Former Achievement Award winner’s article on Women’s History Month

Today is International Women’s day and in light of this, we are showcasing our former Achievement Award winner’s article on Women’s History Month last, which became one of the reasons why she was awarded a Jack Petchey Achievement Award!

Saambavii Suthakaran won her Achievement Award for playing a significant role in raising the profile of Caterham High School through the articles she writes as part of the Young Reporters Scheme. One included a report which she created for International Women’s Day 2021 – have a read below of her inspiring article!

Proud To Be A Woman: Women’s History Month 2021, By Saambavii Suthakaran, Caterham High School

“There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.” - Michelle Obama

Women. Girls. Mothers. Daughters. Sisters. Grandmas. Aunts. Friends. This month is the beautiful celebration of feminism, female empowerment and the bold achievements of women, as well as remembering the struggles that we have had to overcome and are still overcoming. Now, let us reflect on how far we have come on our journey to equality…

The fight for women’s rights has been going on for centuries, whereby the battle for our human rights have been constantly challenged, due to toxic patriarchy, as rights such as the right to an education or to be seen as an equal rather than an inferior to men are some of the struggles faced. However, it all started with a single voice, a single idea, a single but strong belief, which rippled into a group of women who decided to be outspoken and fierce – the suffragettes. These strong women spoke up about the importance of their freedom through marches, leading to the life-changing feminist movement of the 60’s and 70’s lead by the free-spoken Gloria Steinem, reminding us that we must stand up for what we believe in and know that our potential to greatness is limitless.

Modern feminism focuses on unity by breaking down barriers together, such as seeking solidarity through the ‘MeToo’ movement, where women have expressed the importance of the message of not only standing up for yourself, but also speaking up and supporting other women of all ages and backgrounds. Plus, self-love and self-worth have been vocalised more frequently, prioritising individual freedom and improving women’s mental health.

There are so many women who inspire me: my mum, who is the strongest person I know and never gives up. Michelle Obama is an outspoken advocate for girl’s education and voice, so that we are heard and that we must be bold from a young age. Little Mix empower girls and women to be unapologetically themselves, to love every part of yourself and to speak up (for example in their songs, ‘Woman Like Me’,  ‘Little Me’ and ‘Joan of Arc’). Maya Angelou’s poetry discusses freedom, liberation and rising from struggles no matter what, for example her 1978 poem, ‘And Still I Rise’. Malala is an activist for female education, created the Malala fund to aid girls in obtaining a good quality education, advocating for girls to have the human rights that they intrinsically deserve. Jameela Jamil, who is known for going against stereotypical ideas of women, created her ‘I weigh’ movement focusing on valuing a woman’s worth by her contributions and who she is as a person, rather than just through her appearance. Finally, Emma Watson, who has often spoken up through speeches about gender equality, for example by establishing the HeForShe movement at the UN. I could literally go on and on – the list of empowering women is endless…Which women inspire you?

In celebration of Women’s History Month, I will be proudly watching feminist speeches that motivate me, immersing myself in some feminist pieces of literature to read, such as Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, re-watching Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s fantastic Ted Talk: ‘We Should All Be Feminists’. Plus, I will also be re-watching Michelle Obama’s beautifully inspiring Netflix documentary: ‘Becoming’ as well as (of course) re-watch the powerful, amazing and wonderfully liberating masterpiece of Wonder Woman! But first…I am going to boost my energy by listening, singing and dancing to some of my most absolute favourite feminist songs and be proud to be a woman. How will you celebrate?

To every woman and girl reading this, remember just how powerful and unstoppable you are and remind yourself of your own personal achievements that have broken down boundaries by redefining what it means to be a woman; there is no limit to your ability, so keep fighting and keep dreaming! There is so much potential still within you waiting to come out, so…

What.

Are.

You.

Waiting.

For?

“I think women are very powerful and I think we’re more powerful together than separated.” - Zendaya

Written By Saambavii Suthakaran, Caterham High School

Her coordinator said she is an “incredible hard working student who has a keen interest in writing. Despite personal difficulties, she perseveres to ensure she stays diligent and on track in her studies.”

Big well done to Saambavii for writing such an empowering article!

Click here to see the original piece!