Loughborough Women’s Network is a group of self-identifying women who are passionate about women’s rights and gender equality. An association within the Welfare and Diversity section at LSU, they put on events and activities throughout the year to raise awareness of women’s achievements and struggles.
They have recently announced a week-long programme starting 8 March which is open for all to attend:
Sunday 8 March
Comfort in discomfort: An exhibition on menstruation
12pm-5pm, Cogs (Loughborough Students’ Union)
This exhibition aims to create comfort around the discomfort by covering different aspects of menstruation, such as period shaming and period poverty. It will also feature sustainable options in the market and the taboos associated with using these sorts of products, such as the menstrual cup.
Self-care Sunday: Women’s Network Takeover
7pm-9pm, JC’s (Loughborough Students’ Union)
A takeover of Welfare and Diversity’s ‘Self-care Sunday’ event, with activities including reading and colouring. The team will also provide free face masks and sanitary products.
Tuesday 10 March
Banner-making workshop
1pm-3pm, Cogs (Loughborough Students’ Union)
In advance of the Women’s March, all are welcome to help make banners for the march – snacks and music will be provided!
Wednesday 11 March
Women’s March
1pm-2pm, Union Lawn
Everyone is welcome to attend the march to unite in raising awareness of women’s rights and celebrating the women of Loughborough and beyond.
Intersectional Feminism: A Discussion Panel
6pm-8pm, Fusion (Loughborough Students’ Union)
A discussion panel on the topic of intersectional feminism with a range of speakers of different race, nationality, religion and sexuality. Confirmed speakers so far include Nour Abosaif, Kaylee Sulivan and Aisha Aldris.
Thursday 12 March
International Women's Festival
1pm-4pm, Room 1 (Loughborough Students’ Union)
A festival in partnership with LU Arts showcasing the creative work of students who have identified a woman who inspires them. The festival will include live performances, artwork and written work displayed around the room with information about the students themselves and their chosen inspirational women.
The event is also in collaboration with the International Students Network, who will showcase posters highlighting international women.
Women’s Officer and Chair of the Network, Chloe Morgan commented: “International Women’s Week is an important time to raise awareness of all self-identifying women’s struggles and achievements, in Loughborough and on a wider scale.
“My committee and I have been working very hard over the past few months to complete an extensive timetable of events for the week, and we are so excited for people to come along to them! It will be a week of both education and celebration; all events are free, and everyone is welcome to join us - we can’t wait to see some familiar faces and meet new attendees too.”
The Network will also be placing free sanitary products in the toilet facilities across campus and encourage people to help themselves.
Staff members at the University are also invited to International Women’s Day events taking place between 9-13 March, and can find out more about each of the sessions and how to book their place here.