Connect, Challenge and Change in your school or college
Inspiration and ideas to for change-making activities
There are lots of ways that your school or college can raise awareness of Women’s Rights. Following NCW’s values of ‘Connect, Challenge and Change’ will help maximise your impact.
International Women’s Day
On 8 March, Women’s issues and rights are promoted around the world, and women generally are celebrated, and their achievements recognised.
Each year International Women’s Day has a specific theme, and for 2024 the theme is DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, celebrating the women and girls who are championing digital education, and recognising that 254 million fewer women have access to the internet than men.
Now is the time to start thinking about what you could do for this theme, so you can make a real impact on 8 March. For other ideas, see what The Royal Masonic School for Girls did for International Women’s Day last year.
International Day of the Girl Child
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as International Day of the Girl Child. On this day the rights of girls are promoted and the inequalities that remain between boys and girls as children are highlights, from issues such as abuse and violence to everyday childhood sexism perpetrated by gender stereotypes.
Listen to Amy, 23 speak about the issues that can be tackled on International Day of the Girl Child. It’s thought provoking!
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Women’s rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honour the Mirabel sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo.
Visit the United Nation’s page to learn more about the background of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Creating Change in your school or college
Practical ideas for activities you can introduce in your school to encourage fellow students to connect, challenge and create change regarding the rights of women and girls.
Connect
- Show your support on social media
- Invite a local campaigner to give a talk at your school
- Arrange an ‘EqualiTea’ group discussion
- Wear purple for International Women’s Day
Challenge
- Write an article for your school newsletter
- Host a ‘women in film’ night at your school
- Create a poster display or an awareness stand
- Create a collective mural
- Attend a local awareness event or march
Change
- Sign and share petitions
- Take part in a local fundraiser or collection
- Display books by female authors in your library
We have a variety of resources to support your change-making activities, including poster templates, book and film lists, sponsorship forms, and email templates for contacting local campaigners and influential women.
Don’t forget
- Involve people of all genders in the conversation and celebration
- Keep in mind any annual themes
- Stay focused on the message
- Use relevant hashtags, and tag key people in social media posts
- Recruit volunteers to help with any event coordination or arranging collections. The more people you involve, the easier it’ll be.
- Take photos, create videos, and collect feedback on your activities. This will help you celebrate your achievements and make your next change-making event bigger and better!
Would you like to arrange change-making events in your school on a regular basis?
Email info@ncwgb.org to find out how to set up your own NCYW (National Council of Young Women) or FemSoc society.
Become a member
Join a network of people who care about the lives of all women.
NCW in action
Our latest resolutions tackle overseas poverty, climate change, and innovation.
