International Women's Day

International Women's Day, celebrated annually across the globe on 8 March, is dedicated to promoting action for gender equality and honouring women's achievements.

IWD 2025: #AccelerateAction

This year's campaign theme calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to reach full gender parity. 

To #AccelerateAction for gender equality, we need to acknowledge the strategies and activity that positively impacts women's advancement, and elevate their implementation. 

Social media

You are invited to join in the global social media campaign. Strike the IWD pose to show solidarity and share using the hashtags #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 and #HWUEquality

Events

Sustainable Careers Pathways,  Wednesday 5 March 13:30-15:30, James Watt 2 (Edinburgh campus)  

Organised by the Watt-Women in STEM Society and the Net-Zero Society to celebrate international women's day, this event is designed to empower you through insights, tools, and networking opportunities in sustainability-focused careers. 

Dubai International Women's Day, Thursday 6 March, 11:00-13:00, 5th Floor Incubator Space (Dubai campus)  

This event will feature inspiring panel discussions (consisting of a representative leadership team from HWU Dubai), activities, and networking opportunities.  

Leadership & Allyship: Accelerating Action for Gender Equality, Friday 7 March 10:00-13:00, Scott Suite EBS (Edinburgh campus) & online

Join us for a keynote talk from Professor Lesley Yellowlees (CBE), former President of the Royal Society of Chemistry and their first woman President in 175 years, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. We will follow with a panel discussion with senior leaders across the University, exploring the role of leaders and allies in accelerating action for gender equality. A buffet lunch will be served. 

'Diving into Math' theatre performance, Wednesday 19 March, James Watt Centre (Edinburgh campus)  

A theatre performance by portraittheater Vienna in co-operation with Freie Universität Berlin, about the life of Emmy Noether (1882-1935), one of the most influential mathematicians of the last century. More details and a registration link will be shared soon.

More events will be posted here as they are planned. 

If you are planning any International Women's Day events, please let us know at equality@hw.ac.uk