This month, we celebrate both Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (IWD), two events that aim to promote gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and raise awareness about gender discrimination.
The theme for Women’s History Month this year is ‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations’. It celebrates the collective strength, equality and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations.
IWD, celebrated on Saturday 8 March, is themed is ‘Accelerate Action’. It?emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
To learn more about IWD, and to explore a range of IWD virtual and in-person events, including ‘Imposter Syndrome and How to Overcome it Effectively’, ‘Perfectionism: Is it holding you back?’, and ‘Resilient Women in Space’, visit the IWD website.
Plus, get involved in various events hosted on and around our campuses:
| March | SUSU Women’s History Month
To learn more about Women’s History Month events, visit the SUSU website. SUSU Hall of Fame If someone who identifies as a woman has inspired you lately— whether they are a student, committee member, or member of staff—nominate them for a spot in the SUSU Women’s History Month Hall of Fame. All those nominated will be highlighted on the?@union_soton?Instagram account during March, raising awareness for this year’s theme: ‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations’. |
| Monday 3 March to Saturday 8 March | Women in Sport Week Various locations Take inspiration from this year’s IWD and Women’s History Month themes and try out a new sport at SUSU x BeActive’s Women in Sport Week, featuring a collection of open sessions to celebrate. From rock climbing and water polo to jiu jitsu and fencing, there are plenty of activities to get involved with. All abilities are welcome, and all sessions will be hosted by instructors. |
| Saturday 8 March | ‘Night In On Campus’ for Women in Sport Week Jubilee Sports and Recreation Centre Get ready for an epic evening with Be Active with a variety of free sports, a pool party with inflatables, face painting, prizes, and more! Try rock climbing, fencing, kin ball, pickleball, volleyball, and dodgeball—no experience needed. Open to female-identifying and non-binary students. |
| Tuesday 4 March – Tuesday 25 March | Women’s Self Defence Classes by the Mixed Martial Arts Club Jubilee Sports and Recreation Centre Join this series of women’s self-defence classes hosted by the ?Mixed Martial Arts Club for Women’s History Month. The sessions will cover a mixture of basic grappling and striking techniques, aiming to build your confidence in a safe, beginner-friendly environment. No prior experience required! |
If Women’s History Month and/or IWD have raised difficult feelings for you, or if you just need someone to talk to, The Student Hub?is available for wellbeing support 24/7 via?online chat, via email at?studenthub@soton.ac.uk, or via telephoning?023 8059 9599.