On Friday 6th March 2015, four students from Croydon High School were among the guests at the ninth celebration of International Women’s Day, held in the City of London at Guildhall.

 

The celebratory breakfast event took place to commemorate the day, which occurs annually to recognise the role that women have played in shaping history. The United Nations marks the day each year, and it is celebrated in many countries across the world.

 

The event was also held in support of the work of Refuge, the domestic violence charity which has grown since it was founded in West London in 1971 to become the country’s largest provider of domestic violence services. Every day, it provides a safe haven for over 3,000 women and children.

 

The event was hosted by Gabby Logan, a broadcaster and former gymnast, who was “delighted” to chair the event, given that she used to live just down the road from the world’s first women’s refuge in Chiswick.

 

The theme of the day was “Make It Happen”, and to reflect this idea an excellent panel of guest speakers were in attendance to share their stories of success. Among them was Sandie Okoro, a barrister and solicitor who once studied at Croydon High School. Today, she is the Global General Counsel of HSBC Global Asset Management and is involved in numerous other projects, including mentoring young aspiring lawyers, being a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Society and volunteering in the community.

 

She is named as the fourth most influential black person in the UK, and said of women’s rights on her Twitter account: “We are not there yet but... a journey of a thousand miles is taken step by step.”

 

Student Shelley Allen, who was one of the students to attend, said of the event: “It was an interesting experience which greatly developed my awareness and knowledge of the issues raised.”

 

In a society where women’s rights are frequently debated in the media, the day served as a perfect example of how females are able to make a real difference not only to their community, but also to the world in which they live.  

 

Kirsty Bailey

Croydon High School