International Women's Day at York St John

York St John University is proud to mark International Women’s Day and York International Women’s Week, 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 support and transform gender equality within higher education. In adopting the Athena Swan Charter, we have developed an action plan to embed gender equality actions within our policies, practices, and culture.  
 
The action plan is ambitious and uses the Athena Swan Charter process as an important framework for change. This 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: 

Gender and Climate Justice in the Global South 

Monday 3 March, 6.00pm to 8.00pm 

Hybrid event: Temple Hall and online via Zoom 
 
Join students and staff at York St John University for a free hybrid event, livestreamed from Mexico, in collaboration with Amos Trust. Hear from women based in Mexico and Central America who are all current participants on the Trust's Climate & Gender Fellowship 2024/25, which aims to support female climate activists across the Global South. Find out more and book your place via Eventbrite. 

Patchwork for Peace: Join a Global Art Project 
 
Monday 3 March, 3.00pm to 5.00pm 

DG 019 

All are welcome to join a group of women artists, activists and academics in stitching patchwork from scrap fabric to support peace and solidarity with those suffering from displacements and migration due to conflicts and violence in international politics. The workshop will be led by Dr Ayla Gol, Course Lead in Politics and International Relations at York St John University. Book via Eventbrite. 

International Women’s Day Discussion Event (staff only) 

Wednesday 5 March, 12.30pm to 1.30pm 

SK 128 

At this event, Kate Dexter (International Programmes Tutor, YSJ Global) will facilitate a discussion session around the role, challenges and expectations of women in 2025. The session is open to all colleagues of any gender / identity and will be a safe space to exchange views. 

Women of York Film Launch 

Friday 7 March, 5.00pm to 7.00pm 

Creative Centre Auditorium 

Working in collaboration with the Yorkshire Film Archive, Professor Anne-Marie Evans, Dr Elodie Duché, and Dr Brendan Paddison are proud to launch the Women of York film, which commemorates and celebrates the way women have impacted the city of York. The event will include a screening, a short panel discussion, and will be followed by a wine reception. Read more in our news article and how to book.  
 
 

‘Herself’ exhibition 

Friday 7 March to Wednesday 12 March, 9.00am to 5.00pm 

Quad South Arts Foyer 

The York St John Prison Partnership Project will be showcasing powerful creative work developed by women from HMP New Hall for the ‘HERSELF’ project. Themes include intergenerational domestic abuse, motherhood, safety, housing, poverty, the criminal justice system and the potential to (re)build a safer life. Full details are on our Events web page.  

Women in Science Fiction 

Tuesday 11 March, 6.00pm to 8.00pm 

Creative Centre 

As part of the York St John University sponsored York Literature Festival 2025, a panel of writers including Abi Curtis, Alexandra Grunberg and Pippa Goldschmidt will discuss women in science fiction, headed by Una McCormack, editor of the feminist science fiction press Gold SF. Tickets are free via Eventbrite. 

Thicc Theology: Exceeding the Limits of Female Corporeality in Christianity 

Wednesday 12 March, 4.00pm to 5.00pm 
Virtual event 

Hosted online by the Centre for Religion in Society, this event will see Dr Karen O'Donnell, Academic Dean at Westcott House, talk about the impact of historical tropes on Christian women, and offering an alternative, more inclusive, model. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite. 
 
 
Our York St John University London campus will be celebrating International Women’s Day with their She is Enough, She is Me campaign from Monday 10 March, aimed at highlighting the pressures on women to go above and beyond in the workplace and home.