Mar 06 - International Women’s Day Marked By Comprehensive Schools And Gibraltar College
Minister for Equality, Samantha Sacramento has this morning, together with Minister for Education Dr. John Cortes, addressed Year 13 pupils from Westside School, Bayside School and the Gibraltar College on gender equality matters ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday. This address, which was first established by Minister Sacramento four years ago, is an important occasion celebrating the work being carried out in schools on gender equality throughout the year.
The session was opened by Marlene Dalli, Policy Development Officer from the Ministry for Equality, and was attended by the Director of Education Ms Jacqueline Mason, Headteachers from the three institutions and was supported by many teachers.
Following Minister Sacramento’s address, pupils from each educational institution delivered a short presentation on what International Women’s Day means to them. The focus of the speeches is clear testimony to the work on gender equality carried out in schools.
In addition to, and building upon the success of previous years, this morning’s address was followed by the presentation of prizes for the Gender Equality Art Competition organised by the Ministry for Equality. This competition, which forms part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day, was extended to include all three secondary institutions last year.
This year’s chosen theme for the Gender Equality Art Competition was the United Nations 2019 theme, ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change.’ A wide range of entries of a high standard was received from all three institutions and this indicated that students were carefully reflecting upon and evaluating key gender issues and articulating these in an original and creative manner.
The Minister for Education, Dr John Cortes, said: “Our fully inclusive education system in Gibraltar both teaches and reflects our commitment to full gender equality. Indeed, this is the last year ever when we will be celebrating International Women’s Day in a single gender school, which is a symbolic step in leaving behind the divisions and inequalities of the past when the offers of subjects in schools were influenced by the gender of the students. Schools have a vital role in producing a society of equals. We recognise this and are committed to continuing to do this.”
Minister for Equality, Samantha Sacramento, said: “I am delighted to address so many of our students on the occasion of International Women’s Day. This event, now in its 4th year is now well established in the school calendar and a represents a culmination of work done in schools throughout the year.
“It is vital that we continue to have a conversation about gender equality matters with the younger member of our community so that we can inspire the next generation. It is crucial that we engage boys and men in this conversation as gender equality benefits all members of our community and particularly because boys and men can be key agents for positive change.
“I am encouraged by the inspired speeches that were delivered by the pupils. This is a clear reflection, not only of their personal motivation, but also a credit to the dedicated teachers, who instill gender equality principles and values throughout the year.
“I am very happy to continue supporting the Art Competition and I am very impressed with both the quality of the art work and of the presentations by the students this morning. I would like to thank the Department of Education for their invaluable support, the schools and the teachers involved in promoting this initiative, which has once again been a great success. I would also like to thank all the students who participated in the Art Competition for contributing to its continued and growing success. I look forward with great pleasure and pride to the issuing of the stamps on International Women’s Day this Friday 8th March.
“The event demonstrates the excellent partnership and collaboration between the Ministry for Equality and the Department of Education, who work closely on developing such initiatives throughout the year and I am grateful for the dedication of those who have worked so hard to make this year’s event a success once again.”
Winning entries:
Top: 1st Prize Eliana Medici, Westside School (untitled)
Middle: 2nd Prize Kiarah Gomez, Gibraltar College (‘Eye of the Beholder’)
Below: 3rd Prize Sara Rumford, Westside School (‘United’)
Bottom: Highly Commended Harvey Tavares, Bayside School (untitled)
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