International Women's Day 2025

On International Women's Day (IWD) (March 8), Heriot-Watt University is marking the achievements of its female students, staff and academics.

This year, in alignment with the IWD’s theme for 2025, ‘Accelerate Action', the University is reaffirming its commitment to gender equality whilst celebrating the contributions made by women across its global community.

Heriot-Watt is home to many influential and inspiring women who are driving positive change both within the University and in wider society.

Join us as we highlight some of these trailblazers who are helping shape the future.

Changemakers

Professor Gina Netto from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) is spearheading a £3m study into the impact of digitalised services on minority ethnic groups. The Protecting Minority Ethnic Communities Online (PRIME) project was initiated after a range of essential services, including those in the areas of health, housing and energy, began to be increasingly delivered online, a process accelerated by the pandemic. The project was designed to investigate the impact of digitalisation on these services and to deliver innovative, harm-reduction interventions and technologies to transform online services and create safer spaces for minority ethnic communities.

She said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the contribution of women learning and working in all areas of higher education.

“We bring a distinct and important perspective to addressing global challenges, particularly at a time of rapid and far-reaching social and technical transformation. It is important to ensure that our voices are heard in the daily work that we undertake to co-create a more compassionate, caring and humane world. Working in academia enables us to pursue intellectual curiosity, be creative, form meaningful connections, help bring about the cultural changes we believe are needed, and enjoy the company of students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Uniquely, it also provides us with endless opportunities to inspire and be inspired.

“Happy International Women’s Day!”

A team of eight brewing and distilling students at Heriot-Watt recently collaborated with Moonwake Beer Co. in Leith, Edinburgh, to craft a special IPA in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event was hosted by Glasladies Beer Society, a Glasgow-based beer appreciation group, as part of the annual International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day. The students were joined by other women from across the industry, united by a shared passion for beer and brewing.

A portion of the proceeds from their creation will go towards the Women in Beer Mentorship Programme, helping to advance career opportunities for women in the industry.

Rachel Sutherland, Assistant Professor of Brewing at the University and Director of Studies Undergraduate Brewing & Distilling, said: “International Women's Collaboration Brew Days (IWCBD) are an annual event that were established in 2014 to highlight the work of women in the brewing industry. Professional and home brewers work together to create and release a beer with a central theme and raise funds for a chosen charity.

“Networking is so vital to our industry; it's always a pleasure to encourage our students to meet and interact on days like this and to highlight the vital role that women play in our industry. Currently only around 1% of professional brewers are women, but we have around 20% on our programmes and hope to see this number keep rising."

Samantha Kane is Global Director of Student Experience and Academic Registrar based at the Dubai campus.

She joined the University in 2018 having previously worked at universities in the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

She said on IWD: “I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors who have not only guided me but also created opportunities for my growth and leadership.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on the importance of building strong, inclusive teams where everyone feels empowered to contribute and lead. Equally important is the responsibility to create space and opportunities for others, ensuring that our students, staff, and wider communities have the support they need to thrive. By fostering environments that encourage growth, equality and inclusivity, we accelerate progress, not just for individuals, but for the future.”

Sarah Ong is a Senior Manager of Marketing and Campaigns at the Malaysia campus. She spoke of the importance of IWD in recognising the contribution made by women.

"International Women’s Day is a special time each year to remind us all to celebrate the achievements of women around the world while recognising the work that still needs to be done,” she said.

“Action speaks, support matters and every little effort counts. If we see a compliment or credit due, reach out and just pass the positivity around too. This year’s theme, 'Accelerate Action,' reminds us that progress requires urgency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to actively breaking barriers. Together, we can create lasting impact and empower the future generations."

International Women’s Day

IWD was first held in March 1911 and is an opportunity for organisations worldwide to reinforce their ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

The University is committed to advancing gender equality and is actively working to create an inclusive environment where people of all sex and gender identities feel welcome and supported.

If you want to hear from the women at Heriot-Watt University and how their work is making a difference in the world then listen to our latest podcast series called Shaping the Future.