How DCB Students Celebrated International Women’s Day 2024

Last week, the Dulwich College Beijing community commemorated the 112th anniversary of International Women’s Day in a variety of inspiring ways. International Women's Day has evolved into a global movement that not only honours the trailblazing women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations but also reaffirms our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable world. This global celebration holds particular significance at DCB, where nearly half of our student population is female, and our commitment to empowering them to follow their interests and passions – even if that might be a traditionally male-dominated space – is unwavering.

Throughout the week, students engaged in a series of thought-provoking activities designed to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality. From captivating performances to enlightening discussions, the spirit of empowerment resonated across different age groups.

In the Junior School, Year 4 students took centre stage with an International Women’s Day-themed assembly, starting off with surprising skits that didn’t shy away from highlighting the challenges faced by girls in traditionally male-dominated fields and following it up by celebrating inspiring women throughout history and their teachers and mothers as well. Their poignant performances sparked important conversations about gender stereotypes and the importance of breaking barriers.

In Senior School, the GC Champs Federation organised a weeklong event series focusing on issues of gender equality and women's empowerment. Through informative presentations and engaging activities that tackled topics sometimes seen as taboo, students gained valuable insights into the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Meanwhile in the digital space, our Junior School student Tokuto S won in the Junior School Global Citizenship category of the annual Education in Motion Digital Art Competition for his work on Zaha Hadid. When asked about his inspiration behind the piece, Tokuto answered, “My dad is an architect, so I know Zaha Hadid who was the first female architect, and she got the Pritzker Prize… I wanted to express that not only men can be architects, but women can also contribute to being architects, too."

While International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the strides we've made towards gender equality, our commitment to promoting inclusivity extends far beyond a single day. As we look towards the future, we remain dedicated to providing our students with opportunities to learn from and be inspired by remarkable women who are making a difference in their respective fields.