Women Role Models? Surely Not…

Athlete Jessica Ennis inspired a nation during the 2012 Olympics

In 2015, women supposedly have the same rights as men. So why was Dr Louise Selby refused access to a female gym locker room just because her card said Dr? The gym in question says “she will have to drop her title to get access to our changing rooms.” This was because the system recognised the title ‘Dr’ as male. “I would be shocked to receive this treatment from a gym” says Holly, aspiring doctor studying at Southampton University. “60% of my courses are female but people often assume that I will become a nurse rather than a doctor.” If women are not recognised as doctors, then is there a limit to what women feel they can achieve?

“I was told that there was nothing I can’t do at school” says Miss Evans, deputy head at the Willink school. “I would like to tell young people that the world is their oyster. Your achievements should be due to your merits, not your appearance.” Having asked a range of students at the Willink School, we found that many young people have role models who are influential figures as opposed to film stars and millionaires. For example, Michelle Obama, Malorie Blackman and Emily Pankhurst were favourites for the females. Terry Pratchett, William Blake, Shakespeare, Roosevelt and Jonathon Josephs were popular male roles. Not surprisingly, Mum and Dad were the most common answers! We can see from this that the way you view society is largely based on the way you were brought up.

We think that young people today are so pressured by the media to look perfect that they forget to concentrate on what actually matters. For example, Mother Teresa is famous for being compassionate and changing the world; not for being rich or beautiful. Young people should know that they can achieve whatever they set their mind to, no matter what your gender, appearance or wealth. So don’t let the gym’s computer systems stop you from what you really want to do!

Philippa, Alex and Emma