Women's Day at Gonzaga Campus: an educational journey through history, rights and global citizenship
To mark International Women's Day, the Gonzaga Campus promoted a series of educational activities involving students of different school levels, from kindergarten to secondary school and international school.
Not just a symbolic celebration, but a real training course to reflect on the role of women in history, the challenges that still exist and the importance of building a fairer and more inclusive society.
In the wake of Ignatian pedagogy, which encourages the education of aware and responsible people, the activities stimulated students to learn, reflect and question their role in the world.
Women who changed the world: learning from history
The students of class 1B of the Italian middle school, led by Professor Vedda, worked on some of the most influential female figures in history.
Through a flipped classroom methodology, the students explored in English the life and contribution of extraordinary women such as:
• Marie Curie
• Anne Frank
• Rita Levi-Montalcini
• Mother Teresa of Calcutta
• Malala Yousafzai
• Rosa Parks
• Florence Nightingale
Divided into small groups, the students analysed authentic materials and in the coming days will present their work to their classmates through presentations and posters in English, sharing what they have learned.
A concrete way to understand how the courage and commitment of individuals can change the course of history.
Rights, history and awareness: reflecting on the challenges facing women around the world
Class 3A, with Professor Cinquemani, undertook a historical and social reflection on the role of women.
The students analysed:
• the contribution of women during the First World War
• the social change that resulted from it
• the challenges that still exist today in different parts of the world
A particularly intense moment was dedicated to the issue of child marriage in India, through the testimony of young women who have lived this experience and the action of associations committed to protecting women's rights.
The students were invited to put themselves in the shoes of a girl forced to marry and to reflect on a fundamental question: what can we do today to build a fairer world?
Art, science and culture: the contribution of women in the disciplines
Students at the International School Palermo (ISP) also celebrated International Women's Day through interdisciplinary activities.
In the M2 and M3 art classes, students investigated the work of female artists from different parts of the world, exploring the contribution of women in the international art scene.
Among the figures studied was also the Iranian artist Soheila Sokhanvari, whose work tells stories of cultural identity and diaspora.
In the M4 and M5 science classes, students addressed the issue of women victims of acid attacks, analysing the phenomenon in different international contexts and reflecting on its social and cultural implications.
A path that combined scientific knowledge, ethics and social awareness.
Equality and respect: educating from childhood
Even the youngest children participated in the celebration of the day with activities designed for their educational path.
In the Primary School of the International School Palermo, students discussed the meaning of Women's Day and created symbolic artistic works, such as floral compositions dedicated to the important women in their lives.
In Grade 3, the children created a large mimosa: each flower represented a special woman — a mother, a grandmother, a sister or a teacher — thus recognising the value of relationships and gratitude.
Also in Kindergarten, during circle time, the children talked about women who have been able to realise their dreams and the importance of treating everyone with respect.
Educating for justice: an Ignatian look at the future
Celebrating International Women's Day at the Gonzaga Campus means much more than remembering an anniversary.
It means accompanying students on a path of growth that helps them become women and men capable of building a fairer society, where dignity, respect and equal opportunities are a reality for all.
In the Ignatian educational tradition, education is not only the transmission of knowledge, but the integral formation of the person.
For this reason, every activity becomes an opportunity to develop critical spirit, empathy and responsibility towards the world.
Because educating for equality today means preparing for the future of tomorrow.