University hosts events for International Women’s Day

Students and staff will take part in an online panel discussion about ‘Nurturing Women’s Ambitions’. The group will talk about systemic barriers to women’s progression in careers and leadership roles, the importance of intersectionality when understanding these barriers, and the role of mentoring, allies and role models. 

The discussion will feature three inspirational panelists from the University - Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Deputy Director of the Directorate for Access, Skills and Apprenticeships; Toyosi Oyinloye: Deputy Head of Division, Computer and Engineering Sciences and Hussna Waka, first year international student and Student Race Advocate. 

The panel will be interviewed by Professor Hannah Bacon, Professor of Feminist Theology and Kathryn Leighton, the University’s Diversity Festival Co-ordinator. 

The event takes place on Wednesday, March 5 from 4pm to 5pm and to register for a free place visit here. 

On Tuesday, March 11 from 9.30am to 1.30pm the University’s Institute of Gender Studies and Diversity Festival teams will collaborate to host Accelerating Action in the Riverside Innovation Centre on Castle Drive in the city. 

Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action, this event 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. 

The speakers, who represent a range of diverse characteristics will speak for 10 minutes each on how they, from their own unique perspective accelerate action toward equality - some just focusing on gender, others on more intersectional approaches. 

Admission is free and tickets can be booked here.  

The University of Chester's Diversity Festival is now in its 20th year. The Diversity Festival offers a mix of face-to-face, hybrid and online events focusing on equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging. 

Kathryn Leighton, the University’s Diversity Festival Co-ordinator, said: “These events are open to everyone, regardless of gender. We hope attendees will feel inspired and motivated after these events and thank you to everyone who is taking part.”