Women of the World Report
Harris Academy Chafford Hundred.
Report by Radost Milkova
WOW: Inspiring Women Everywhere!
The Women of the World (WOW) Festival at the Southbank Centre is a chance for women and girls to come together and share their thoughts on women in society. Girls from Harris Academy Chafford Hundred participated in a number of workshops to motivate and show young girls that women are just as important as men. Activities included singing, martial arts and group discussions to combine ideas and thoughts on what is happening to women today. Confidence in young girls is very important and they need to be aware that they can do anything they want. As one of the girls said ‘Women can have everything if only they try.’
Girls from The Harris Academy Chafford Hundred, attended the WOW festival as part of the Royal Opera House Thurrock Trailblazer programme, and it was an experience that changed their thinking and their views. I personally feel a new confidence and energy to get out there and do whatever I want because I can. If you want to be a lawyer, be one. If you want to join the Police, do it. If you want to be a mechanic, go and fix things. The WOW festival aims to inspire women everywhere to pursue their dreams.
A medal-winning martial arts expert led us through a workout and we built up a sweat. Who says women can’t work out like men? Then came discussions where everyone shared their opinions on stereotypes and how the media affects the way we see women and the world. One comment was ‘The media can apply pressure on women about how they use makeup as certain styles are expected to be followed and others are thought to be ugly.’ The WOW festival encouraged girls to be themselves and not follow what others think is beautiful. One of its objectives is to help women accept themselves and see themselves as beautiful in their own way.
One of the things I took away from attending the festival was that I have to respect myself more and not be ashamed of the way I look. I believe no woman anywhere in the world should be criticised for their appearance but should be seen for their personality. I also strongly believe that women should take a greater stand for what they believe in and stand up for equal rights.
Our day attending the WOW festival was a great success. Thank you to the WOW organisers for bringing such an inspirational day to London for us and to our teachers for choosing us to attend.
