As we mark International Women’s Day this year, the theme of #InspireInclusion resonates deeply within West Lancashire Scouts. It’s more than just a call for inclusion; it’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of diversity and empowerment women bring to our movement and society.
International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March, serves as a poignant moment to honour and recognise the remarkable contributions of women and girls within our ranks and beyond.
Emma, Our Youth Lead and volunteer at 1st Ormskirk, embodies the spirit of this day. Reflecting on the significance of International Women’s Day, Emma underscores the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion. She draws inspiration from trailblazers like Amelia Earhart while acknowledging the sacrifices made by suffragettes for the sake of securing fundamental rights.
For Emma, promoting Scouts as an inclusive space is paramount. Her role as Youth Lead provides her with a platform to advocate for inclusion, diversity and empowerment. She encourages fellow Scouts to take charge of their experiences, emphasising the transformative potential of their involvement in the movement.
“International Women’s Day is the perfect way to celebrate women’s achievements in Scouting. I have always been encouraged to engage in outdoor and community activities, which I believe is so important. Scouting has changed my life. It’s giving me the confidence to do more, speak up, get stuck in, and never give up, something I hope more young girls will have the opportunity to do”. Emma Aggrey – Youth Lead
Ayesha Karim, UK Youth Lead, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of recognising women’s achievements and contributions. She emphasises the ripple effect that stories of remarkable women can have in inspiring others, regardless of gender.
On International Women’s Day and every day, Scouts set goals to further support and empower girls and women within the organisation. We recognise the invaluable role played by women volunteers and aim to provide them with the recognition and platform they deserve.
However, the impact of International Women’s Day extends beyond the Scout community. It serves as a reminder to all, regardless of gender, of the need to support and uplift women. Ayesha emphasises that by championing women’s achievements, we enrich society.
Celebrating International Women’s Day shows our commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment every day of the year. The theme of #InspireInclusion is a guiding principle, reminding us of the importance of diversity and equality in all our endeavours.
A helpful reminder to us all:
In every corner of our communities, girls and women are accomplishing incredible feats, breaking barriers, and making a difference. Keeping this reality at the forefront of our minds is crucial, especially as we commemorate International Women’s Day. The theme of #InspireInclusion serves as a poignant reminder that fostering inclusivity between genders should be continuous, not confined to a single day of observance. Actual progress lies in our daily commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued, empowered, and included.
