Four women working together from different ethnic backgrounds.
Four women working together from different ethnic backgrounds.

Celebrating International Women’s Day - 8 March 2023

Intro

We asked some UWL staff what International Women’s Day means to them, what made them choose their career path, which women inspire them, what this year’s theme #EmbraceEquity means to them and what advice they would give to women starting their career journeys.

Watch our 'celebrating International Women's Day at the University of West London' video below:

Main body

Dr Bernadine Idowu, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences: 

I saw a lack of black minority and ethnic female researchers and I wanted to be the change I would like to see and become a researcher.” 

Maisie Kelly, UWLSU President: 

There are so many people in the SU Office who are inspiring, women who are really pioneering in their fields.” 

A student studying at a desk in the library next to a window.

Claire Willitts, Director of Property Services:  

I really admire women that manage to get a family and career balance because I think that’s probably one of the biggest challenges that I face as a professional.” 

Dr Jen Mayer, Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences: 

It’s about trying to stop questioning and not holding yourself back with predetermined judgements about what may or may not be needed for your role and following your ambition.” 

A female student performing with a microphone. She has blonde hair and is wearing a crop top and jogging bottoms. The light is red and casts dark shadows

Dr Cathy Sloan, Lecturer in Applied and Socially Conscious Theatre: 

Take the time to discover who you are and what you want out of your career because then you’ll know how to set realistic targets for yourself and on what terms you’re prepared to achieve those goals.”

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