Kingston University students and staff #EmbraceEquity on International Women's Day

Posted Wednesday 8 March 2023

Kingston University staff and students #EmbraceEquity for International Women's Day.

International Women’s Day this year is inviting us to #EmbraceEquity. This year’s theme aims to highlight the difference between equality and equity recognising that everyone comes from different contexts and situations and therefore the opportunities they receive must meet their individual needs to be successful.

Staff and students from across the University have come together and shared photographs of themselves demonstrating their commitment to this year’s theme with an embrace stance, and we will be sharing more of these throughout March across our social media platforms.

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

“As Kingston University comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of #EmbaceEquity, I am inspired by both the social, cultural, and political achievements of many women globally, and also by the inspirational female community that surrounds us at Kingston University.

With your contribution and support we can continue to challenge gender norms, help break down barriers and remove bias and discrimination to create opportunities for the next wave of female leaders. Together we can forge women’s equality and collectively we can all make a difference.

One of our four values within the ambitious Town House Strategy is inclusivity so as part of our commitment lets recognise the brilliant women in our lives, celebrate and value difference and let us also commit ourselves to #EmbraceEquity to create a fairer future for all.”

Dipa Kamdar, Pharmacy Teaching Fellow, MPharm Course Director

“Imagine a world where building a family doesn’t come at the cost of building your career. A world where you are not bossy, sensitive, or emotional but a world where you are assertive, kind and passionate. As a mother working part-time, there are certain perceptions in the workplace. In fact, motherhood makes you more productive, more adaptable and a better leader and problem solver! It is our responsibility to educate future generations to embrace equity, embrace diversity and embrace inclusion to create a truly equal world.”

Alison Baverstock, Professor at School of Creative and Cultural Industries, Kingston School of Art

“International Women’s Day calls us to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Reading about the lives and stories of others can play a powerful part in making us more aware. As part of our contribution to this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity I’d like to call attention to our newly announced Kingston University Big Read Shortlist. Six titles, five by women, and all highlighting the need for resilience, determination and mutual support. In particular, Malorie Blackman’s autobiography Just Sayin’ and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus enable us to read the stories of women seeking equity – and make us all mindful of the role we can play in seeking a gender-equal society.”

Yvalia Febrer, Associate Professor in Social Work

“The fight for equity is every woman's fight. That's why International Women's Day is so important - to remind us that it's for ourselves, for others, for individuals, and for collective womankind. It's for those who came before us, many of whom history has erased, and those that will come after us, carrying our fight forward.”

Hjh Fatin Hj Junaide, Final Year BSc Psychology Student & Psychology L6 Course Representative

“It's important that we don’t shy away from opportunities around us, as we can accomplish so many things! We should be able to express ourselves and enjoy what's out there. As Michelle Obama said “there is no limit to what we, as woman can accomplish”.

Jean – Christophe Nebel, Professor at School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment

“A fair society requires equity for all”.

Zoé Almazán, Lecturer in Building Surveying at School of Engineering and the Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment

“One of my favourite quotes is: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try” – Michael Jordan. As a woman in the construction industry, being on site can become intimidating. Trust that you are already an important member of the team regardless of your sex. If you never try then you’ll never know.”