Character and Conscience: Reflecting on International Women’s Day

Dear Somerset Community

I’m not sure about you, but there are times when we look around and wonder, where is the world headed! We see trouble and disorder around us and wonder how do we respond? In somewhat of a simplistic by optimistic approach, I respond with, one day at a time. As the Stoic Philosopher, Seneca reminds us; Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body.

There are so many examples of incredible difficulties that have seen people get up and challenge for change and we need to be encouraged by this, to see the incredible good that people can do. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the countless women across the globe who well over a 150 years ago began to fight for equity and equality is so many areas of life.

Whilst we can confidently say that in many ways so much progress has been made, we also know that there is still much to be achieved. This years’ theme of Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. Yet in 2026, we know we still hear about gender-based violence and structural barriers block too many from seeking or receiving justice.

Equality is not about advantage for some; it's about dignity, safety, and fairness for all. But it requires all of us, collectively to ensure we stand up for what is right. We are talking a lot with our students about Character and Conscience and in putting that into practice, being an upstander, standing up for what is right and speaking out when there are words or actions that are in any way discriminatory.

Those women who decided to stand up for access to education, to the right to vote and other important issues in the early days of the suffragette movement were ridiculed and faced what would have seemed insurmountable odds. However, they kept going because they knew what was right and what had to change.

As we stand together, we need to continue to encourage the same passion and commitment from our students. To stand up for what is right and to present a vision of justice in a world that needs to hear this more and more each day.