International Women's Day 2022 - Break The Bias

For International Women's Day 2022, we asked some of our students how continuing education has helped them to #BreakTheBias. Here's what they said: 

Azalia, English Literature 

"As a mother, I have experienced hints of gender inequality particularly at the workplace. New mothers especially are often put in a position of having to choose between work or home.

I am proud to say that I braved the journey of continuing my education while mothering my two young kids. This is me, breaking the bias. Both my husband and I worked hand in hand parenting our children while continuing our studies together and chasing our respective passion, because we BOTH can do it, regardless of gender."
 

Janet, Coaching 

"Studying with ICE has  proved to me that I am still young enough and capable enough  to enjoy learning new things as a retired woman. I have not retired from LIFE! I am in my element as 'Janet the Life Coach.' You can  now find  me on the  otherside of the couch forging ahead with my 3rd career. Please note, it may not be my last.”

J.E., Creative Writing 

"Stories make us; I make my own. A nurturing woman, childless by choice. A nomadic immigrant, cherishing home. Happier now in my 40s than in my 20s. I take Creative Writing at Cambridge ICE to stir all genders & identities to trample borders and grind them to dust." #BreakTheBias

Renata, Philsophy and Classical Studies 

"Continuing education gave me the confidence to be creative and scientific, I am breaking the bias by being a female researching the Shroud of Turin in Rome (APRA) surrounded by (male) priests and I am loving it!"

Ina, Creative Writing 

"It is often assumed that mothers stay at home to look after the children because they are not good enough or smart enough for a traditional career. The truth is that many women willingly put nurture and care before intellectual stimulation and challenge. Studying at Cambridge has enabled me to redress this balance and break the bias that stay at home mothers are not smart and talented people. We are.”

Patricia, Genomics

"Continuing education is a way to #BreakTheBias of age and gender for a more diverse and inclusive academic world."

Kerry, Philosophy 

"I have always been someone who likes to reach my full potential and continuing education has helped me to achieve this"
 

Adele, Creative Writing 

"I recently attended a Formal Hall at my college on my own.  Everyone assumed I was either a postgraduate researcher or part of the academic staff. The undergraduate students I sat with were absolutely amazed to be sitting with an 'older' Masters student. I think I challenged their ideas of the student body by presence alone. It was great to have a chat with them and learn about their studies, hopes and aspirations. At the end of the dinner, they informed me I was very 'cool' and asked me to give them two pieces of advice. One - what's your best piece of advice about life. Two - what's your advice about long-lasting relationships. (To hear my pearls of wisdom, you'll have to come and find me on campus). I'm delighted to be studying again. I get to expand my horizons and at the same time, I apparently have some wisdom to impart. I study now for passion, for my own delight and that's pretty special. I might even be helping to challenge some preconceptions, my own included! "