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

Leadership & Allyship: Accelerating Action for Gender Equality (speaker, panel & lunch), 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 the Executive Deans of our Schools: Prof Igor Guz (EPS), Prof Muhammed Basheer (EGIS), Prof Sara Lombardo (MACS), Prof Angus Laing (SoSS), and Prof Julian Malins (SoTD). The panel will explore the role of leaders and allies in accelerating action for gender equality.

Event information and registrations here

Organised by the HWU STEM Inclusivity Network

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