Pictured above: Heathfield Girls With Speaker, Dr.Helen Pankhurst CBE
Women's Rights activist, Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE, kicks off Heathfield's speaker programme with vigour | 200+ students from Heathfield and neighbouring schools in Berkshire, packed the auditorium to hear her compelling presentation on gender equality and women's rights today
Heathfield School’s speaker programme kicked off to a flying start this term, with a high energy, compelling presentation - Women's Rights: Past, Present and Future - delivered by renowned women's rights activist and author, Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE - great-granddaughter of Emmeline and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, both leaders of the suffragette movement and champions of the ‘Votes for Women’ campaign that led to women’s suffrage in 1918 and 1928. Over 200 students from Heathfield and neighbouring schools, packed the auditorium to learn more about gender equality and women's rights today.
Helen is tremendously passionate and knowledgeable about women’s rights and equality, and the audience was completely rapt. During her presentation, Dr Pankhurst discussed the history of women’s right to vote and the need for increased militancy to bring about change with the suffragettes’ demands for ‘deeds not words’. She then brought the conversation to the present day, challenging the audience to consider equality today through the lens of economic equality – equal pay for equal work, political equality and the freedom to walk in safety, rated on a scale of 0-5. The results were eye-opening with scores of 2-3, 2, 3 and 0-1 respectively.
Lively discussion followed with suggestions for promoting equality in the future, which included a greater focus on educating boys and challenging inappropriate behaviour that may previously have been viewed as acceptable. A reminder that there is still work to do and we can all be part of that change.
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Head of Admissions - 01344 898342 or via admissions@heathfieldschool.net.
Heathfield is a vibrant, busy and inclusive community where girls thrive. We are focused on developing skilled individuals imbued with inner confidence, tenacity and a passion for life.
We provide an environment where a girl’s childhood will be happy and secure; where she has the opportunities to discover her unique passions and talents and accordingly, to develop self-belief and confidence to enable her to succeed. Life in the 21st century demands grit, resilience and adaptability. We are ambitious for our girls and our bespoke approach enables them to succeed in many different areas.
The construction of a new Sixth Form Centre is underway and will provide a large space for studying, presenting, mentorship, socialising and the development of soft skills.
We have high expectations for the academic outcomes of all our pupils, and they continue their journeys to top universities, art colleges, drama and music schools and career pathways both in the UK and abroad.
Heathfield School, London Road, Ascot, SL5 8BQ - 01344 898343
