by Rushumba Wright, Year 12

On Thursday 8th March, I had the pleasure of visiting Mulberry School for Girls with my peers to attend a talk and discussion with Cressida Dick CBE, The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London. It was an honour to attend this event, given it was held on International Women’s Day. Being able to listen to such an inspiring woman, who is the head of our police force, was incredible. Her position was a key example of how far women have come, and it marks a new chapter in the steps women have taken for equality. Cressida spoke about how it felt to be in her position, and the key moments that led up to her progression in her career. We also heard from a colleague of Cressida’s – DCI Tor Garnett, who told her journey from being an average student like me, to becoming an inspector. I was so intrigued by their experiences and overwhelmed by the things they’d experienced. In the Q & A, which followed the talk, I had to ask the question that everyone was thinking, “Have you ever faced gender discrimination and, if you have, what advice would you give to tackle that?”. Well in short, no. The Met has taken so many strides to have the work force equal. In the words of Cressida Dick, ‘it’s not perfect, but it’s not as bad as you may think’. Essentially, the Met Police has an equal system and has male and female employees treated equally. The ‘imperfect’ part is the majority of workers still being men, but Cressida and her female colleagues believe that by carrying out their duties, they’re showing females that they have the capabilities to enter into this profession, and I agree. I was so fortunate to have this opportunity and appreciative of Cressida Dick taking time out of her schedule to talk to us. It was truly moving.