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Female leaders at HSDC share their views for International Women’s Day

March 8, 2022

Suki Dhesi

People across the world are marking International Women’s Day on 8 March in a variety of ways, and here at HSDC we wanted to share the thoughts of some of our female Senior & College Leadership team members.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias, aiming to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

 

Suki Dhesi, Vice Principal – Students, Learning & Quality

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

Recent research shows that almost 60 per cent of women regularly experience microaggressions at work (microaggressions are subtle verbal or non-verbal behaviours, often unconscious, targeted at a marginalised group; microaggressions often have a harmful or derogatory effect). Women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities face more acute biases. But fewer than half of employees say they’ve spoken out against biased behaviour at any point in their career.

I think we need to continue to learn about microaggressions so that this, often unconscious, behaviour becomes conscious and we can adapt our thinking and behaviour to be more inclusive. We need to continue to value diversity as there is a wealth of research that highlights that diverse teams are high performing and successful teams. 

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Break the bias in every role you occupy (personal and professional), actively promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity every day. Never stop learning… never stop teaching. 

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why. 

Rosa Parks taught me that success can be achieved by ordinary people with extraordinary determination. 

“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat on the bus because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day.

“I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” – Rosa Parks

 

Debbie Collinson-Bolles

Debbie Collinson-Bolles, Director of SEND

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

For me, it’s about challenging gendered assumptions.  I currently do this, in a very small way, being part of an all-male HiFi enthusiasts group.  They now ask me techie questions about building systems, amplifiers and DACs!

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Don’t believe the inner voice that tells you to stay in your comfort zone and to play it safe all the time. That will have the greatest positive impact on your ability to believe in yourself and overcome challenges.

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why. 

Bette Davis – She was determined, authentic and feisty.  She stood up for her rights as a woman in the old Hollywood studio system, when few others dared to challenge the authorities for fear of being excluded and deemed non-compliant.  She was focused on her talents, not her image, and broke through the traditional gender and age barriers of the time.

 

Jane Golds, Director of Marketing & Admissions

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

Jane Golds quote

Continue with initiatives like this, they force you to take time to reflect and challenge your own feelings and experiences which helps to shape the lens in which we view the world.

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Ask yourself, will this matter a year from now?  Don’t get caught up in the ‘small stuff’, see the bigger picture and trust your instincts.

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why.

I am fortunate to have been influenced by many strong women in my personal life and career. From amazing managers and co-workers to my family and female friendship group, I continue to be inspired by these strong, successful, and hardworking women.

 

Nicola KingsleyNicola Kingsley, Assistant Principal Curriculum – Academic

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

By thinking about the words we use in normal conversation – so often they place the male gender at the centre, as the norm, and females as secondary. No wonder women don’t feature much in the history (his story) of humanity.

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Don’t worry if you don’t want to be the same as other girls at school – turns out there are far more interesting people at college and university who are much more fun!

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why.

A woman who currently inspires me is Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand. She is a strong and successful leader of her country, known for her kindness and empathy.

 

Leona Berry, Vice Principal – Organisational Development & People

Leona Berry

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

We need to actively engage in the uncomfortable conversations and deeply listen to the experiences of others and accept that we are all different and that is OK. It is our difference that makes us unique so talking to people who are different to us is always a great start.

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

To be fearless and to believe in my abilities. To tell myself that I am good enough no matter what barriers I may face.

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why. 

There are many inspirational women in the world but I always have massive admiration for Emmeline Pankhurst who gave her life in her quest to achieve equality for women. She showed fearlessness and a true dedication to a cause she was passionate about. Whilst we have come a long way since the 1920s, it is sad to know that we still haven’t achieved complete equity for all, not just women.

 

Charlie MillerCharlie Miller, Head of Student Progress

How do you think we can work to #BreakTheBias?

Stop seeing others as a threat and empower one another. Challenge our own value systems – every time you have a negative thought about another person, ask yourself why. Where does that belief come from and how can I be a better person? The more praise and support we give each other, the stronger we all are as a team and we will accomplish more.

 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Be your authentic self. Do not overthink language, your local dialect and use of words are valued. What you see as a barrier now will mean you are accessible to some of the most vulnerable students. You will help give them a voice.

 

Tell us about a woman who has inspired you in your life and why. 

Have you ever heard the name Eliza Simmons? It’s unlikely, as society’s expectations and barriers prevented many working-class women from partaking in the suffragette movement. For those who were involved the risks were much greater, yet they still helped forge the change that we are grateful for today. Eliza was apparently a servant girl who smashed Winston Churchill’s window, she had no voice but kept fighting anyway. It is an important reminder that without means, we can still advocate in our own way for each other and for change.

 

Find out more about what is happening around the world to mark March 8 on the International Women’s Day website.