“You’ve heard the story of Dr
James Barry, haven’t you?” asked Ann enthusiastically, whilst explaining the
various ways teachers can create opportunities for children to engage with the
idea of gender equality. I had to confess to Ann that I had not but made a
mental note to read up about it.
I am glad I did as it is a most remarkable story about
a young Irish woman who pretended to be a man so that she could study medicine.
This took place in the early 1800s when only males could enter the medical
profession. She graduated as a doctor and went on to serve as a military
surgeon in South Africa and other parts of the world. Wikipedia explains that
she “not only improved conditions for wounded soldiers, but also the conditions
of the native inhabitants, and performed the first Caesarean
section in Africa by an Irish surgeon in which both the
mother and child survived the operation”. She rose to the rank of Inspector
General before retiring. It was only after her death that it was revealed that
she was in fact a woman.
Gender equality at PNPS
Ann explains that stories like this provide a starting
point for conversations with children about whether one’s gender should in any
way dictate what you may achieve. The absurdity of Dr Barry’s story also
motivates Ann to ensure that no child at PNPS is in any way limited by the
straitjacket of gender stereotypes.
