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International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on 8 March and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that remain and renew our commitment to advancing equality.

The theme for IWD 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ which 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. At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.

Celebrating Early Career Researchers

As part of our IWD 2025 celebrations, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at Sussex. These talented individuals are pushing boundaries in their fields, advancing knowledge, and driving positive change. An exhibition featuring photographic portraits of some of our ECRs will open in the Library Open Learning Space (ground floor, after the Service Desk) in March so  make sure you visit if you can. The portraits are accompanied by summaries of the research they are working on and encouraging comments to inspire other women. You can also take a look at this Padlet featuring inspirational quotes from Sussex ECR.

This is the second IWD exhibition that Dr. Elizabeth Rendon-Morales has curated in the Library. Last year’s exhibition invited women from across our staff community to participate.  A full collection of portraits taken in 2023 and 2024 is available on the Women at Sussex webpage and a full set of photos and supportive comments by a wider group of Sussex’s women is available on Padlet.  

The inaugural Sussex Women’s Leadership Academy

As part of our IWD 2025 celebrations, we are excited about the inaugural event of the new Sussex Women's Leadership Academy. This program has been developed with the aim of empowering Early Career Researchers and in particular women researchers - inclusive of all women and minority genders – to maximise their research potential and take their career to the next level. 

The program will be running between late March and June, it will be bookended by one-day workshops with Fiona Reith, a Designing Your Life coach who has helped put the program together. Weekly online seminars will focus on common barriers and more practical skills, including time management, collaborating and communicating, research grants, and promotion.

Prof. Erika Mancini and Dr. Elizabeth Rendon-Morales are leading this initiative, with support from the Sussex Researcher School. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 10 March. See the Academy webpage for further details and to apply.

Get involved in IWD 2025!

In celebration of IWD, we invite you to share your experiences and highlight the contributions of women in our community and beyond with our IWD 2025 showcase.

Share your thoughts about women who have inspired you by adding to our IWD 2025 Padlet. You can also record a short video and upload it to Organisational Development’s social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Viva Engage. Be sure to use the hashtag #IWD2025Sussex to spotlight the women who have made a difference in your life.

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on inequities, and inspire change. Together, we can work toward a brighter, more equitable future.

Events you won’t want to miss

Curious about Menopause?

When and where: 3 March, 11am–12 pm, The Meeting House
This Menopause Awareness session is for any member who is curious about menopause, or who is seeking to better understand its impact, or anyone who simply wants to learn more, this session is for you.

Join Lisette Whittaker, Sussex’s Accredited Menopause in the Workplace Trainer, to explore:

• What menopause is and when it happens.
• Some of the less expected symptoms that may be related.
• How menopause can impact different aspects of life and work; and
• Practical ways to support yourself and others.

Book your place on Learn Upon

Exploring the Impact of Menopause and Neurodiversity

When and where: Webinar, 6 March, 12pm–1 pm
This thought-provoking webinar explores the often-overlooked intersection of menopause and autism.

By attending, you will:

• Gain insight into the unique challenges autistic individuals face during menopause.
• Learn about differences in menopausal experiences between autistic and non-autistic people.
• Understand the importance of early interventions and support strategies; and
• Explore how research findings can shape societal support systems and workplace policies.

Early booking is advised, as spaces are expected to fill quickly. Book your place on Learn Upon

Witches: Exploring the History of Fear and Persecution

When and where: 11 March, 11am–12pm, The Meeting House
Join Dr. Laura Kounine, Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History, MAH, for an engaging exploration of the history of witchcraft. Laura will delve into the factors that contributed to the widespread belief in witchcraft and explore why women were more often the targets of accusations and persecution. Don’t miss this thought-provoking session into a dark chapter in history!

Book your place on Learn Upon

Accelerate Action

Students from the School of Engineering and Informatics have been invited to share their undergraduate and postgraduate research in a showcase for the school. The students have contributed with inspiring messages of their own experiences as women in STEM to raise awareness about supporting female students and colleagues in these disciplines. A display of the student showcase is being set up in the Chichester 1 foyer and will be available to visit throughout March.

The panel, titled "Accelerate Action" will be held on Friday 7 March 12 noon-2.30pm at the Attenborough Centre.  It aims to highlight the experiences of women in engineering and informatics, discuss challenges in the industry, and inspire the next generation of students.

Join Dr. Charlotte Robinson and Bella Malya for a great conversation and exhibition to celebrate IWD.

Learn more and get involved year-round

Visit the Athena Swan landing page for resources and updates on how we’re working to advance gender equality at Sussex.

Let’s come together this International Women’s Day to celebrate, learn, and act toward a more equitable future.

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