International Women's Day at York St John

York St John University is proud to mark International Women’s Day, a celebration and acknowledgement of the achievements and impact of women across the globe, as we continue to work towards women’s equality. 

 The University holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to embed gender equality actions within our policies, practices, and culture. Our Athena Swan action plan is ambitious and includes overt actions such as supporting women leadership programmes, as well as addressing hidden inequalities. Read more on our Athena Swan Charter page. 

This International Women’s Day, we are delighted to be supporting the following events: 
 

The Gender Wars': Radical Feminist Trans Inclusion  

5.00 to 7.00pm, Friday 8 March  
Hybrid event: Creative Centre and online via Zoom

Hosted by the Centre for Religion in Society as part of International Women's Day 2024 and York International Women's Week. Dr Finn Mackay, senior lecturer at UWE Bristol and a long-standing feminist activist, will discuss ‘The Gender Wars’. A brilliant storyteller, Finn will bring political and radical discourse, and explore a radical feminist perspective that is inclusive of trans and nonbinary identities. Book via Eventbrite.   

Poetry Showcase at York Theatre Royal 

7.00pm, Friday 8 March 
£5 to £10, York Theatre Royal 

York St John MA Publishing students host the International Women’s Day Poetry Showcase as part of the York Literature Festival. Featuring acclaimed poets Olivia Mulligan, Anne Caldwell, Simone Yasmin and Allie Esiri. As well as reading from their work, the poets will also be in conversation with Chloe Hanks, co-host of York-based open mic group Howlers. Book via the York Theatre Royal website.  

Beyond Stereotypes: Redefining Women's Leadership (staff only) 

14.00 to 16.30pm, Friday 8 March  
Hybrid event: LX 311 or online  

At this event, organised by the York St John London Women’s Network, Dr. Doirean Wilson from Middlesex University and Supriya Dev-Purkaystha from Microsoft share their expertise on dismantling stereotypes and navigating negotiation strategies. Colleagues are invited to engage in insightful discussions, network with like-minded individuals, and be part of the movement toward inclusive leadership. Click here to join the meeting.  

HerSay Exhibition  

4.30 to 6.00pm, 6 to 13 March
Quad South Hall 

HerSay brings together an eclectic mix of visual art, spoken word and singing pieces made by women and girls on the York St John Prison Partnership Project and its community initiative, On the Out, alongside School of the Arts staff, students and volunteers. 

The Students' Union

Our Students' Union will be celebrating IWD with a variety of events, social media content and a blog.

On Saturday 9 March, the SU are hosting their International Women's Day event with £1 a pint, Karaoke, themed drinks and a charity raffle. All proceeds from raffle tickets purchased will go to Changing Lives, a local charity who will be use donations to create care packages for homeless women in York. Raffle tickets are 50p each or £2 a strip and prizes include: 

• 2x free meals at Byron Burgers
• 2x £50 vouchers for Hilt Axe Throwing
• YSJ merchandise and drinks vouchers
• 12x Millie's Cookies
• Classix £30 vouchers

The Tuesday SU Big Pub Quiz will be themed around International Women's Day to spread awareness of some the challenging issues facing women, whilst also providing a supportive, light-hearted occasion to share with friends.

BAME Officer Ann-Marie has been working in collaboration with the University to improve access for people with Type 4 hair. Priced at only £10, access this offer on the website. 

And finally, you can access further information, including local women's helplines and support via the SU International Women's Day blog.