Women in Education SIG Webinar – International Women’s Day Celebration: 04 March

16:00 (London time)

Hosted by the ECIS Women in Education Special Interest Group: #ECISWIE

Presented by Liz Free, Jess Gosing, and Derry Richardson

Imagine a gender-equal world—one free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated. Together, we can forge women’s equality and take collective action to #AccelerateAction this International Women’s Day.

For over a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been a platform to celebrate progress, confront challenges, and inspire change. Since 1911, it has belonged to all who care about creating a more equal and inclusive society. This interactive session will explore how we can each contribute to gender equality and amplify the impact of IWD initiatives.

Led by a passionate advocate for gender equity, this session will delve into:

•           Breaking Bias: Understanding and challenging the stereotypes that perpetuate inequality.

•           Equity in Action: Exploring tangible steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and beyond.

•           Amplifying Achievements: Recognizing and celebrating the milestones and contributions of women worldwide.

•           Collective Impact: Learning how individual and collective actions create meaningful, lasting change.

Takeaways from the session include:

•           Practical strategies to challenge unconscious bias and foster inclusion in your workplace and community.

•           A framework for designing impactful IWD initiatives that engage and inspire action.

•           Ideas for celebrating women’s achievements and creating visibility for their contributions.

•           Tools for driving conversations and raising awareness about the barriers to gender equity.

•           Inspiration and actionable steps to be part of the movement accelerating women’s equality.

Whether you’re looking to lead change in your community, amplify your organization’s commitment to equity, or deepen your understanding of gender parity, this session will empower and equip you to make a difference. Let’s come together this #IWD2025 to celebrate progress, address challenges, and #AccelerateAction for a more inclusive and equal world.

Presenters

Liz Free is the CEO and Director of the International School Rheintal, an IB continuum school located in the heart of Switzerland. As a globally recognized educator, she has led some of the world’s most successful schools and contributed to teacher professional development at Oxford University Press, Oxford University, and as the founding Director of the International Leadership Academy in The Hague.

In addition to her leadership roles, Liz is a founding trustee of WomenEd, a global charity, and serves as a board member for the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) and TES Global. She is a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Fellow of the RSA. Liz has authored numerous publications, including chapters in the Amazon number one bestseller 10% Braver: Inspiring Women to Lead Education (Sage, 2019), Being 10% Braver (2021), and Disruptive Women: A WomenEd Guide to Equitable Action in Education. She has also contributed to education journals such as TES, Schools Week, International Schools Magazine, and Independent Schools Magazine.

Shortlisted for TES Headteacher of the Year in 2024, Liz was recognized as a global influencer in international education by ISC in 2021 and 2022. As a prominent school leader, she advocates for the teaching profession and speaks internationally on leadership development, empowering educators, and advancing the global school workforce.

Jess Gosling has over 10 years of experience in international education and is a dedicated and experienced educator and leader. She recently held the position of Phase Leader and CPD Lead at the British Primary School of Wilanow, where she managed and mentored staff across Nursery, Reception, and Year 1, and supported professional development across the whole school. Jess is passionate about child-led, experiential learning, and has a strong background in inquiry pedagogy and practice, supporting SEND, as well as teaching and learning when English is an additional language.

She authored a book to support international teachers titled “Becoming a Successful International Teacher.” Jess regularly blogs and writes for numerous publications, including the Times Educational Supplement. Previously, she has consulted on Early Years and EAL. Additionally, Jess facilitates and administers three international teaching and leadership Facebook boards. She is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and is always looking for ways to expand her own horizons and those of others. Jess believes in the power of collaboration, reflection, and innovation in education. Currently, she is transitioning back to South-East Asia, where she is open to new ideas and collaborations.