Kingston University students and staff share #ChooseToChallenge commitments on International Women's Day

Posted Monday 8 March 2021

The theme for International Women's Day this year is #ChooseToChallenge, with people being encouraged to share photographs of themselves on social media raising a hand to demonstrate a commitment to calling out inequality, alongside the campaign hashtag.

As part of this year's theme, Kingston University has been inviting members of its community to share their own commitment to choosing to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world. Some of the responses are below, with others being shared across our social media platforms.

Short forms have been created to allow students, staff and alumni to continue to share their commitments to let us know what they will #ChooseToChallenge.

Dhun Jain, media and communications student

Dhun Jain, media and communications student

"I choose to challenge workplace inequalities. Every woman must get a fair chance to prove their abilities professionally."

Daniel Marsden, senior lecturer in learning disability nursing

Daniel Marsden, senior lecturer in learning disability nursing

"Women with autism present very differently to men, I found that out through personal experience.

"I will commit to sharing my experiences of this process in the hope that other families can obtain more speedy support."

Anne MacCaffrey, HR business partner

Anne MacCaffrey, HR business partner

"I choose to challenge inequality in all its forms to forge an inclusive world that celebrates difference."

Sue Reece, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor (education)

Sue Reece, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor for Education

"I choose to challenge those who don't give women a voice, an equal seat at the table and the power to control their own lives."

Tia Hall, journalism student

Tia Hall, journalism student

"I wish to challenge male politicians making decisions over female problems and inequalities."

Chiola Sutherland, Working with Children & Young People:Social Pedagogy student

Chiola Sutherland, working with children & young people: social pedagogy student

On International Women's Day, I want to share a quote from the writer Stephanie Bennett-Henry - "Life is tough, my darling, but so are you."

Dr Peter Shaw, senior lecturer in astronautics

Dr Peter Shaw, senior lecturer in astronautics

"I promise to challenge gender inequality to help create a better future for my children.

"I want all future space cadets to have an equal opportunity to reach for the stars!"

Liz Machtynger, Senior Lecturer, Strategy and International Business Liz Machtynger, senior lecturer in strategy and international business

"I have encountered challenges as a woman throughout my career in specific industries and roles.

"I choose to challenge these barriers and support international women of the future in achieving their career goals."

Caroline Harries, Chief Financial Officer and SLT lead for gender equality

Caroline Harries, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Leadership Team lead for gender equality

"I choose to challenge gender bias in all its forms. Gender should be no barrier to anyone wanting to fulfil their chosen career path - this is not just a task for women but for all of us to ensure it can succeed."

Marcus Bhargava, Head of School of EducationMarcus Bhargava, Head of School of Education

"I choose to challenge the barriers many women face in higher education. Women disproportionately juggle studying, domestic and caring responsibilities, and paid work.

"This often has a significant impact on their wellbeing, access to student support and academic outcomes.

"I pledge to listen more to their voices, engage with their lived experiences and work with my teams to develop innovative solutions."