International Women's Day

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International Women's Day 2024

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It also marks a call to action for collective progress towards achieving gender equality.

IWD takes place on Friday 8 March 2024. This year’s official theme is #InspireInclusion and the UN Women theme is Invest in women: Accelerate progress.

At the University of Exeter, our priority is to ensure a sense of belonging for all gender identities, including trans and non-binary staff and students. You can find out more about some of our work on this page.

If you have any events, resources or support you would like listed here, please email EDI@exeter.ac.uk.

100 Black Women Professors NOW

100 Black Women Professors NOW is a unique 12-month accelerator and change programme for UK higher education institutions developed and delivered by the Women’s Higher Education Network (WHEN). You can find out more about the programme, and some of our people taking part, on our dedicated webpage.

News and updates

Athena Swan applications and awards

The Athena Swan Charter recognises work undertaken by institutions in the United Kingdom to address gender equality across the higher education sector. The University of Exeter submitted an institutional Silver application for the Athena Swan charter in January 2024. We will publish our related action plan in the coming months. You can also find out more about our most recent departmental awards.

Pledge to end sexism in medicine

Our Medical School has joined a number of other institutions across the country in signing the British Medical Association's 'joint pledge to end sexism in medicine'. The pledge brings together organisations and groups who will work in partnership with the BMA to address sexism. The BMA hope the pledge will bring together groups with influence over the medical profession to collaborate and use varied areas of impact to make meaningful changes.

Events, resources and support

Panel discussion: Career journeys

Join WISEnet for this panel discussion focusing on career journeys. Our panellists are:

  • Dr Iveren Winifred Nyinoh is a Lecturer in Medical Sciences in the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences at the Medical School and also a participant in the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme. 
  • Jayde Kirby is a Learning and Development Manager responsible for overseeing the University Apprenticeship Programmes for staff in addition to coaching and mentoring at the institution. Jayde has experience across gender specific and tailored training for personal development and growth.
  • Nadine Mashingaidze is a HR Partner responsible for Research Services, Education and Academic Services, Innovation, Impact and Business, External Engagement and Global.

This event is open to people of all genders.

International Women's Day Gala

  • Saturday 9 March, 7-10pm
  • Stannary, Penryn Campus
  • Book online

Join the Inspiring Women Network to celebrate the power, strength, and achievements of women. There will be talks, performances, a three course meal, and a raffle. There are some subsidised tickets for University of Exeter students available at £5.

Workshop: Bystander training

Staff and students can take part in a 2-hour in-person bystander intervention workshop which is available across all campuses.

It looks at how to be an effective and active bystander across a range of settings, including situations where sexism, sexual violence and racist behaviour happen.

This is an opportunity to explore these topics and ask questions in a safe and inclusive space.

Menopause support

Bitesize learning: Menopause at work

Colleagues and managers can join a 1-hour bitesize learning session to learn more about:

  • Signs and symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause
  • The potential impact on work activities
  • Support and resources available, including reasonable adjustments
  • How managers can support colleagues

There is also an opportunity for discussion and sharing best practice.

Network events

You can find menopause guidance and information about our Menopause Network (including events) on the University of Exeter Health and Wellbeing pages. Events coming up:

  • Café style session: Informal discussion groups - Monday 25 March, 12:30-1:30pm
  • Talk: Peri-/menopause and nutrition (Jasmine Steven-Wong) - Wednesday 15 May, 12:30-1:30pm

The Inclusion Initiative: What's funny about everyday sexism?

  • Tuesday 5 March, 6:30-7:30pm
  • Hybrid: Online and London School of Economics (LSE)
  • Booking information

Join Dr Grace Lordan and comedian Cally Beaton to explore the interplay between humour and societal issues, and how comedy can shape perceptions and challenge norms.

Benow Festival

Join Benow for events, discussions and creative workshops to celebrate their theme of ‘Women making a noise’. They'll explore women in sound by delving into art, music and wellbeing.

Panel discussion: Inspire Inclusion

Join the Cornwall Women's Fund to look ahead to International Women's Day and discuss 2024's theme, Inspire Inclusion.

International Women's Day Celebration

  • Friday 8 March, 5:45pm onwards
  • Ocean, Exmouth
  • Book online

Join this International Women's Day celebration featuring talks, live entertainment, and more.

International Women's Day Festival

Join this International Women's Day celebration featuring talks, performances, and more.

Art display: Janet Sainsbury

  • Saturday 9 March, 11am-3pm
  • Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter
  • Event information

Join Janet Sainsbury for a talk about the additional drawings and paintings she made for her RAMM commission Points in a Constellation installed in the Courtyard’s Core Wall.

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