International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on Wednesday 8 March 2023, with activities taking place at the university throughout the month.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity:

Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.
And it’s critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.
The IWD 2023 campaign theme drives worldwide understanding why Equal opportunities aren’t enough!

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity.

We invite the entire university to be part of this conversation and show how you are breaking gender stereotypes. Why not share a photo and caption on Tuesday 8 March using #EmbraceEquity, #WeAreUoN, #IWD_UoN.

Highlights of the month include:

IWD Creative Challenge Competition
Prize giving event Wednesday 15 March, from 3pm
Lakeside Arts

Share with us an original creation made by you on the topic of International Women’s Day. These will be shared on Padlet and an in person showcase of all submissions will take place on Wednesday 8 March. Open to all.  Mediums include (but not limited to): drawing, painting, comics, photography, video, graphic design, posters, pottery, collage, poetry, dancing, essay or story writing, storytelling, music, mosaic, mixed media, textiles, baking etc.
Students/staff will vote. The top three entries will win a prize and will be announced at a prize giving event.
Submit your creative work here by Monday 6 March 2023.

Let’s Talk Periods and Menopause: International Women’s Day 2023
Wednesday 22 March, from 1.15pm – 2.45pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join us for our Central Event for this year’s International Women’s Day – an exciting interactive session open to staff and students. This workshop, led by two guest facilitators and experts in this field, will help increase your understanding and awareness of the impact of menstruation and menopause and period poverty, and encourage you to speak up and tackle stigma associated with menstruation and the menopause.
Book your place here

Infertility, Miscarriage, and Child Loss in Academia: Raising Awareness and Offering Support
Monday 27 March, from 11am – 1pm
Hybrid event: Online via Microsoft Teams and Council Dining Room, Trent Building, University Park

Staff members are invited to change the narrative around infertility, dispel myths, break isolation and shame, and create a community that cares. Our speakers will talk about assisted reproduction/IVF, male infertility, and share advice on how to support a colleague or friend who has experienced pregnancy/child loss. Some common misconceptions are that reproductive health issues affect only women or that they can’t happen to people who already are parents.

Key speakers Dr Nick Raine-Fenning (UoN, TFP Nurture) , Ciaran Hannington (HIMFertility) and Ruth Bender Atik (Miscarriage Association).

Register your attendance

Find a full list of events to get involved with for this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.