Queen Mary is proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day which takes place on the 8 March every year as well as Women’s History Month, which runs throughout March. These important events recognise and celebrate the history and achievements of women as well as prompt us to raise awareness and take action to progress gender equality.
This year we continue to recognise International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month throughout March with an exciting programme of events and activities.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #Accelerate Action, which calls on us all to take meaningful steps towards gender equity in our community and beyond.
At Queen Mary we have a long standing commitment to progressing gender equality; in 2022 we successfully retained our Institutional Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of the University's continued commitment to advancing gender equality and the progress we have achieved. We have since launched our Institutional Gender Impact Plan (2022-2027) and are already making progress implementing the actions we have committed to. You can view our Institutional Gender Impact Plan (2022-2027) here.
Recognising the gendered impact of caring responsibilities, the Carer’s Career Development Fund (CCDF) supports parents, guardians, and carers with additional care costs incurred when attending conferences or networking events outside normal working hours. Find out more here.
The University’s Staff Gender Equality Network provides a platform for voice, opportunity and connection. Open to all staff with an interest in progressing gender equality. Colleagues can join via the network’s MS Team (Gender Equality Staff Network). Our newly elected Gender Equality Network Co-Chairs are asking members what they want from the Network via a survey, share your thoughts!
Queen Mary is committed to being menopause inclusive and provides a range of support and resources including a Menopause Policy Statement, take a look. This year, we launched a new Staff Menopause Network. Colleagues can join the network via the MS Team.
International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of women and a call to action for accelerating progress towards gender equality. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, challenges us all to move beyond words and take bold steps to drive meaningful change. For me, this years' theme evokes the Women's Social and Political Union's motto: "deeds not words" and speaks to a legacy of political engagement and enfranchisement for women.
At Queen Mary, we are committed to making tangible progress for gender equity. We know that real change requires sustained action, and to mark this day we are celebrating the impact of members of our community, progressing gender equality, globally.
I encourage everyone in our community to engage with the fantastic programme of events and activities taking place across Queen Mary. International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect, learn, and contribute to accelerating action towards a more inclusive future. Get involved!
Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal (Policy and Strategic Partnerships)