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As Educators, Parents and Carers we have a duty to protect our children from harm and ensure their safety and well-being. Unfortunately, one of the most egregious violations of children's rights persists to this day: female genital mutilation (FGM). This practice not only inflicts physical and psychological trauma but also perpetuates cycles of gender-based violence and inequality. In this blog post, I'll explore the critical role of early years education in ending FGM and safeguarding the rights of our children. Understanding FGM: A Fundamental Issue Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This harmful practice violates the rights and dignity of millions of girls and women worldwide, with devastating consequences for their health, well-being, and future prospects. In the early years, children are particularly vulnerable to FGM, as they may lack the knowledge and agency to protect themselves from harm. Recognising the Signs: Vigilance and Awareness Educators must be vigilant in recognising the signs of FGM and responding promptly to safeguard children at risk. Signs may include behavioural changes, physical symptoms such as pain or bleeding, or disclosures from children themselves. By raising awareness and promoting open communication, we can create safe spaces where children feel empowered to speak out against violence and abuse. Prevention and Intervention: Building a Culture of Protection Preventing FGM requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes and drivers of the practice. Early years education plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality, empowering children to assert their rights, and challenging harmful cultural norms and stereotypes. By integrating FGM prevention into the early years curriculum and providing training for educators, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills to protect children from harm. Empowering Communities: Education and Advocacy Community engagement is essential for ending FGM and creating a culture of protection for our children. By partnering with parents, caregivers, and community leaders, we can raise awareness, challenge harmful practices, and promote positive social norms. Education and advocacy initiatives can help dispel myths and misconceptions about FGM, empowering communities to reject violence and embrace gender equality. Taking Action: A Call to Action As we reflect on the devastating impact of FGM on children's lives, we must commit ourselves to taking action to end this harmful practice once and for all. By working together, we can create a world where every child grows up free from violence, discrimination, and fear. Let us stand united in our efforts to protect the rights and dignity of our children and build a brighter future for generations to come. Join my Online FGM Course for £7 Ready to take your commitment to ending FGM to the next level? Enrol in my online FGM course today for just £7 and gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to protect children from harm and promote a culture of safety and equality in your community. We can only make a difference together and create a world where every child can thrive and flourish. Don't miss out—sign up now! #EndFGM #ProtectOurChildren #EarlyYearsEducation #GenderEquality #ChildRights

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Every year on March 8th , the world pauses to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) —a day to honour the achievements of women in all areas of life and to reflect on the challenges that remain. But this day isn’t just about celebration—it’s a call to action. Because gender equality isn’t a women’s issue—it’s a human issue. So, beyond posting a quote or wearing purple, how can we actively contribute to a world where women and girls can thrive? Here’s what we can do right now to make a difference. Educate Yourself & Others Ignorance fuels inequality. Knowledge disrupts it. ✅ Read about the history of women’s rights. ✅ Learn about gender biases and how they shape society. ✅ Talk to the women in your life—what challenges do they face? Start here: Watch a documentary like He Named Me Malala  or Miss Representation . Follow feminist activists, educators, and leaders on social media. Listen to podcasts that amplify women’s voices ( The Guilty Feminist , The Women’s Podcast ). Action Step:  Share something new you learned today with someone else! Challenge Everyday Sexism Sexism isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, it’s the offhand comments, the double standards, the unequal expectations placed on women and girls. Notice & call out things like: ❌ "She’s too emotional to lead." (Would we say that about a man?) ❌ "He’s helping with the kids!" (It’s called parenting.) ❌ "Girls aren’t good at math." (Actually, they are.) Tip: If you hear something sexist, ask a question. "Why do you think that?" "Would you say that if it were about a man?" A simple challenge can make people rethink their words and beliefs. Support Women-Owned Businesses & Creators Where we spend our money shapes the world. Supporting women-led businesses, authors, artists, and brands helps close the economic gap. Try this: ✅ Buy books by female authors. ✅ Shop from women-owned brands. ✅ Hire women in leadership roles. TAKE ACTION: Tag your favourite women-owned business in the comments and show them some love! Speak Up in the Workplace Equality starts at work. Women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, paid less than men, and more likely to be interrupted in meetings. How to be an ally at work: ✅  Amplify women’s voices  – If a woman’s idea gets overlooked, repeat it and give her credit. ✅  Advocate for equal pay  – If you’re in a leadership position, push for pay transparency. ✅  Encourage mentorship  – Support women climbing the career ladder. TAKE ACTION: If you're in a meeting this week, make sure a woman’s idea gets heard. Raise the Next Generation Differently Want to create lasting change?  We need to start with our children. Teach girls:  They are capable, worthy, and have a voice that matters. Teach boys:  Women are their equals, not their caretakers. 🔹 Challenge gender roles early (Boys can play with dolls. Girls can love football.) 🔹 Teach consent and respect from a young age. 🔹 Expose children to female role models in history, STEM, and leadership. Try this: Next time a child says, "That’s a boy’s/girl’s job," ask: "Why do you think that?" – and start the conversation. Support Women’s Rights Beyond Today Women’s Day isn’t just one day—it’s every day. Ways to make a real impact: ✅ Donate to organisations that fight for women’s rights (Malala Fund, UN Women, Women for Women International). ✅ Volunteer your time to mentor young women. ✅ Vote for policies that promote gender equality. TAKE ACTION: Pick one cause related to women’s rights and commit to supporting it this year. A Final Thought: Be the Change You Want to See International Women’s Day isn’t about just words—it’s about actions. It’s about showing up for the women in your life and for the women you may never meet. “ Because when women rise, we all rise.” What’s ONE action you’re taking to support women this year? Sharon X #IWD2025 #EmbraceEquity #InternationalWomensDay #BeTheChange

The 7 Habits is a framework developed by Stephen Covey in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". These habits are a set of principles and practices that help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. Here's a brief explanation of each habit: Be Proactive: The first habit is to be proactive, which means taking responsibility for your own life and actions. It's about being proactive instead of reactive and focusing on what you can control rather than what you can't. Begin with the End in Mind: The second habit is to begin with the end in mind, which means setting clear goals and objectives for your life. It's about having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and then working towards that vision. Put First Things First: The third habit is to put first things first, which means prioritising your time and energy based on what's most important to you. It's about being disciplined and organised, and focusing on what's important rather than what's urgent. Think Win-Win: The fourth habit is to think win-win, which means seeking mutual benefit in all interactions with others. It's about finding solutions that benefit everyone involved, rather than focusing on winning at all costs. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: The fifth habit is to seek first to understand, then to be understood, which means listening to others before trying to make yourself heard. It's about building strong relationships based on empathy and understanding. Synergize: The sixth habit is to synergize, which means working together to achieve more than you could on your own. It's about valuing diversity and finding creative solutions that leverage the strengths of all team members. Sharpen the Saw: The seventh habit is to sharpen the saw, which means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's about continuously improving and learning, and making sure you're in the best possible condition to achieve your goals. How can these habits be applied to work in Early Years Settings? As an educator, you are responsible for nurturing young children and providing them with a solid foundation for their future success. Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People can help you foster children's emotional, social, and cognitive development while also promoting a strong sense of community within your setting. Let's explore each of Covey's 7 habits and see how they link to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Be Proactive Being proactive means taking control of your actions and making things happen. In an early years setting, this habit can help you encourage children to take ownership of their learning and be active participants in their own development. You can support this by providing opportunities for children to make choices, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. Begin with the End in Mind This habit is all about setting goals and working towards them. In the early years, goal setting might look different than it does for adults, but it is no less important. As an educator, you can help children set achievable goals for themselves and celebrate their successes along the way. By providing clear learning objectives and feedback, you can help children develop a sense of purpose and motivation. Put First Things First Putting first things first means prioritising what's important and not getting distracted by less important tasks. In an early years setting, this habit can help you create a clear structure for the day, with routines and schedules that allow children to feel secure and know what to expect. By prioritising relationships and building a strong sense of community, you can create a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Think Win-Win Thinking win-win means finding solutions that benefit everyone involved. In an early years setting, this habit can help you promote positive social skills such as cooperation, empathy, and negotiation. By encouraging children to work together and learn from each other, you can help them develop important social and emotional competencies that will serve them well in the future. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood This habit is all about active listening and empathy. In an early years setting, it's important to take the time to listen to children and understand their perspectives. By doing so, you can build trust and create a safe space for children to express themselves. By modelling active listening and effective communication, you can help children develop these skills for themselves. Synergize Synergizing means working together to achieve more than you could on your own. In an early years setting, this habit can help you create a sense of community and teamwork. By providing opportunities for children to collaborate and work together, you can help them develop important social and emotional skills such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Sharpen the Saw Sharpening the saw means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In an early years setting, this habit is crucial for maintaining your own well-being and providing the best possible care for children. By prioritising self-care and continuous professional development, you can improve your own practice and provide a positive role model for children. In conclusion, Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People can be a powerful framework for promoting children's holistic development in an early years setting. By fostering emotional, social, and cognitive competencies, while also creating a strong sense of community and teamwork, you can provide a foundation for children's future success. With Gratitude, Sharon X   BLOG - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People