To mark International Women’s Day, we hear from three of our colleagues about who inspires them, how they inspire others, and the important role we play in celebrating and educating children on diversity, equality and inclusion in those most crucial first years.
Lorraine Kara
Nursery Manager at The Hackney Day Nursery & Pre-School
Which women are you most inspired by?
Michelle Obama, who is one of my greatest inspirations. And then of course the women I work with including Emily Burgess who comes to work with so much energy and power, Michele Falconer who I call my fairy as she brings that magic dust to the nursery and inspires me more every day I’m with her, and then Tracy Clark – her ideas are phenomenal and she challenges me to think better for the children in my nursery.
How do you inspire and encourage other women around you?
I hope that me being in this position as Nursery Manager will inspire others looking to have a career in childcare, as well as my team at the nursery to encourage them to grow to be a Nursery Manager themselves in the future, it’s all about role modelling how to be a good leader.
How do you educate children in the nursery to embrace equality and inclusivity?
You only have to look around our nursery to see how much we are encouraging and celebrating diversity – our book selection is the starting point for this, along with art as our children love to be creative. As part of our International Women’s Day activities, we’ll be leaning about Frida Kahlo’s expressive artwork and be doing our own self-portraits – I can’t wait to see what the children come up with.
Emily Burgess
Director of Early Years at Family First
Which women are you most inspired by?
From Emmeline Pankhurst’s unwavering commitment to political rights to Michelle Obama’s advocacy for education and empowerment, each of these women has made significant contributions to the fight for equality and justice. Rosa Park’s courageous stand against discrimination, Amelia Earhart’s pioneering achievements in aviation, and Frida Kahlo’s powerful artwork exploring identity and resilience have undoubtedly inspired countless individuals worldwide (my house is full of her art).
I’ll always be inspired by Princess of Wales pioneering work on Royal Foundation of Early Childhood which continues to advocate the importance of early education for babies & children. For all of you that work closely with me you will know this reinforces my passion and dedication to the important role we all play in shaping the future for children in those most crucial first years.
How do you inspire and encourage other women around you?
It’s so important to me to inspire and empower all individuals to recognise and embrace their unique strengths, to find their voice, feel valued and have a sense of belonging in every aspect of their lives. I believe it’s crucial for me to provide support to encourage everyone to persist in making meaningful contributions to shaping our future through positive change. I also have two beautiful daughters who are also looking to me to inspire them and make sure they become strong independent and successful woman.
How do you educate children in the nursery to embrace equality and inclusivity?
It’s important to educate children about equality and inclusivity from a young age because it lays the foundation for lifelong attitudes and behaviours. By fostering an inclusive environment in the nursery, we not only support the social and emotional development of children but are also preparing them to enter the world around them and owning their place in society. It all comes back to having a deep understanding of our values and ensuring this in embedded in the nursery curriculums.
Julia Warsop
Early Years Specialist at Family First
Which women are you most inspired by?
Mary-Jane Mcleod Bethune and Michelle Obama have inspired my journey the most and made a lasting impression on the woman that I wanted to become. I have always been told by my parents that the sky was the limit and watched them build a legacy for themselves and empower the black community, and yet I have also seen so many struggle to break through the odds which seem to be against us. This struggle has manifested to me as not only being of black heritage but also as a woman. These two strong women for me were able to make a dream a reality by seeing them as public figures changing the world and the way it is perceived.
How do you inspire and encourage other women around you?
I aim to inspire and encourage other women around me by striving to reach my fullest potential, a single mom of 4 children, obtaining a master’s degree in education, always looking for ways to perfect my truest self and promote myself through education, knowledge, and lifestyle choices. I see my life as not having setbacks but as ways to attain through experience and to be a role model that life can be what you make it, if given the opportunity.
How do you educate children in the nursery to embrace equality and inclusivity?
I try to motivate teams to ensure that their nursery is a true reflection of all the children that attend, from images and resources to the the set-up of the environment. Children need to see a reflection of their community and gender in roles that they can also aspire to.