Happy International Women’s Day!

In celebration of International Women’s Day, our global community has been taking time to really honor and reflect on the contributions women have made and continue to make in the world around us.

Because of the significant influence of women on everything we do at Nord Anglia, we felt one day alone was not enough! Instead, we’ve had a full week of challenges and opportunities where schools can recognise women who’re making an impact.

Schools have created ‘post-it note praise’ walls of gratitude at several schools—like Oakridge Vizag and BIS Kuala Lumpur—and countless students have been writing heartfelt letters to women who’ve made a difference in their lives.

Speaking of inspirational women, read about these nine incredible women from all walks of life who are making a difference across Nord Anglia. These “Women Warriors” inspire us to lead the changes we want to see around us, and we’ve recognised them as part of this year’s “Inspire Inclusion” theme.

Creating a sense of belonging

Here’s a quick challenge for you. Take a minute to reflect on the environments around you and ask yourself: how inclusive are they are for the needs of all women?

Communication styles, language used, dress codes, availability of sanitary products, understanding and openness around the impact of experiences like menopause, pregnancy and childbirth. What are we doing and how can we be better?

We must look from top to bottom at our schools and workplaces to see how well we’re meeting the needs of the women who are so invaluable to everything we do. And we need everyone’s voices to create inclusive communities where women can thrive.

At Nord Anglia, moments like International Women’s Day are perfect for intentionally pausing and reflecting on what’s working and what’s not, especially as we look through the lens of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB).

As we grow year by year, we realise more and more how important “belonging” is, which is why we have added the B in EDIB. Knowing you belong is critical to your own wellbeing and productivity, and we want every single student to understand that they belong and their voices are heard. Whilst inclusion and belonging might seem similar, they aren’t the same. To be included is to be in the room, involved in the conversation. To belong is to be valued and to have a voice that can really make a difference.

This work is ongoing and can never be “completed”. Instead, we should also be looking at our systems, processes, and ways of working through an EDIB lens to ensure they reflect communities where each member feels welcomed, included, and known. Challenge accepted!

Our focus on Women’s Day is just one part of a wider change in perspective at Nord Anglia. In each of our schools, we continue to embed impactful strategies to help develop a sense of belonging,