseases . This exciting outcome led her to delve into the research field , which has allowed her to make an impact on people all over the world with epilepsy .
Exploring the themes of grit , a growth mindset and the pursuit of excellence , the presentation successfully held the attention of the boys . Professor Scheffer talked about her many highlights and awards and the countless hurdles she has faced in her career , some relating to her gender .
A key take-away for the audience was to focus on how we use resilience to overcome challenges . She spoke of allowing serendipity to prevail when things don ’ t go to plan . A key message for the boys to ponder was the fact that men and women have different perspectives and different solutions to problems . The outcome of men and women working in combined leadership is far greater than only one gender dominating . Professor Scheffer concluded the presentation by answering questions from the boys , read by James Luk and Charlie Lamb of Year 6 , who were the MCs for the event .
At the Senior School , the boys and staff were provided with an opportunity to listen to the CEO of Virgin Airlines , Jayne Hrdlicka ,
speak about what International Women ’ s Day meant for her . As one of only four per cent of female CEOs of airline companies worldwide , Ms Hrdlicka reflected on the significance of the day .
Acknowledging that while there has certainly been progress in terms of equity for women , Ms Hrdlicka challenged Scotch boys to think about gender issues that still exist . She pointed out that gender inequity in political , corporate and sporting worlds and the alarming issue of domestic violence against women still need to be addressed . As such , she encouraged our students to make a difference to ensure all the women in their lives have equitable opportunities , so that they feel safe and that the world of possibilities is also open to them . She urged our boys to be upstanding citizens – to be the ones who will not walk past poor behaviour , especially when it comes to how women are treated .
When speaking with staff , Ms Hrdlicka addressed the International Women ’ s Day theme – ‘ Break the Bias ’ – encouraging all in our community to consider this theme , to ensure that everybody plays a role in creating frameworks that support equity , to promote a culture that is welcoming and inclusive , and to ensure the women in our community feel valued and have a voice .
In addition to Ms Hrdlicka ’ s address to staff and students , throughout the week students were given opportunities to participate in various activities in subject areas and in tutor and form groups to gain more knowledge about the day , the history behind the day and the issues that International Women ’ s Day seeks to address . Discussion questions and quizzes , Englishthemed activities and the promotion of females in science were just some of the activities that were offered , and in doing so it is hoped that our students reflected on the contributions and challenges experienced by women throughout history and in the present .
MELANIE PIVA – SENIOR SCHOOL TEACHER
34 Great Scot Issue 165 – April 2022