The University of Chester will host an afternoon of talks and workshops to mark International Women's Day next month.

Taking place on Wednesday 11 March, the in-person event will focus on this year's theme, Give to Gain - highlighting the transformative power of generosity, collaboration and shared progress. 

Designed to inspire and celebrate, the afternoon will open with remarks from professor Emma Rees, director of the university's Institute of Gender Studies and long-standing organiser of the University's IWD celebrations.

Emma will reflect on the importance of International Women's Day, alongside the personal, institutional and societal significance of this year's theme.  

Vice chancellor professor Eunice Simmons will then follow. With women currently representing only around one-third of vice chancellors in UK higher education, she continues to champion gender equality across the university and within regional leadership networks. 

The University is also honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar.

Cllr Akhtar will share her journey to public office - including the challenges faced, the support that shaped her path, and the lessons learned along the way. Her Mayoral charities will be spotlighted as part of the event's celebration of women's leadership and community impact.  

Marking the 65th anniversary of women students being admitted to the University (formerly Chester College), alumna Pat Ransome will reflect on her experiences as one of the early women students in a predominantly male environment.

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She will discuss the significance of this milestone and her continued connection to the University, since graduating in 1972. 

Attendees will also be invited to participate in a range of interactive workshops led by staff and students from the University. The University's Alumni team will also showcase early photographs of women students and share archival materials.

"The University's International Women's Day event promises to be an uplifting and engaging celebration of women's achievements, leadership and contributions - past, present, and future," said Kathryn Leighton, HR manager for organisational development and equality at the university.

"It invites the entire community to come together, learn from one another and embrace the spirit of giving that fuels collective progress." 

Open to all, the event will run from 1pm to 4:30pm at the University's Riverside Innovation Centre, next to the Wheeler building on Castle Drive in Chester.

Places are free but must be booked in advance here.