Over Christmas I was able to spend some time reflecting on the vast array of events and opportunities that the girls staff and parents are involved in at Queenswood.

One event which really did stand out for me was our visit from Clare Balding. Clare has always been something of an inspiration to me, and it was reassuring that meeting her in person was certainly not a disappointment. What I found so impressive about Clare was her openness and honesty about her life and the challenges she has faced, as well as the intelligent and pragmatic way that she dealt with them and continues to do so.

It was particularly fortuitous that we had the privilege of meeting Clare at a rather interesting time, when the media was dominated by stories about equal pay, sexual harassment in the workplace and gender inequality. Clare was fabulous in her enthusiasm and drive to ensure that our girls grow up in a world where men being paid more than women, doing the same job, is a thing of the past: an issue I am sure we can all agree needs addressing rapidly.

Another area linked to gender equality that interests me is gender stereotyping. As you may recall, we conducted surveys among our parents and alumnae last year as part of the GSA’s ‘Dads4Daughters’ campaign. We asked ‘What has most surprised you about attitudes towards women in the workplace?’ and the comments, particularly from Old Queenswoodians in the 25-40 age bracket, were striking:

• ‘The assumption that women don’t succeed because they leave work to have children…’
• ‘How they are expected to balance being mothers and employees whereas men don’t need to be fathers…’
• ‘Not appreciating that family values and that balance of invested home life enriches the work environment…’
• ‘The lack of support for men in the workplace who want to take paternity leave… [it] would be hugely beneficial to women in the workplace if childcare was seen as impacting both genders…’

 

Every year our departing Upper Sixth Formers speculate in the Queenswoodian magazine about what they will be doing in ten years’ time. The class of 2017 are, quite rightly, brimming with optimism and confidence about the future – ‘a career in the criminal justice system, living in Los Angeles’, ‘travelling the world, speaking more than four languages’, ‘standing on a bridge I built’, ‘Leader of the Conservative Party’… Having enjoyed so many freedoms and opportunities at Queenswood, they are determined not to be constrained by stereotypical notions of women’s capabilities and career aspirations.

The reality is, of course, that it should be perfectly possible for everyone – women and men alike – to strike a balance between career and family that suits them. In this respect, it will be interesting to talk to Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge here at Queenswood next week. He has spoken very publicly about the importance he and his wife place on balancing their flourishing, high-profile careers with caring for their young family, and I am sure he will have some sound advice.

I hope that I am a role model to our girls. They see me with my family, holding the hand of my 7-year-old as I take him to school or support his tray in the dining room, and they see me as Principal of their school.

And as I think about role models, gender equality and banishing stereotypes, I am reminded once again of Clare’s profound message:

‘You need to be tough and stand your ground. And you can do that quietly and persistently, or sometimes you can just raise your voice a little bit.’

I wish you all a very happy and successful New Year.

Clare Balding on equal pay for women web from Queenswood School on Vimeo.