At a recent WomenEd event, one idea stayed with me long after the session ended - women building women. Not as a slogan, but as something lived and experienced across our academies, our leadership, and our wider Oasis community. 

In education, it’s easy to focus on structures, outcomes and accountability. Yet behind every decision are people, whose confidence, growth and leadership journeys are shaped by relationships. When we support one another well, we reflect our commitment to inclusion, healthy relationships and hope. Supporting women is not an optional extra; it is essential to building sustainable, inclusive leadership. 

At our best, this support is intentional and visible. It shows up in colleagues who encourage us to step forward when we feel unsure, leaders who amplify our voices, and mentors who listen, challenge and champion us. Across Oasis, this happens daily - in coaching conversations, leadership pathways, informal networks, and in the quiet courage of lifting one another up. 

As Kiran Hussain, Assistant Principal & SENCo at Oasis Academy Fir Vale, reflects on her journey: 

“Over ten years in education, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside strong, inspiring women who supported me at every stage… They recognised potential in me, challenged me to grow, and gave me opportunities to lead with confidence.” 

While these individual acts of support matter, the real shift comes when they are embedded into how we work as a community. 

For Agnieszka Freeman, Assistant Principal also at Oasis Academy Fir Vale, this is about culture as much as action: 

“It means creating space for women’s voices to be heard, trusting women’s expertise, and encouraging confidence… By backing each other and sharing opportunities, we not only support individual growth but help reshape workplaces to be more balanced and inclusive.” 

Kiran’s experience also highlights how this translates into everyday practice: 

“Women supporting women means recognising each other’s strengths, understanding the barriers some may face and helping to create environments where everyone can thrive.” 

Importantly, this culture must also recognise balance and wellbeing. As Victoria Chambers, Assistant Principal at Oasis Academy Fir Vale, puts it: 

“Success comes from everyone playing a part. Asking for help isn’t saying you can’t do it… We need environments where people can switch off - where there’s recognition that you have a life beyond school.” 

Our shared challenge is to move from permission to possibility - creating environments where women feel not only able, but encouraged and expected, to lead and shape the future. 

And this is not the responsibility of women alone. It requires allyship and a shared commitment to equity across our whole community. As Oasis Academy Fir Vale’s Deputy Principal David Stead explains: 

“Meaningful allyship is consistent, quiet, and purposeful… Sustainable change happens when allyship becomes part of the culture - not a gesture, but a pattern of behaviour.” 

This work continues. It asks us to keep reflecting: 

• Who are we lifting up? 

• How are we making leadership more accessible? 

• What legacy are we creating for those who will follow? 

When we build one another up, we do more than grow leaders. We strengthen our community and create lasting change. This is at the heart of who we are - one community working together so that everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. 

Written by Romee Latif-Meah, Learning & Development Manager