To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we’re sharing stories about inspirational women who work and volunteer in our sector this week. Meet Emily Barker, our Research and Development Officer here at Gloucestershire VCS Alliance.
Despite having a busy role at Gloucestershire VCS Alliance, Emily still finds time to volunteer at her local primary school in Stroud. She is passionate about the VCSE sector and reflects on her experiences below.
“Working at The British Red Cross was a truly transformative experience. As part of the Crisis Response Team, I had the privilege of supporting individuals and communities through some of their most challenging moments; helping them prepare for, navigate, and recover from crises. These ranged from localised emergencies like fires and floods to large-scale national responses, including repatriation and resettlement programmes, and of course, COVID-19.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned during this time was the incredible strength of communities in moments of crisis. Again and again, I saw the vital role that VCSE organisations play in building resilience and supporting people when they need it most. It was through this work that my passion for the VCSE sector truly flourished, and I became committed to championing the people and organisations that make such a profound difference.
“Being involved in shaping the future of the school, ensuring every child has the best possible education…is a real privilege”
“I currently serve as vice chair of a primary school in Stroud and will be stepping into the role of chair this September. As a co-opted member of the governing body, I was invited to join to help bridge a gap in the board’s expertise, particularly in strategic planning and monitoring. I am passionate about early education, and working alongside dedicated staff who share that passion is inspiring and rewarding.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this role is seeing at first hand the positive impact that initiatives have had on the children. Conducting pupil voice research, engaging in monitoring visits, and witnessing how different strategies shape their learning experiences is incredibly motivating. However, it’s not without its challenges; education budgets are tighter than ever, and the responsibility of ensuring financial sustainability, while delivering the best outcomes for students is a constant balancing act.
Right now, we are in the process of developing a long-term strategy for the school, and I’m excited to be part of the team leading this. Being involved in shaping the future of the school, ensuring every child has access to the best possible education, and making a lasting impact on their learning journey is a real privilege".
About International Women's Day (IWD)
IWD is a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. It celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
IWD has a long and powerful history of collective action, with many groups, countries, and bodies having actively contributed to its evolution. Today, IWD is a highly visible worldwide occurrence with significant mainstream awareness, marked by groups worldwide in a wide variety of ways.
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