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In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, the theme “Accelerate Action” serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains. At Westminster City School, this day isn’t just about celebrating achievements, it’s about amplifying the voices of women who are actively driving change within our community and beyond.

We spoke to several women from our school who are pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and creating lasting impact. Here are their stories of empowerment and action.

Breaking Barriers Through Music: Ms Chan, KS3 Music Lead at Westminster City School

For Ms Chan, leading the Chamber Choir at Westminster City School is more than just a professional achievement, it’s a personal mission to change the face of music education.

Filled with pride, Ms Chan, said:

“One of my proudest moments has been founding and leading the Chamber Choir. The choir has grown into something truly exceptional, challenging our most talented singers with sophisticated repertoire that pushes them artistically. When I was a student, I looked up to male conductors, but I didn’t often see women in similar roles. The lack of female conductors in the music world always stood out to me. Now, as the conductor of this choir, I’m proud to be part of a movement that encourages the next generation of women in music.”

Ms Chan’s dedication isn’t just about teaching music, it’s also about changing the narrative. In a field where women have historically been underrepresented, she’s setting an example that leadership, creativity, and passion know no gender.

The Power of Mentorship: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Ms Chan’s journey, and she’s quick to acknowledge the women who helped guide her along the way.

“I was fortunate to have mentors who helped me believe in myself,” she shares. “Kate Lawrence, Subject Leader of the Music PGCE course at UCL, and Eve Gordon, Director of Music at the all-girls school where I trained, empowered me to find my voice and lead with confidence. Their guidance showed me that being a woman in a male-dominated field wasn’t a barrier, rather it was an opportunity to break new ground.”

Ms Chan went on to highlight that the importance of mentorship extends beyond the professional. It’s about empowering young women to step into leadership roles and take ownership of their potential. “Women can achieve anything they set their minds to,” she says. “My mentors taught me that, and I want to pass that lesson on to the next generation.”

Inspiring the Next Generation: Breaking Down Barriers

When asked how we can encourage young women to pursue their dreams, it was evident that the answer is found in an action verb, “show, not tell”. She said:

“It’s about teaching them that they don’t have to conform to societal expectations or follow a set path, but by empowering them to believe in their abilities and to break barriers, we can help them to see that they can achieve whatever they set out to do, whether that’s in music, science, leadership, or any field they choose.”

The Female Catering Team: Celebrating Resilience and Strength

For the women in the catering team, International Women’s Day is a reminder of the strength women show every day, whether it’s supporting one another or breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“This day reminds us that women must continue to lift each other up,” says Annie, who is a member of the team. “We have seen more women on construction sites, in leadership roles, and in industries where they’ve historically been underrepresented. But it’s also about celebrating the women who do the work of two, like single mothers who balance raising children with everything else. They deserve recognition every day, not just today.”

The women featured in this news story are not only leading in their respective fields, but they’re also paving the way for future generations of young women to break barriers and make a difference in their communities and personal lives.