I had been a part of the Because I Am GC for two years, from August 2016 to June 2018, and in these years, I have progressed from a timid member who was initially afraid to share her ideas and views, to the Chair of the GC, interacting with a large group of students and our different partners, as well as a range of speakers at our school.

Speaking with Leslee Udwin (director of India’s Daughter and founder of Think Equal) and Selvi (the first female taxi driver in South India) opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the world for women and young girls. Despite always having strong views and support for women’s rights, I had never considered certain issues (such as the importance of teaching equality at a young age, and the difficulty of being a woman in a culture that was based on oppressing this entire gender).

While I will miss being a part of this GC, I know that the lessons I have learnt will be vital in my future, and especially when I go to University, as I hope that my choice of further education will encourage the discussion around and importance of women’s rights in the same way as BIA has in UWC.

LO1 – Identifying your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in you CAS experiences

LO6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of your choices an actions