The Royal Foundation marks International Women’s Day with “words that travel” digital postcard series

To mark International Women’s Day, The Royal Foundation is celebrating the extraordinary women who are helping to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.

Partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do at The Royal Foundation.  Encouraging a culture of sharing – whether that’s advice, knowledge, resources or insight – means that together, we can help deliver meaningful change.

In a series of digital postcards, Yansie, Iram, Hope and Tracey share the life lessons they have learnt through their work tackling homelessness, suicide prevention, wildlife protection and research into early years development.

Meet Dr Yansie Rolston, Founder of Bayo:

Through her work with Bayo, Yansie brings powerful insight to the National Suicide Prevention Network. Her work focuses on the importance of culturally appropriate training for black communities in order to open up conversations with those at risk of suicide.

Reflecting on the power of listening without judgement and how it builds empathy, connections, and a greater sense of purpose, Yansie shared:

My Work:

When you give someone your time and listen openly without judgement you help them feel seen and heard. That simple act can change how they value themselves.

The Impact:

I have a better understanding of what it really means to be patient and kind, and I have developed more empathy, stronger connections, and a clearer sense of why I do this work.

Meet Professor Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford:

An internationally recognised academic in early childhood and primary education, Iram is working to raise awareness on the importance of the first years in lifelong wellbeing.

As an educator, Iram understands that knowledge has the greatest impact when it’s shared:

My Work:

By sharing internationally what I’ve learned through my research on intentional and relational pedagogy, I’m able to have a deeper impact on the development gains for children’s learning and wellbeing through educators and parents.

The Impact:

The reassurance that the research myself and others have undertaken not only directly impacts teachers and families, but also shapes babies, toddlers and young children’s learning, development, and long-term life chances too.

Meet Hope Ngulube, former Ranger for the Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ):

Working on the frontline of nature protection and conservation, Hope has dedicated her life to the vital and often behind-the-scenes work of managing human-wildlife conflict and protecting our planet.

Sharing her reflections on her work and the impact it’s had on Hope and her team:

My Work:

Through my work as a Ranger, I am able to offer support and safety for my team. We’ve built a strong working partnership based on trust.

The Impact:

 I have been able to advance my career in law enforcement and gain specialised skills in dog handling and tracking.

Meet Tracey Ford, Author

As part of her work with Homewards, Tracey inspires women with lived experience of homelessness to use the power of writing and journalling to help recognise patterns that may be holding them back.

This International Women’s Day, Tracey shares the reminder that even in the most challenging times, there is resilience, courage and hope.

My work:

I host creative workshops for women who have lived experience of homelessness, so they can use journalling to spot the barriers that are stopping them from making themselves a priority.

The Impact:

The people we think we are there to help end up teaching us the most. They remind me that even in the hardest chapters of life, there is resilience, humour, courage, and hope. Some of the memories of that workshop will stay with me for a lifetime.