A Better World.
That’s one of the founding pillars of my work as Children’s Commissioner, ever since launching the Big Ask three years ago. Thousands of children have told me they want a safer, fairer, more inclusive world for themselves and their families and friends – and I am continually impressed by their efforts to make this happen.
Today, International Women’s Day, is a moment to reflect on the steps taken across history to improve the lives of women and girls – in education, health care and by challenging outdated stereotypes. But it’s also a chance to be honest about where urgent change is still needed: in access to opportunities, in representation, and to level the playing field in the workplace.
Here, some of my Ambassadors set out what this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, ‘Inspire Inclusion‘, means to them.
Rhea
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
It means creating more conversations surrounding minority groups. In recent years, the media has become more diverse and is allowing people to feel ‘seen’. My favourite examples are the TV shows Bridgerton and One Day, where brown actresses were cast in roles that were originally thought to be played by white actresses. Growing up with little representation of main characters being anything other than white is more harmful than you may think. Even seeing someone that ‘looks like you’ can feel empowering and I would love to continue seeing this in the media!
Who has inspired you and why?
My friends have always really inspired me, which might sound strange. My friends and I sometimes have conversations about our futures, what we want to achieve and where we want to be, but somehow we always end up thinking about one thing: how unfair life can be. I think it’s that perseverance which they all have that inspires me. No matter how stressful their lives get, they have always been ready to help whenever I need it and that truly inspires me to try and do more than the bare minimum.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
I would want women and girls to be able to access period products for free or at a much more affordable price range than what they are currently being sold at.
Penelope
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
It highlights to me how collective and inclusive we, as a society, should aspire to be. We should come together with shared experiences, beliefs and ideas but also recognise those ideas that may not fit within the consensus. It includes the power and agency people have over their own minds, bodies and happiness and it’s so important that we negotiate, compromise and acknowledge these, just as living and growing people. The freedom to advocate this allows everyone to feel heard and included in what can be perceived as a predominantly ‘divisive’ world.
Who has inspired you and why?
Besides the incredible women within my family, I believe Jo March from the book ‘Little Women’ has inspired me to develop a voice. From reading the book at a young age and watching various film adaptions, her continuous depiction as an ambitious, strong-headed but also empathetic woman reinforces how society can prevent you from being passionate about the things you love. But her fearlessness and unapologetic curiosity for change in all things history, politics and literature influences me, as a young woman, to channel this change for young people. Although female emancipation has progressed from what’s portrayed by Jo’s experiences, her thoughts, ideas and rejections as a woman are timeless, and has always taught me to embrace having a mind, as well as a soul, and to always appreciate your sisters.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
Women and girls around England should not feel ashamed of being themselves. We have constructed a society that sets impossible notions of what ‘femininity’ consists of, and it’s painful seeing women chaining themselves to an archetype that, by nature, is fantastical. Women and girls shouldn’t have to change their interests to suit others, shouldn’t feel obligated to apologise for someone else’s behaviour, shouldn’t be afraid of walking down a street, shouldn’t be discriminated against for being ‘just a girl’. Womanhood is so diverse and subjective, and I believe, to shift this pre-set notion, women and girls shouldn’t be afraid of having their own mind simultaneously to having feelings, even if it’s giving them a platform to express these concerns, it removes the barriers to liberation.
Rylie
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
Inspiring inclusion to me is being able to create an environment in which everyone is valued, respected and included. Appreciating the unique perspectives, experiences and contributions that each individual brings to the table. I think especially with education for young people, everyone learns differently, everyone excels differently and we should be able to create an environment in which everyone can feel empowered to excel.
Who has inspired you and why?
They are so many incredible women that inspire me, it would be hard to pick just one. I have been supported at different stages of my life by lots of amazing women. Especially being in construction, the community of women is lovely. I have come across so many people who are willing to support and help me on my journey.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
If I could change one thing for women and girls in England, it would be to work towards challenging stereotypes and biases that discourage girls from pursuing STEM subjects. Establishing support networks and mentorship programs to provide guidance, encouragement and networking opportunities to help navigate the challenges they may face in male-dominated fields.
Sumaira
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
To me it means a more inclusive, diverse and safer environment for every single woman, no matter what their race, age, faith or how they choose to identify. I strongly believe it is essential that women feel a sense of belonging and feel respected, no matter where they are or who they are with.
Who has inspired you and why?
Personally, I have felt inspired by Zarah Sultana, who has been a Labour MP representing Coventry. As a South Asian Muslim woman, it is very rare to watch other woman like me in politics and campaigning for their beliefs and she has inspired me to be authentic and unapologetic true self.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
To ensure equality and representation for all women in England, I would start by supporting and designing programmes for women and young girls into male-dominated industries like business, sports and STEM. I would like to ensure all women feel comfortable by designing systems that meet the needs of women, ensuring resources like sanitary towels are on all working sites and public spaces for women.
Sofia
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
For me, it means that every person, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, has the opportunity to be an active participant in public life and that they are always included in social life. I believe that inspiring inclusion is very important for every member of society, as it gives everyone the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings.
Who has inspired you and why?
I am very inspired by Ruslana Danilkina. She was a soldier in the Ukrainian armed forces but lost one of her legs during the fighting. She inspires me a lot because despite her difficult condition, she continues to live and dream. The fact that she lost her leg does not make her feel limited in any way. After her rehabilitation, Ruslana plans to start swimming and ice skating in spite of her injury. I am very inspired by people who are strong in spirit and who are ready to continue to be optimistic and those who can change the world. After completing her rehabilitation, Ruslana wants to help people like her to survive this injury and find the strength to move on. I follow her on social media, and when I see how she wants to continue to live an active life, show her moral strength and help people, I realise that despite everything that happens to me in life, I have to find strength in myself and move in the right direction, because none of my problems can be as serious as Ruslana’s. So she is an example of resilience for me.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
I think that in order to improve the lives of girls and women around the world, I would make sure that girls from every corner of the world have the opportunity to get a free education. I think it’s important because education plays a big role in developing one’s outlook on life. It’s important to make sure that every girl and woman knows their rights and is able to make the best of their lives. No matter what culture they grew up in, they need to know that their rights are protected.
Maya
This year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you?
Inspire Inclusion to me is a very mature theme. It understands that, although people might think or wish, we are not very inclusive. It is a powerful yet calm statement that acknowledges the work so far but the need for more work too.
Who has inspired you and why?
The people that inspired me have been the general community of people older than me at school. I have seen a lot of what they have done and what they get to do. This inspired me to work hard to get there too.
What one thing would you change for women and girls in England?
If I could change one thing for women and girls in England I would make clothes fairer. What you wear shows so much about yourself but women’s clothes often are more expensive and very unpractical
