ROEDEAN marked International Women’s Day this year by inviting an impressive roll call of speakers into school including Emily Lewis-Garwood, only the fifth female Beefeater in a 500 year tradition.
The Sussex independent school chose the theme “the world is changing” for this year’s event and pupils were treated to talks by 22 women who have broken through barriers to lead their fields and make a difference.
Organiser and deputy head Dr Ross Barrand said: “Although women have more opportunities in society than ever before, they can still very often face inequality. Roedean’s founders, the Lawrence sisters, were determined that our school would provide girls with an education that was equal to that any boy would get, and this vision remains central to the school’s ethos today. Despite the changes in society, young women need exposure to inspiring and successful female role-models to empower them and confirm their belief that they will make a difference in the world. These women are at the very forefront of their fields, and they addressed the students on topics ranging from Jane Austen and Beefeaters to veterinary science and composing, and from ‘disruptive sustainability’ and fashion to engineering and international peacemaking.”
Emily Lewis Garwood addressed the girls on her role of Yeoman Warder, popularly known as a Beefeater and explained her journey to becoming one which requires having at least 22 years in the armed forces, holding the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and reaching the rank of Warrant Officer – before a super rigorous selection procedure.
Other speakers included Pro-Vice Chancellor for Aerospace,Transport System and Manufacturing at Cranfield University Dame Helen Atkinson, Middle East negotiator Nomi Bar-Yaacov, composer Sally Beamish, Velvet founder Emma Draper, British diplomat Josephone Gauld and BBC broadcaster Kavita Puri.
Categories: Roedean School School News
