BCIS Shaping our Future——Inspire Inclusion-News-北京乐成国际学校

News

Apr 23 2024

BCIS Shaping our Future——Inspire Inclusion

Monica Zhao

Inspire Inclusion was the theme of International Women's Day in 2024. On March 7th, as International Women's Day approached, Beijing City International School (BCIS) hosted a special forum as part of its "Shaping our Future" series, with a soft purple theme setting the stage. With over 200 seats filled, the event featured renowned entrepreneur and author Ms. Tuobuhua, BCIS librarian Ms. Jenelle Kirchoff, and BCIS students Anna and Vickey, who presented a thought-provoking discussion for the attendees.

While the forum has concluded, profound discussions linger in our minds and stir our hearts. The highlights of the forum were unforgettable:

Discussions ranging from the diversity and inclusivity demanded by the era of artificial intelligence, to the differential treatment in education, and even to the gender differences in communication contexts, vividly unfolded. Ms. Tuobuhua offered forward-thinking insights, and under the guidance and inspiration of Ms. Jenelle, the two BCIS students also shared insightful perspectives:

"I believe a key driver for promoting equality in technological development is to support those who pursue their passions, especially young girls, and ensure their voices are heard. When girls and women have the opportunity to contribute their ideas to technology, it fosters a more inclusive and fair environment for technological advancement." — Anna

"I believe emphasizing female role models in various fields is crucial for early childhood education. It instills in children the belief that they have the ability to succeed in any field they are passionate about." — Vickey

Particularly impressive was the students' ability to navigate between Eastern and Western cultural backgrounds, seamlessly translating in a bilingual environment. This skill not only showcased their linguistic abilities but also reflected their understanding and respect for different cultures.

The event was honored to host the esteemed Ms. Tuobuhua as the guest speaker. Her insightful views on leadership, emphasizing the growing importance of empathy and communication skills for women, resonated deeply. She advocated for defining our own problems and determining our direction, even in the face of gender stereotypes and inequalities. Her perspective encouraged a proactive approach to addressing challenges, rather than merely protesting against them. Many practical insights were shared on addressing gender biases in everyday life and work situations, emphasizing the importance of striving for solutions.

The vibrant community interaction during the event was truly memorable. The active participation of the audience, especially parents, in the Q&A session reflected their concern and interest in various topics, including education, gender equality, and technological development.

After the event, many parents lingered, reluctant to leave. They expressed their admiration for the guest speakers and praised the outstanding performances of the student presenters. One parent left a heartfelt message to the students: "The natural differences between men and women exist, and we should embrace these differences, optimize our roles, and strive for excellence in our respective fields."

In such a cohesive atmosphere, the spirit of BCIS shone brightly, with the school, parents, and guests working together to promote a more inclusive and equal future. Through collaborative discussions, we aim to inspire more people to pay attention to these important issues and take action.

Back