News ‘My Freedom is Tied to Yours’: A Powerful International Women’s Day Assembly 10.03.2026

On Tuesday 10 March, we were delighted to welcome Chine McDonald – University of Cambridge graduate, director of the think tank Theos, journalist, author, and regular contributor to BBC Religion and Ethics programmes – to speak at our whole school assembly celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD).

Chine’s theme for the assembly, ‘My Freedom is Tied to Yours,’ resonated strongly with this year’s IWD theme, ‘Give to Gain.’ During her talk, Chine reflected on the achievements of women throughout history and the determination and courage required to secure many of the freedoms enjoyed today. She challenged students to consider their own freedom by asking: ‘How have you exercised your freedom since you woke up this morning?’. Chine reminded us that, although significant progress has been made, many women and girls around the world still do not experience the same freedoms that we often take for granted. She drew on the powerful words of writer and activist Audre Lorde: ‘I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.’ This message encouraged students to think about the importance of solidarity and responsibility in advancing equality.

Highlighting that progress does not happen by accident, Chine emphasised that meaningful change requires courage and determination. Referring to inspiring young leaders such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, she reminded students that ‘powerful change happens when someone brave chooses to speak up.’

We are extremely grateful to Chine McDonald for her thoughtful and inspiring International Women’s Day address, which left our students with much to reflect on and encouraged them to recognise the power they have to make a difference.