Today we marked International Women’s Day 2024 with a spectacular day of festivities celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. In an International Women’s Day and World Book Day crossover, girls came to school dressed as iconic female literary characters.

At breaktime, the School community gathered in the playground for a very special International Women’s Day-themed assembly. Our Head, Mrs Haydon, lead an assembly for the whole school celebrating inspirational women throughout history and reflecting on the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. This was also a particularly exciting affair as, for the first time ever, the new Sixth Form Student Leadership Team (including the new Head Girl) was dramatically revealed live in a wonderful celebration of female leadership. We can’t wait for the new team to flourish in their new positions in the coming year. A very warm welcome to them and a big thank you to the outgoing team for their dedication throughout the past year.

Celebrations continued at lunchtime with a panel event organised by our current Head Girl, Mary and Deputy Head Girl, Anna. The panel featured three inspirational FHS alumna: Dana Gillespie (Class of 1963), Sarah Esdaile (1988) and Dr Alex Rotas, all of whom have excelled in their careers:

• Dana’s 2021 memoir ‘Weren’t Born a Man’ explores illustrious career as a singer songwriter involved in the recoding of over 70 albums, an actress and a broadcaster. Dana’s recent work includes collaborations with the London Blues Band and acclaimed albums, and a resurgence of recognition for her inspirational work.
• Sarah has directed many iconic British TV programmes including Call the Midwife and EastEnders. Sarah also has an impressive career as a theatre director, directing incredible plays with LAMDA and West Yorkshire Playhouse and working with many producers including Bill Kenwright and Robert Fox.
• Alex is a passionate anti-ageism activist, and her incredible photography, broadcasting and writing among other feats challenges societal stereotypes about ageing. Dr Rotas has had exhibitions in America and across Europe and travels the world photographing amazing older sportsmen and women.

The panel was chaired by Sixth Form ambassadors, Sofia and Claudia, and girls had the opportunity to ask our alumna about their life post Francis Holland. All three alumna spoke at length about how FHS gave them an inner sense of confidence, resilience and tenacity which has helped them enormously with navigating challenging work environments. Both Dana and Sarah gave specific mention to their music and drama teachers, respectively, who nurtured their talents at an early age and have proven staunch supporters of their creative career journeys. Alex delivered invaluable advice to the girls about embracing uncertainty in life and not being afraid to change direction if things don’t feel right. The panel also discussed how things have changed for the better for women in the workplace, and how whilst there is still so much work to be done, the strong foundations of their time at Francis Holland left them well equipped to forge incredibly successful careers. It was so inspiring for our students to meet three esteemed alumna and a huge thank you to Dana, Alex and Sarah for giving their time.

Thank you to all who contributed to making the day such a joyful occasion. Happy International Women’s Day one and all!