'Inspirational' women address Hamilton School programme

Launching their new Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow initiative, The Hamilton International School held a panel discussion on Women’s Empowerment for the school community. The programme is one of the many enrichment opportunities Hamilton provides to students as it nurtures them to become globally aware and culturally sensitive leaders of tomorrow, a statement said. The discussion, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, had a panel of speakers that included: Abla Sebak, CEO of Noire Group; Dr Nawal al-Alem, dermatologist and medical director of Tadawi Medical Center; Abigail Fishbourne, regional school improvement partner at ISP and Natasha Hilton, head of Primary at Park House English School. The Hamilton International School, part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), is committed to developing the spirit of excellence and sound character in students and, in keeping with these principles, the pupils heard from these women who shared personal details of the challenges and obstacles they faced in their careers.Fishbourne, said: “So many wonderful people have been role models to me and inspired me to the best version of myself. As a mother, teacher, colleague and best friend, I aim to bring love to my family, support to my students, perspective to my teams and cohesion to my community. I think what’s important about Women’s Day is to make sure we cultivate diversity, recognise the strengths in everyone in our society and provide opportunities, to address all biases.”Speaking on female empowerment, Sebak, said, “Women are really outworking themselves in different aspects, whether it’s work, or at home, in fitness, or in health, we are showing the world what it takes for us to get to where we are. I believe our success is based on how we overcome failure. It’s not about how much money we have, it’s not about what level we are on, but it is about how we overcome and move past failure.”The students who attended the discussion were motivated by what they heard from the women of inspiration on the panel. “Our students left the event feeling empowered. They had the understanding of how to apply the strategies they heard to overcome any challenge. They also realised the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, so you can go out into this world and achieve your dreams,” said Terry Senior, principal, The Hamilton International School.