Encourage your students to think critically, express themselves, and explore gender equality with this engaging International Women’s Day debate lesson for secondary schools.

Designed for KS3 and KS4, this lesson helps students explore key themes of equality, fairness, stereotypes, and opportunity through structured debate, discussion, and reflection. It’s perfect for PSHE, Citizenship, or tutor-time sessions and promotes student voice, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue.

What’s Included

✔ Full lesson plan with clear objectives, timings, and guidance
✔ Debate topics and motion examples relevant to International Women’s Day
✔ Step-by-step instructions for running debates and discussions
✔ Reflection and feedback activities
✔ Differentiated support for mixed-ability classes
✔ Printable resources and worksheets

Topics Covered

• Gender equality and stereotypes
• Women’s achievements and challenges in history and today
• The importance of student voice and advocacy
• Critical thinking and respectful argumentation

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Understand the importance of International Women’s Day
• Discuss and debate gender equality and societal issues
• Reflect on the impact of stereotypes and bias
• Develop critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills
• Consider how young people can take positive action for equality

Perfect For

• International Women’s Day (8 March)
• PSHE and Citizenship lessons
• Tutor-time activities
• Debate clubs or enrichment sessions
• Encouraging critical thinking, reflection, and student voice

Created by Creative Power
A structured, engaging, and thought-provoking lesson designed to empower secondary students to explore equality, express their opinions, and develop key skills through debate.