Global Connections in London

'The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet'. Adrienne Rich

I write this on a beautiful Tuesday evening after a long day. Why? Because I had the most fantastic weekend, and I don't want to forget what I experienced or learnt. Also, I want to share the experience with YOU…

When the Global unconference was announced just after I became a network leader for @WomenEdNI, I was determined to attend. The conference was an opportunity to thank the fabulous leadership team for their hard work and to personally show my appreciation. The unconference was also an opportunity to learn from the network to help me to be a fully active network leader in my own region. Plus, the date was confirmed for the week after our Northern Ireland Unconference, so I wanted to relax with my fellow network leaders and enjoy their company.

Did I find these things? Yes. And so much more.

When we arrived through the doors (after finding the door!) we were welcomed by Vivienne. She knew my name. What a moment. 

This is where should be. This is my tribe. 

Customary selfie had to be taken!

The network assembled and we all signed up for our sessions. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and so very supportive. Hello, Hi you, awk Hi, the greetings from old friends that I had never met in person and the warm embrace of a professional network that knew what I needed before I did.

Many more selfies and group photos followed to mark the occasion. Alongside the most delicious croissants (thank you Regent High School).

Then the work began. We gathered in the auditorium for the welcomes and an overview of the network. The first two books were mentioned, and the excitement was built for the third book. Can we pre order this yet? Sadly not, but I am braced to pounce as soon as it is available. 

As a Geographer at heart, I appreciated Keziah's welcome and overview of the global network the most.

I had planned my sessions and was ready to face the day of inspiration and learning. 

The first session was withJulie Hunter: 'shy but mighty leadership'. I was beside the most adorable youngest member of the unconference audience, and he was in the safe arms of his mum - I really enjoyed chatting with Ruby and getting to know her journey. 

Julie was superb, she had us all hanging on her every word as she shared her real-life examples of quiet leadership and how we can overcome our shyness and how we can support shy leaders in our teams. AOB was removed from all my agendas and will never return.

Julie suggested that when we are going to an interview or an important meeting that we hold a pencil in our mouth to trick our body into a smile and the endorphin release. 

I tried this today, it works! 

Thank you, Julie, for saving my day, and for the future days you will save now that I know this. I have ordered Quiet by Susan Cain, as recommended, to learn more.

I then headed into session two to support my friend and fellow network leader Mairéad Mhig Uaid. The 'Representation Panel' discussion was moving and motivating. I was in awe of the stories shared and so very grateful for the safe space that our network is for us all. Mairéad spoke about the Pay Gap in Northern Ireland, and was, as she always is, well informed, and had excellent data to share. 

In Northern Ireland the gender gap is truly shocking; 30.2% of secondary workforce are male but 54.4% of the headteachers are male. It is even worse at primary level with 15.6% of Primary School workforce being male, however, 39.9% of headteachers are male. Wonderful discussions were prompted (Stats taken from Bowden, Christine and McNally, Michele, Analytical Services Unit 2020)

I then headed to Aqsa Islam to learn about Challenging Stereotypes. I was drawn to this session as I work in Integrated Education and want to be as well informed and active as possible to disrupt bias. The conversation was encouraging. 

How can we help young people to face difficult conversations to understand themselves and others better? Resources were shared that I will be recommending to others and contact details exchanged. Powerful discussions about our lens prompted challenging and real conversations. 

Time for some grub!

With a delicious lunch came the chance for the 'Building on Barbie' research group to meet in person after so many chats online and via messaging. We enjoyed getting to know each other in person and sharing stories over the delicious food. It was lovely to just chat together and to share our hopes and our journeys. Customary photo to mark the occasion.

Time to head to session 3 and to say goodbye to my friends who were starting their journey home. Hugs and best wishes exchanged with these most wonderful ladies who have become firm friends and confidants.

Session 4 was about Taking the Next Steps in Leadership with Nicola Taylor. We chatted in small groups about the characteristics of famous celebrities and their leadership qualities. A picture of Miss Piggy now sits on my desk at work after being added yesterday. I will be more Miss Piggy every day; confident, assertive, pay attention to the little details and of course honest.

It was then time to head home and face the journey across London to my flight. In retrospect I don't remember much of the journey home as my head was jam packed with ideas and inspiration. I realised that I hadn't tweeted, not like me, as I was so busy all day. I visited twitter (refuse to call it X) and caught up on everyone else's day, leaving my own messages for Sunday morning when I was refreshed and ready to digest the day.

Two days later and my desk has changed forever thanks to Miss Piggy and my bravery is a full 10% larger. I feel seen.

Bring it on.

Thank you to the #WomenEd Leaders for organising such a powerful day and to Regent High School for your hospitality. 

Thank you to all those I talked to and shared the day with.

References

Bowden, Christine and McNally, Michele, Analytical Services Unit, Department of Education (DENI) (Northern Ireland), corp creators. (2020) Teacher workforce statistics in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland, 2019-2020, https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/id/eprint/37366/

Adrienne Rich quotation from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/adrienne_rich_147915?src=t_connections