On Wednesday, March 8th 2023, ten members from British International School, Phuket (BISP) attended the International Women’s Day Fundraiser Lunch organised by Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation (PHBGTH). Over 100 guests gathered at the Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort to celebrate women around the world, embracing equity under this year’s theme of “Our Health Is Our Wealth – we must focus on our wellbeing”. 

Along with some staff members, BISP students Charlotte, Matteo, Miyuka, Chie, Zhanna and Tanya attended the event. The lunch started with a warm welcome by Matthew Barclay, Australian Consul-General in Phuket, followed by speeches from esteemed women from within the community and beyond. The event also had a Q&A panel moderated by Sumi Soorian, in which BISP student Thanyaporn (Tanya) was an active participant. 

Our students were asked to share their thoughts on International Women’s Day and how they could actively support the well-being of women and girls around the world as well as at our school. 

Y12 BISP Head student Charlotte expressed that International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of women, while also giving younger women like her a platform to share their dreams and aspirations. Charlotte mentioned that organising a workshop for young women could be an interesting idea, in which older, more experienced women could share their unique stories and experiences to provide deeper insight and awareness to achieve equity.

Y12 Matteo, a male student, stated that as someone who cannot understand the challenges of womanhood, International Women’s Day is a way to advocate for women’s rights. He mentioned being a liaison between men and women, bringing to light what women do and have to go through. Matteo believes that something as simple as Instagram reposts on stories could be a good way to get a message out there and to raise awareness for fundraising or to bring to light struggles that need to be addressed.

Y11 student Miyuka shared that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to educate herself on various issues that women face globally. She appreciated hearing stories from individuals leading up to the event, broadening her knowledge and perspective. Miyuka mentioned that she could support the wellbeing of women and girls by spreading awareness about the issues they face.

Chie, another Y13 student, expressed that International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the power and potential of women. She mentioned that women’s struggles and achievements should be acknowledged and that women should be encouraged to take up leadership roles. Chie mentioned that she could support the wellbeing of women and girls by encouraging women to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Zhanna, currently in Y12, mentioned that International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the progress made by women, while also acknowledging the remaining challenges. Zhanna expressed that she could support the wellbeing of women and girls by raising awareness about the issues they face and by advocating for their rights.

The International Women’s Day Fundraiser Lunch was a great opportunity for BISP students and staff to celebrate women and to raise awareness about the issues women face globally. By attending and supporting this event, BISP demonstrated its commitment to promoting equity and empowering women, and the students’ responses showed that they were thoughtful and committed to supporting the wellbeing of women and girls around the world.