On 15 March, the University Parents’ and Carers’ Network held an event to celebrate International Women’s Day and equality and diversity at the University.
Colleagues were invited to hear the stories and experiences of four inspirational speakers:
Dr Emma White, Assistant Director of the Administrative Data Research Network
Professor Marika Taylor, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Mathematical Sciences
Andy Cast, Head of Human Resources Business Partnering and Chair of the LGBT Network
Dr Sharon Strawbridge, Senior Lecturer (Education and Scholarship)
Experiences of equality and diversity challenges were shared, including how success can follow being one of only 3 women in a class of 100+ PhD students while at Cambridge University and how the University community is made of individuals with different sometimes ‘non-traditional’ family needs.
Delegates heard how balancing a prominent scientific career with six children whilst running a farm was indeed possible and how women could be weightlifters, leaders, ‘Trekkies’ and drive vintage cars.
The danger of assumptions and unconscious bias were highlighted during the talks and how we all have a duty to combat bias and discrimination.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Christopher Snowden, joined the discussion to share some of his experiences of equality and diversity and his ambitions for these areas.
He led a Q&A session that included thoughts on the application of flexible working, improvements to wheelchair access around the University, the potential to increase part-time vacancies through all MSA levels to allow for staff career progression and the reasoning behind the numbering system in staff appraisals.
The event was enjoyed by all, with positive feedback from those who attended:
‘I feel I have learned to be confident about unconscious bias’, ‘I feel more supported’, ‘excellent panel discussion and diversity of speakers’, ‘great balance of panelists between professional services/academic staff’
The event was live tweeted from the Parents’ and Carers’ Twitter @UoSPCNetwork.
Please contact [email protected] if you would like to be part of the Parents’ and Carers’ Network.