On Monday 10 March, Bolton School celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD).
The Girls’ Division welcomed a group of diverse and inspiring Girls’ Division alumnae, including keynote speaker Habibunnisha Patel (Class of 1997), who was named Old Girl of the Year in 2024. Following an introduction from Head of Girls’ Division Mrs Kyle, in which she also shared the IWD theme for 2025 of ‘Accelerate Action’ and this year’s emphasise the importance of taking swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality, Habi took centre stage to deliver an inspirational address to the whole of the Girls’ Division.
Throughout the rest of the morning, Girls’ Division students had the opportunity to engage with the 17 alumnae guests in a number of ways. Year 9 girls enjoyed round table discussions with various Old Girls in the Sutcliffe studio and careers talks in the Theatre from midwife Eleanor Gibbons (Class of 2019) and Amazon Prime Video Marketing Executive Jasmine Shum (Class of 2023). The Sixth Form made the most of the visiting Old Girls’ expertise in ‘Careers Speed Dating’ sessions.
Bolton School is grateful to all of the alumnae who gave their time to share their expertise and advice with current pupils.
On the same morning, the Boys’ Division held a whole-school assembly, led by English teacher Miss Choudhury, who shared with the gathered boys the importance of marking this occasion, its history, and its continued relevance today in promoting a gender-equal world. The assembly explored how throughout history, women have been confined to certain roles, particularly that of a wife and mother, and how these outdated gender roles continue to persist in today's world. The conversation then shifted to the role young boys and men can play in helping women move beyond these limiting narratives. By acting as allies, they can challenge gender stereotypes, amplify women's voices, and use their privilege to ensure women have equal opportunities at success and respect. Miss Choudhury therefore emphasised how the key to creating a more equitable future lies in collective action and support for one another in breaking down barriers to gender equality.
Watch the Girls’ Division Keynote Speech from Habibunnisha Patel:
Photos from International Women’s Day:
International Women’s Day Alumni Guests:
- Kate Allen (Class of 1996) - Financial Times' weekend news editor
- Vanessa Azavedo (Class of 2019) - Graduate Surveyor at Newmark
- Saamin Cheema (Class of 2016) - Bioinformatician at the Wellcome Sanger Institute
- Elizabeth Davies (née Davies, Class of 1997) - Independent Educational Psychologist
- Lizzie Foster (née Whyte, Class of 1989) - Producer, BBC Radio 4
- Eleanor Gibbons (Class of 2019) - NHS Midwife
- Tahera Khan (Class of 2003) - Partner of Oakmount Law Solicitors
- Kopal Matanhelia (Class of 2001) - Vice President at Goldman Sachs
- Lucy Nolan (Class of 2010) - Harpist
- Habi Patel (Class of 1997) - General Counsel and Company Secretary at Cancer Research UK
- Sophie Patel (Class of 2023) - Java Developer at IBM
- Liz Rhodes (née Thomas, Class of 1992) - CEO Art of Cloud Ltd
- Nicola Rigby (Class of 2000) - Principal at Avison Young
- Jasmine Shum (Class of 2023) - Marketing Executive at Prime Video, Amazon
- Suzanne Smith (née Dick, Class of 2001) - Chief Finance Officer, Supreme PLC
- Ella Smyth (Class of 2019) - Performer (actor, dancer, singer, presenter)
- Amanda Valentine (née Valentine, Class of 1983) - Retired Finance Director and Compliance Officer
