International Women’s Day 2023: #Embraceequity

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The first International Women’s Day gathering took place in 1911 and was supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, the United Kingdom's suffragists and suffragettes, and other groups campaigned for women's equality. Today, International Women’s Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

At the University of East London, we have various events happening for International Women’s Day being run by our Office for Institutional Equity and Women’s Network Events include a talk with various speakers examining what's next for forging women's equality into the future.  

Here, we share the thoughts on this year’s theme of a few of the many inspiring women from our community, including students, staff and alumna. 

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of East London, Professor Amanda Broderick said, “Today, we shine the spotlight on the challenges that women continue to face in the journey towards equity.  #embraceequity is a call to reinforce our commitment and actions to deliver the systemic and cultural changes needed to identify, value and support talent, wherever it is found - to level the playing field, focusing on equitable opportunities to flourish and thrive.

I am proud to lead one of the most socially inclusive and representative universities in the world; a vibrant and enriching environment, where diversity is the very quality that sets us apart. #nogenderpaygap."

Shaherah Jordan, a Research Fellow at the Sustainability Research Institute, said, "International Women’s Day is for me a marker of progression, but it still symbolises the need for further progression where women and equity are concerned. Equity to me is about fairness and a level playing field, but in order to achieve this, I am beginning to understand we need to open up the dialogue much, much more. Equity is a shared responsibility."

Stefania Flaherty, studying a BSc in psychology, reflected, “To me, equity only means creating an inclusive world, in which we should recognise that we do not all start from the same place, therefore we should make adjustments to resolve these imbalances.”

Aadya Khare, studying a BA in drama and applied theatre commented, "Equity for me means all women, young, old, trans or middle-aged, has access to the resources they need to get equal opportunities. An equitable world is where everyone has the specific help they need. Let’s all come together and bring each other up. Happy International Women’s Day!"

Megan Tarajcak, studying for a BSc in marketing said International Women’s Day is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate all of the progress that has been made for women’s rights, but it is also a day to shine a light on all the injustices women still face all over the world.  "Equity to me means to level out an unlevel playing field for women and to bring resources to disadvantaged women and to hopefully have an equitable world where everyone has a seat at the table regardless of economic background or ethnicity or where you are. Everyone has the chance to succeed."

Tien Cin Yong, studying for an MSc in applied positive psychology and coaching psychology added, "This day is very meaningful to me because we get to celebrate gender equality and remind the world that we are awesome. Equity is giving everyone a fair shot to dance, whether you are really good at dancing or you’re really horrible at it, whether you are a man or woman, whether you are tall or short – everyone deserves a fair shot.

"An equitable world is a world where women are also given a fair shot in leadership positions, we get paid the same for the same kind of work, and free from gender harassment and violence.  I hope all the women out there can remind yourself you are awesome, you are amazing. So go out there and do something great."

Alumna Tamana Safi is originally from Afghanistan. Tamana is reflecting on receiving her refugee status this International Women’s Day, exactly one year following a three-year-long wait after she fled Kabul with her family in 2018. 

Now, Tamana fights to achieve equity for girls and women to be able to access school and education, something girls and women in Afghanistan are no longer able to do. 

Tamana says, "On this International Women’s Day, we really need to normalise equality and equal opportunities for girls and women around the world. I want to particularly reflect on the situation in Afghanistan where girls and women are no longer able to get an education or work in public sector jobs. 

"I am working with the organisation Routes to empower and champion women from displaced backgrounds to integrate into UK society, including entering the job market and giving them opportunities to grow in confidence."