Best-selling author Janina Ramirez to explore misrepresentation of women in history at next Ebor lecture

How can women from the past help shape a more equal future? Professor Janina Ramirez will explore this question at the next Ebor lecture on Wednesday 11 November, held in the York St John Creative Centre. She will look at how female figures from history have been misrepresented and repackaged over time, and go on to explain how these changing narratives have helped shape the gender divide we experience today. Professor Ramirez’s talk marks the first lecture in the 20th anniversary year of the Ebor lectures, which were founded in 2006 and have since provided a platform for leading voices to share their expertise and insight. 

From Hildegard of Bingen and Hilda of Whitby to Lady Godiva, Eastern Empresses and Mesopotamian war leaders, Professor Ramirez will uncover the women whose stories challenge traditional accounts of the past. By bringing fresh evidence and overlooked perspectives to light, she will discuss how a richer understanding of history can help build more equal and diverse communities for the future. 

Professor Janina Ramirez is a best-selling author, presenter, lecturer, and researcher. She is Director of Studies for History of Art at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, and Visiting Professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Lincoln.  

She has written and presented documentaries across the world, including Raiders of the Lost Past, The Private Lives of Kings, and Art Lovers Guide. Her books have been translated into over 15 languages and are international best-sellers. They include Legenda: The Real Women Behind the Myths that Shaped Europe, Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages Through the Women Written Out of It, Goddess, children's books Way of the Waves and Riddle of the Runes.  

Introducing her lecture, Professor Ramirez said: 

"It is a delight to be delivering the Ebor lecture, particularly as I spent my formative years as a postgraduate student in this historic, captivating city. To bring my decades of research back and shed some light on an area I feel is of fundamental importance, not just historically, but right now, is a huge honour." 

Professor Esther McIntosh, Director of the Centre for Religion in Society at York St John University, added: 

"Professor Janina Ramirez is a vital and inspiring voice in the pursuit of redressing the historical imbalance created by male-dominated stories and writers. Her work, including the new book, Legenda, shines a light on 'herstory' for the purpose of social transformation, inclusion and gender equality.  

“We are delighted to be able to host this lecture and book signing at York St John University, with the support of the Ebor lecture partners. We look forward to welcoming members of the public, alongside the academic community, for an exciting and thought-provoking discussion.” 

Established in 2006, the Ebor Lectures in Theology and Public Life provide a forum for exploring the relationship between religion and society, addressing cultural, ethical and political issues of contemporary significance. Hosted by the Centre of Religion and Society at York St John University, the lectures are jointly sponsored by York Minster, The Methodist Church (Yorkshire North & East District), The C. & J.B. Morrell Trust and the York Area Society of Friends (Quakers). Now entering their 20th anniversary year in 2026–27, the lectures have welcomed dozens of eminent speakers, encouraging thoughtful dialogue and debate on faith, theology, belief and the challenges facing society in a changing world. 

Event details and booking    

Ebor lecture: How finding women from the past can shape a more equal future with Janina Ramirez 

Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026   

Location: York St John Creative Centre, and live streamed via link from Eventbrite booking. For those unable to attend in person or watch live, the lecture will be recorded and made available to watch via this link: York St John Events - YouTube    

Time: 5.00pm to 6.00pm - Lecture followed by Q&A 

6.00pm to 7.00pm - Book signing and drinks reception 

Tickets: Free, but booking is essential via Eventbrite