This International Women’s Day, Education Adviser, Claire Steele, discusses why empowering girls in the classroom matters…

International Women’s Day is a global opportunity to recognise the strength, resilience and achievements of women and girls, while continuing to advocate for equality and opportunity worldwide. Celebrated on 8 March 2026, this year’s theme, Give to Gain, encourages a culture of generosity, collaboration and shared responsibility.

The theme invites us to consider how offering support at every stage of life enables women and girls to thrive. In education, this means actively challenging stereotypes, questioning bias, celebrating success and creating environments where all learners feel valued. This blog focuses on the role schools can play in empowering girls and young women, and why this work matters so deeply within the classroom.

Why empowering girls in the classroom matters

Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a young person’s future. While significant progress has been made in improving access and opportunity, barriers still exist that limit the potential of many girls. Teachers and school leaders are uniquely placed to help remove these barriers, ensuring that girls are equipped with the confidence, skills and belief needed to pursue their ambitions. By levelling the playing field, schools can support young women to take meaningful steps towards achieving their goals.

How can educators help?

Recognising and valuing diverse talents and aspirations: Schools can, often unintentionally, guide pupils towards traditional or limited pathways, with girls sometimes feeling additional pressure to conform to gender expectations. Educators can challenge this by encouraging girls to explore a wide range of subjects and career possibilities, particularly in areas where women remain underrepresented. Valuing diverse talents and ambitions helps girls build confidence in their own strengths and make choices that reflect their individual interests.

Fit them for the future: Academic attainment alone does not fully prepare pupils for the challenges of adult life. Skills such as communication, collaboration, confidence and leadership are equally important. Teachers can support girls by providing opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in group projects and develop their public speaking skills. A classroom culture that values pupil voice and initiative helps girls develop self-belief and prepares them for leadership beyond school.

Actively challenging bias and stereotypes: Girls’ engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is often shaped by early experiences and expectations. Unconscious bias can influence how girls view their own abilities, particularly in these subjects. Educators can address this by promoting a growth mindset, ensuring equal participation and offering consistent encouragement. Showcasing the achievements of women in STEM helps girls see these fields as accessible and achievable.

Introducing strong female role models: For some pupils, school may be the primary place where they encounter positive female role models. Teachers can broaden pupils’ horizons by introducing women from a range of professions and backgrounds through case studies, visiting speakers or local community links. These examples help girls recognise that ambition, resilience and leadership are qualities they can develop and embody.

Working in partnership with families: Strong relationships between schools and families play a vital role in building girls’ confidence and aspirations. Educators can support this partnership by communicating clearly with parents and carers about how they can encourage and support their daughters. Sharing resources, suggesting joint activities and maintaining open conversations about goals and progress helps ensure consistent messages between home and school.

Explicitly teach digital skills: The influence of social media and online content can present significant challenges for girls’ wellbeing and self-esteem. Schools can support pupils by teaching critical media literacy, helping them understand how online images and messages are constructed and often idealised. Clear guidance on online safety, cyberbullying and responsible digital behaviour is essential, alongside opportunities for real-world engagement that reinforce positive identity and self-worth.

Don’t delay: make International Women’s Day a starting point

By embracing the Give to Gain theme this International Women’s Day, schools can reflect on how their curriculum and wider cultural offer promote empowerment. Supporting girls in this way brings long-term benefits not only for individuals, but for communities and society as a whole, contributing to improved wellbeing, stronger leadership, economic growth and a more inclusive future.

Empowering girls is an ongoing journey, and even small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact. Exploring leadership programmes, enrichment opportunities and empowerment-focused resources can provide practical ways to support girls in your setting. The encouragement, guidance and belief offered by teachers today can help young women overcome barriers and thrive well beyond their school years.

If any of this has got you thinking and you’d like more support or advice, our expert RSHE and Safeguarding Advisers can help. Contact us on safeguarding@servicesforeducation.co.uk for more information.

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  About the Author

With over 20 years of experience in primary education, Claire Steele is a respected and committed school leader who has worked across a diverse range of schools and multi-academy trusts. Her previous roles include Assistant Principal, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead. She has also worked extensively with partners to support the delivery of a wide range of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).

Claire is deeply passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments, where the wellbeing of pupils is at the heart of practice. She brings her extensive knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to Services For Education, supporting schools in embedding effective and compassionate safeguarding practices at every level.

Working as part of our team of advisers, Claire delivers high-quality, comprehensive safeguarding training and conducts thorough safeguarding audits in schools. She also champions SEND and equality, ensuring these values are central to all aspects of her work.