In March, we are proud to celebrate Women’s History Month (WHM) and International Women's Day (IWD) in partnership with the Student Union and in collaboration with Republic. The WHM 2026 theme, ‘Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,’ celebrates the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements. International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on Sunday 8th March, has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. The 2026 theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ aspires to make IWD one of the biggest GIVING DAYS of the year for women-focused charities and/or visibility support.
For WHM, there will be displays across ARU-L Import and Export buildings and on screens. The Wellbeing and Inclusion team have created a leaflet, with a message for students regarding respectful behaviour, women's empowerment and support available for students experiencing domestic abuse, harassment and sexual assault. The team has also created a Women’s History Month - Word of Advice Board. We have also recently provided information regarding the new OfS Condition of Registration E6, designed to strengthen protections against harassment and sexual misconduct across higher education institutions in England, and is led by Kelly Strong for ARU-L.
In collaboration with Republic, we are celebrating International Women’s Day via a photo exhibition that focusses on the lived-experiences of second-generation and immigrant women, exploring the importance of their contributions to their families, communities and wider society. Three ARU London leaders are representing ARU-L: Dr Pauline Aweto, Deputy Head of School (Health); Larisa Sfichi, Wellbeing and Inclusion Manager; and Anita Virik, Director of Employer Engagement. This exhibition is due to happen on Monday 9th March in the Common Room/ Export Atrium from 11am – 2pm. All are welcome to come along to support this event.
In partnership with the Student Union, there will be the following events for students:
- Spring Student Marketplace - 17th March 1pm-2pm - Student Space, 3rd Floor Import
- Women in Power Panel - 18th March 1pm-2pm - Room 02, 3rd Floor Import
- Women's History Month Trivia - 20th March 1pm-2pm - Student Space, 3rd Floor Import
- Women & Employability Workshop - 25th March 1pm-2pm - Room 02, 3rd Floor Import
- Knowing Your Rights with Wellbeing - 27th March 1pm-2pm - Student Space, 3rd Floor Import
- Letters to Your Younger Self - 30th March 1pm-2pm - Student Space, 3rd Floor Import
The Employability Service is also organising the events below:
1️⃣ LinkedIn Campaign – ‘Leading the Change’
We are launching a spotlight series featuring inspiring female students and alumni who are contributing to a more sustainable future through their careers, studies, or entrepreneurial activities.
The campaign will:
- Run throughout the month on LinkedIn
- Be featured in the newsletter
- Be displayed on campus TV screens (in collaboration with Marketing)
This initiative aims to celebrate our community, increase visibility of positive graduate outcomes, and reinforce our commitment to sustainability and leadership.
2️⃣ Women in Tech Workshop – 11th of March (6–7pm)
We are hosting a Women in Tech workshop focused on innovation, leadership, and opportunities for women in technology-related fields. This session will provide students with industry insights and practical guidance while supporting the broader sustainability theme through discussions around tech-driven change.
3️⃣ Student Union Event – 23rd of March
The Student Union will also be hosting an event on the 23rd as part of Women’s History Month, further strengthening the cross-departmental engagement and visibility of the theme across campus.
Together, these initiatives aim to:
- Celebrate and amplify women’s achievements within our community
- Encourage student engagement with sustainability and leadership
- Strengthen collaboration between Employability, Enterprise, Marketing, and the Student Union