International Women's Day - Butterfly Moments

Posted on: 10 March 2021 by Jayne Bryson, Research and Impact Co-ordinator, School of Law and Social Justice in Blog

As part of our reflection on International Women's Day, which took place on Monday (8th March), we shine a spotlight on Jayne, a member of our Professional Services Team in the School of Law and Social Justice. We have taken an opportunity to look at how she has been impacted by the pandemic, and the unique way that she has turned the challenges of the last year, and the opportunities of the wellbeing programmes offered by the University, to her advantage.

Jayne's Thoughts

For me, coping with the pandemic has been about discovery and re-discovery.  Thanks to the University’s wonderful Writing for Wellbeing course, I’ve discovered that poetry is a fantastic way to express my feelings (I even had a poem published for the very first time!).  I’ve re-discovered my passion for running – another great outlet for my emotions.  Perhaps most importantly, I’ve discovered that my life has been a self-made prison for far too long.  Once this is over, I’m taking advantage of every opportunity – life is too short not to live it to the full.

#ChooseToChallenge 

#IWD2021

Butterfly Moments

by Jayne Bryson

It's not a big moment,
The one she misses
As she texts her friend;
Not one of the milestone moments.
Those are saved, captured, shared.
Only the wonder in his eyes;
The pure beauty of his smile
As he sees – for the first time –
How the sunlight slants through the trees,
Weaving a stripy carpet on the woodland floor.
Gone now, it leaves no trace, this
Butterfly moment.
Just flutters, silently, skyward –
Like so many that went before;
Like many more that will come
– and go.

If we could, somehow,
Retrace our steps,
Walk once more the winding paths of life,
Would we pass more slowly,
Take time to pause, to watch, to wait?
Would we – I wonder –
Grasp these fleeting moments?
Would we – perhaps –
Cradle each one, gently, in our hands
And keep it safe, forever?
Or would they all – once more –
Take flight?

You can find out more about 'A Spray of Hope' Poetry and Prose from Lockdown 2020 on Liverpool Noise. You can purchase the Anthology on Amazon.

Find out more about the University's Wellbeing Hub, including any support services, events and how to get involved.

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and has occured for well over a century with the first gathering taking place in 1911. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. One of the key missions focusses on Women at Work, specifically to forge inclusive work cultures where women's careers thrive and achievements are celebrated.

What is the School of Law and Social Justice doing?

The School of Law and Social Justice is committed to an inclusive working environment and has already been awarded the Athena Swann Bronze Award, which sets out an action plan of achieving equality in the workplace, the team are now looking to submit their application for the Silver Award in 2022. You can find out more information on the school's equality and diversity intranet pages. In addition the university offers a wide range of equality and diversity support and services for staff on the HR intranet.

This year, we have marked International Women's Day with a series of blogs, taking on different perspectives of women's rights and equalities. You can read our contributions on our blogs pages.