St Mary’s School, Cambridge, champions gender equality with empowering all-female panel discussion
On Wednesday 26 March 2025, St Mary’s School, Cambridge, welcomed students, parents and guests to a powerful evening event dedicated to celebrating female leadership, empowerment and gender equality.
Held on the School grounds, the hall was transformed into a space for reflection and inspiration as an all-female panel took to the stage. Chaired by Head Boarder Joann C., the discussion brought together a remarkable group of women from a range of professional backgrounds – each sharing stories of challenge, growth and success.
The panel featured the Duchess of Norfolk, a proud alumna of St Mary’s, who spoke about how her time at the school shaped her confidence and outlook. She was joined by the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Professor Christine Schwöbel-Patel (Warwick Law School and Darwin College, University of Cambridge), journalist and alumna Connie Dimsdale, and quantity surveyor Maiya Fleming, also a former St Mary’s student. Together, they explored topics including leadership, representation, equality and the vital role of role models.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Head, Hannah Helliar and Head Girl, Vinnie H., who spoke on the importance of continuing to break down barriers for women and girls and paid tribute to the school’s foundress, Mary Ward. Their words set the tone for a moving and meaningful event, rich with insight and shared purpose.
A highlight of the evening was the signing of two pledges – one by the Head and one by the Head Girl – each co-signed by the panellists. These pledges represent the entire school community’s ongoing commitment to championing gender equality, breaking down stereotypes and ensuring every girl is empowered to learn, lead and flourish. They will be proudly displayed at the School as a lasting symbol of this shared promise.
Reflecting on the event, Head, Hannah Helliar said:
"This event beautifully captured the spirit of St Mary’s - where girls are empowered to lead, speak up, and make a difference. The pledges reflect our collective promise to continue championing equality in all its forms. Our panellists offered invaluable wisdom, and our Head Girl and Head Boarder represented the school with such maturity, thoughtfulness and purpose – we are incredibly proud of them."
Panellist and alumna, the Duchess of Norfolk, shared:
“I was truly honoured to be invited onto the panel and it was a treat to revisit St Mary’s School where I spent many happy years. I was very impressed with the organisation of the evening, the questions asked and the calibre of answers from the other panel members.”
Professor Christine Schwöbel-Patel added:
“It was an enormous privilege to be part of this event, with important themes including continued barriers for girls and women and strategies for overcoming them. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to speak with students who are interested in pursuing social justice pathways in their future education and careers. St Mary’s clearly offers encouragement, support, and nurture to future female leaders.”
Journalist and former pupil Connie Dimsdale also reflected on the experience:
“It was wonderful to be back at St Mary’s to discuss the importance of having female role models, breaking down barriers in the workplace and the representation of women in the media. Although it’s been just over 10 years since I left the school, it’s clear that the core value of empowering young women is as strong as ever. I came away from the event feeling proud to have been a St Mary’s student.”
Events like these amplify the heart of St Mary’s, where compassion, courage and curiosity drive the development of girls who are ready to shape the future. The evening was not only a celebration of women’s achievements but a call to action to keep pushing for a more equitable world.