Our International Women’s Day Celebration is a flagship event – open to students a of all genders – highlighting collaborative learning, action and achievements across our community. With opening remarks from Professor Duncan Ivison, guest speakers including Kate Green (Deputy Mayor of Manchester), Professor Rachel Cowen (our Academic Lead for Gender and Sexual Orientation) and Professor Aline Miller( Associate Vice-President for Enterprise), and an open Q&A with senior leaders, this is not to be missed.
When: Wednesday 4 March, 1-4pm
Where: Nancy Rothwell Building, Lecture Theatre A (2A.040) or join virtually
Attendees are encouraged to share an achievement from the past year in their event registration — a way of ensuring women’s contributions are visible to senior leadership, colleagues, and the wider University community.
International Women’s Day
Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) invites people across the globe to reflect on how far we’ve come in advancing gender equality, and how far we still need to go. In 2026, our university proudly joins this global movement. The day is a powerful reminder that when we give support, opportunities, visibility, resources, or mentorship to women and girls, we multiply impact for all.
About the 2026 Themes
- Give to Gain is the global theme, encouraging individuals and organisations to consider how acts of generosity – sharing time, knowledge, opportunities, or advocacy – create collective progress.
- Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls is the UN Women’s theme – calling for renewed global commitment to gender justice and meaningful action to dismantle the systemic barriers that continue to affect women and girls, particularly those who face intersecting inequalities.
Together, these themes highlight that progress requires both generosity and accountability, and that every contribution matters.