Connecting Women Around the World During International Women’s Month

By Mindi Dryer
Head of Boarding 

In honor of International Women’s Month, the students at Branksome Hall Asia have enjoyed many opportunities over the past weeks to celebrate the inspirational women in their lives and learn about women from around the world. While COVID-19 has made some aspects of our daily lives more challenging, it has also pushed us to be creative with how we learn and connect with others. Through this process, we’ve used Zoom to learn about new organizations and meet people in fields that enhance the educational experience for the students at Branksome Hall Asia. 

During this time, some of the students were able to speak with expert Scientists in the fields of Physics, Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change and Geological Change in Korea. These Scientists shared experiences from their studies, research, and travels from all around the world.

Another group of students were invited to speak with world-famous Hollywood trainers for the Wonder Woman 1984 movie. Our young learners were given the opportunity to ask personal and professional questions and experience a short workout with the trainers themselves.

In partnership with our Freedom Day activities, students were invited to speak with AusCam, which is an organization that prioritizes girls' education as a means to prevent trafficking of females in Cambodia. Our students learned about the organization, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) in general, and the importance of prevention, rather than rescuing. Our students were able to speak with the Development Director, ask questions, receive resources and get valuable feedback.

Our Prefects were also treated to a one hour leadership training course from Maxine Driscoll. Maxine is an award-winning edupreneur and author who draws on her outstanding leadership experience. She has consulted on leadership, high performing teams and strategic thinking in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the USA. She has also been invited to speak at conferences all around the world. The new Grade 11 Prefects have been examining their own strengths as they begin to lead their Councils during the course of this month.

It is fair to say that the women at Branksome Hall Asia are remarkable and empowered to shape a better world as they continue their journey.