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 2024: #InspireInclusion
This year's campaign theme aims to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women:
'When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.'
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 #InspireInclusion #IWD2024 and #HWUEquality
Events
"I get knocked down, but I get up again": my leadership journey to becoming a female black CEO - Colina Wright, Tuesday 5 March 12:00, GRID Showcase Area (Edinburgh campus)
It is a honest and personal account of obstacles encountered throughout my life that had shaped the person, and subsequently the leader, that I have become. This comes with a trigger warning as this talk briefly focuses on themes of racism and miscarriage.
Attendees are encouraged to think about themselves, asking what is your theme music (the song you feel best represents you) and are provided a safe space to ask questions.
Organised by the Student Union
Women in Enterprise Roundtable, Wednesday 6 March, GRID (Edinburgh campus)
We will be bringing together HWU female leaders and founders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in entrepreneurship and how we can break down barriers to best support aspiring female founders. This event will be facilitated by our recently appointed Entrepreneur-In-Residence, Elizabeth Pirrie, who is CEO of AccelerateHER.
This is an invite-only event with a targeted audience of female leaders and founders.
Organised by the Enterprise team
IWD Staff-Student Networking Event, Wednesday 6 March, 10:00-12:00, GRID Showcase Area (Edinburgh campus)
This event is open to all staff and students, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across our vibrant community. Join us for an engaging session focused on career development, networking, and fun activities! Refreshments will be provided.
Event information and registration
Organised by the Equate Student Champions and Watt Women
IWD Walk & Talk, Wednesday 6 March, 13:00, Oriam Reception (Edinburgh campus)
Come along for a casual walk around campus, leaving from Oriam Reception. The walk will last 30-45 minutes. No booking required, just turn up!
Organised by Oriam
International Women's Social Group, Thursday 7 March, 10:45-12:15, Chaplaincy (Edinburgh campus)
Celebrate IWD with this relaxed social group for international students and spouses, partners and dependants. Come meet others and learn from our different cultures. The group meets weekly and has a varied programme including crafts, cooking and outings. No booking required, just turn up!
Organised by the Chaplaincy
#InspireInclusion at HWU: speaker, panel and lunch, Thursday 7 March, 11.00-13.00, National Robotarium (Edinburgh campus)
Celebrate International Women's Day with the STEM Inclusivity Network! Join us for an invited talk by Simon Chandler-Wilde (EDI Dean, University of Reading) and a panel discussion with representatives from across Heriot-Watt University community. We'll explore how the programs and strategies of the university (including the Students Union, Human Resources, Learning and Teaching, Public Engagement, Access and Inclusion, and Research) contribute to inspiring inclusion, and where we can do better. Let's champion inclusivity and unity together on this special day!
A buffet lunch will be served so please register here to help us plan.
Event information and registrations
Organised by HWU STEM Inclusivity Network
Fiona Erskine: Engineer by Day & Writer by Night, Friday 8 March, 13:30-14:30, JW1 James Watt Centre (Edinburgh campus)
In honour of the International Women's Day, we have invited the chemical engineer and author of fiction books, Fiona Erskine. Fiona will give us a talk about her journey from engineering to authorship of the books such as the Chemical Detective, Chemical Cocktail and Phosphate Rocks. There will be a Q&A session after the talk. All staff and students are welcome.
Event information and registrations
Organised by the School of EPS
IWD Brunch, Friday 8 March, 12:00-14:00, The Thread (Galashiels campus)
Ladies who brunch! Head down to The Thread for some free brunch to celebrate International Women's Day!
Organised by the Student Union
Free Introduction to Resistance Training for women and girls, Friday 8 March, 12:15-13:00, Oriam (Edinburgh Campus)
Resistance training is far more than just building muscle and can really support women's health and wellbeing through all stages of life. If you have ever been interested in resistance training but feel unsure about where to start, this is a great opportunity to give it a try! The session will be held in our Strength and Conditioning Suite and led by Vicky, one of our Sports Scientists. Open to all women and girls from age 12 years and up.
Organised by Oriam
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