Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day 2022

The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias, encouraging us all to imagine a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. On Tuesday 8 March, we will be celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women to accelerate gender parity.

Whether you attend one of our events or prefer to join the conversation on our dedicated IWD2022 webpage, there are lots of ways to get involved:

#BreakTheBias – tell us your story

Join our online celebrations by telling us how you’re breaking the bias in your work, study or life, or highlight the achievements of the women who have inspired you. We will be displaying a selection of content from students, staff and supporters across the University on our dedicated IWD2022 webpage. Tag us using @uniofbrighton #BreakTheBias on 8 March to join the conversation.  

9:30 – 11am – #BreakTheBias: a panel event, Online

Book your place now to access our headline event

#BreakTheBias: a panel event is a free, online event, co-hosted with the University of Sussex. It is open to all University of Brighton staff and students, and will be chaired by Professor Ruth Whittaker, our Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, University Executive Board Gender Champion, and Athena Swan lead.

The panel will feature colleagues and alumni reflecting on and discussing how they have broken the bias in their own work or field. This event promises to explore challenges, share insights but also offer inspiration. In addition to Professor Ruth Whittaker, the panel will feature:

Ama Frimpong – University of Sussex alumna and Data Engineer at the Bank of England

Hannah Mason-Bish – Criminologist and co-director for the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Sussex

Sufia Begum – President of Brighton Students’ Union (BSU)

Sanaz Fallahkhair – Principal Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction from the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering at the University of Brighton

1 – 2pm – IWD2022: Childlessness in Bangladesh, Online 

Book your place now to access the event 

Childless women in Bangladesh, an over-populated country where fertility control is the primary focus of health policy, are all but non-existent. In her new book Childlessness in Bangladesh: Intersectionality, Suffering and Resilience, Dr Papreen Nahar examines the intersectionality and stratified lived experience of rural poor and urban middle-class childless women in Bangladesh.

In this session, Dr Nahar, Senior Research Fellow (Medical Anthropology and Global Health) at Brighton and Sussex Medical School will discuss her book in conversation with Professor Maya Unnithan, Director of CORTH and Professor Trudie Gerrits, co-director of the Masters in Medical Anthropology and Sociology (MAS) at the University of Amsterdam.

This event will be co-hosted by BSMS and the Sussex Centre for Cultures of Reproduction, Technologies & Health. It is free, open to all, and will appeal to anyone with an interest in anthropology, reproductive and women’s health, global health, gender studies, development studies and Asian studies.

1 – 4pm – IWD2022: School of Business and Law event, Elm House

Book your place now to access the event

An afternoon of events, hosted by the School of Business and Law in Elm House, Moulsecoomb campus, but open to all students from across the University. Events include a keynote delivery, an introduction to a new student network, a student prize giving, and a roundtable event, supported by online activities, too.

13:00 Introduction from Professor Toni Hilton, Dean of the School of Business and Law 

13:05 Keynote speaker Ada Obioha, Entrepreneur & Managing Director of ADAVIRTUAL 

13:30 – 13:45 Break for questions lunch 

14:15 – 15:15 Hosted Round Table Discussion with Professor Debra Humphris VC, Rosemary French OBE (Chair), Professor Toni Hilton, Ada Obioha, Virginia Goodwill CMB, Dr Gowri Nanayakkara and others 

15:20 -15.40 Student Prize Giving – Celebrating student achievement from each subject area. Sponsored by British Gas 

15:40 – 15:50 – Liz Hawkins to introduce the School of Business and Law Network Group – a Linkedin Network for female students, alumni and mentors 

15.50 Dr Francisca Farache to launch the new Women in Leadership Series and close with thanks 

16:00 Networking with tea and cake 

The School of Business and Law are proud of the work that their staff and students do to promote gender equality – smashing stereotypes, pushing boundaries and making a difference. Why not take the opportunity to celebrate your fellow students and staff with a message of support on their IWD2022 Padlet.

Posters submitted to the School of Applied Sciences (SAS) competition will be on display in Huxley Foyer on International Women’s Day. Staff and students have been invited to complete a template outlining their achievements and inspiration. Come along to the foyer to see the posters. Organised by the SAS Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, this is the first of regular events planned throughout the year to celebrate the diversity of SAS staff.