International Women’s Day 2023: hear from our community and what’s on

With Women’s History month starting today, and International Women’s Day around the corner, hear from some of our students and researchers about the significance of such celebratory initiatives in our community and beyond. 

“International Women’s Day is a chance to inspire others to step outside the boundaries set by society and realise that there’s not much we can’t achieve as women if we support one another.  

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on all the courageous women I know at the University who are pushing boundaries and inspiring their peers, from fellow students to our incredible leaders and pioneers in their fields. 

“However, more emphasis should be given to celebrating the strength and resilience of those who are underrepresented – for example, trans women – and using these occasions as an opportunity to show support and allyship for all women within our community.” 

– Iona Bateman, Physiotherapy student

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“While we can and should empower ourselves and other women around us every day, for me International Women’s Day is a reminder that we are still far from reaching gender equality and equity, and so it is a powerful way to keep momentum for supporting movements.” 

– Daniela Rothschild-Rodríguez, PhD researcher in Biological Sciences

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“These initiatives provide a platform for women’s voices to be heard and for their stories to be shared, and they help to raise awareness of the issues and challenges that women face. They also inspire and empower women to continue pushing for change, and to be active participants in the ongoing fight for gender equity.” 

– Mikaela Hristova, Law student

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“Celebratory initiatives like International Women’s Day and International Women in Engineering Day are especially important for promoting the profile of women in STEM, who remain significantly underrepresented in their fields.  

“It is particularly important to listen to and amplify the voices and experiences of women from diverse backgrounds.”

– Sarah Lu, PhD researcher in Analytical Radiochemistry and Ocean technology

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Keep an eye on SUSED to read more from our student community, International Women’s Day, empowerment, and gender equity.

What’s on  

In the meantime, discover events and opportunities for you to get involved, celebrate all women, and learn more about what we all can do as we strive towards gender equity and equality. 

Women in Sport Week

A programme delivered by Be Active, Southampton Sport and SUSU, which aims to give all female, female-identifying and non-binary students the opportunity to get involved with free sport activities in a safe space: 

Wednesday 1 March	13:30-15:30 – Quadball/Quidditch Taster session – The Common 14:00-15:00 – Netball training session – Wide Lane 19:00-20:00 – Water Polo Taster session – Jubilee Pool
Friday 3 March	18:30-19:30 – Dodgeball Taster session – Team Southampton Sports Hall
Saturday 4 March	14:00-22:00 – Night in on campus – a full takeover of Jubilee Sports Hall and The Bridge, including a spin class, weightlifting workshops, badminton, golf chipping, an inflatable pool party, a self-defence workshop, dodgeball, and frisbee, as well as a free food buffet and film screening. Book the spin class via the Southampton sport app or website. Book all other sessions on the My Southampton app.
Sunday 5 March	13:00-15:00 – Quadball/Quidditch Taster session – The Common
Tuesday 7 March	18:30-20:00 – Ladies’ Football Taster session – Wide Lane 19:30-21:30 – Korfball Taster session – Team Southampton Sports Hall

Workshops, talks and film screenings 

Monday 6 March	14:00-16:00 – SUSU Female Empowerment Pottery Workshop –  Run by the Pottery society, this event aims to promote body positivity and help women feel empowered.
Tuesday 7 March	13:00-14:00 – Women’s Health: Support for staff and students with gynaecological conditions – Find out what support is available for those who suffer with conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, with or without formal diagnosis. 18:00-19:00 – International Women’s Day Online Lecture: Helping women access better healthcare with Dr Kizanne James-McCarthy – Women’s rights and health activist Dr Kizanne James-McCarthy talks about her work helping disadvantaged women access better healthcare and overcome barriers.
Wednesday 8 March	13:00-14:00 – A UoS REACH Network Event: In Conversation with Shelina Permalloo – Join the Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Network and the award-winning chef Shelina Permalloo to hear what role food plays in the way Shelina celebrates her culture, faith, and much more.
Thursday 9 March	20:00-22:00 – Little Women at Union Films – A free screening of Greta Gerwig’s Little Women.
Friday 10 March	12:00-13:00 – International, Intersectional, Interdisciplinary Women’s Day – In this online panel discussion, Dr Margo Ononaiye, Dr Manda Banerji, Professor Pia Riggirozzi and Dr Lexi Webster discuss their careers in academia, challenges they have encountered, and the change they would like to see within our community.

All events are available on the My Southampton app and on the SUSU website.