International Women’s Day Breakfast

Our International Women’s Day Breakfast commenced with a powerful message from Reverend Judith Watkins, our College Chaplain, who enlightened the audience about the feminine portrayal of God in the ancient Hebrew word “ruach” meaning “breath, wind, spirit”, and the Greek word “Sophia”, which is used as a gendered noun for “wisdom.”

Attendees were treated to a light breakfast while listening to heartwarming speeches from Lola and Aidan, our College Captains, and Lucinda Malgas, our Director of Wellbeing and Social Action. The three speakers shared their personal experiences and stories of women who have left an indelible mark on their lives.

The highlight of the event was the captivating presentation by our guest speaker, Sarah Barker, a brilliant lawyer and Head of Climate Risk Governance at Minter Ellison, the largest law firm in the Asia Pacific region. Sarah shared her remarkable journey of guiding corporations towards environmentally and socially responsible policies, which has earned her recognition from institutions like the United Nations, Oxford University, Cambridge University and the European Union. Sarah also shared four invaluable tips on cracking the code, including the significance of pursuing one’s passions, acknowledging one’s unique intelligence and strengths, playing an active role in climate change irrespective of your career path and always being curious; always “why?”.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah for the brilliant contribution she is making to the world and for generously sharing her time with our College community today on this significant day. Sarah’s daughters attend the College and were duly proud of their mother today!

Funds raised through donations at today’s International Women’s Day Breakfast are being directed to The Cova Project. Our Senior School Social Action Group member, Safa, presented the audience with information on this vital project which provides menstrual cups and menstrual health education to people across Africa. They do this in an effort to help bridge the 50-day school attendance gap each year due to menstruation. The Cova Project believes in Access, Education and Dignity. For more information visit https://www.thecovaproject.com/

Featured above L-R – Lisa Slingsby, Aidan Velten, Lola Ogunbambi, Sarah Barker, Lucinda Malgas, Peter Clague