This year’s theme is ‘Break the Bias’ and the events programmes aim to reflect this as well as give people within the University’s community a chance to discuss important topics, meet new people and try something new.

The International Women’s Day dedicated webpage features all the events being run by both the staff and student networks, as well as inspiring stories and profiles of women at Loughborough who ‘Break the Bias’.

The Maia Network have events running every day, each with a different theme. The programme kicks off with a launch event that will see staff members sharing letters they have written to their younger selves, centred around the theme of body image. A selection of these will also feature on the International Women’s Day website for those who can’t make the event or would like to remain anonymous. You can submit your open letter (up to 500 words) confidentially to Meredith Coney m.r.coney@lboro.ac.uk.

The full list of events is available to view here. Please note that registration for the events run by Maia closes at 12pm on Thursday 3 March.

Maia Co-Chairs, Jenna Townend and Abigail Davis said: “On behalf of the Maia network, and colleagues around the University who are contributing, we are so proud of the brilliant and diverse programme of events that will celebrate International Women’s Day at Loughborough.

“We can’t wait to showcase, talk with and celebrate all women at Loughborough (past or present) who are breaking biases in so many aspects of their personal and professional lives, day in and day out.

“This will also be the first set of in-person events that the Maia network has held since we were established in May 2020, and we can’t wait!”

The Student Women’s Network is also hosting events throughout the week, including a self-defence class, Enterprise bazaar event and a march around campus, meeting at the Hazlerigg Fountain at 1.30pm on Wednesday 9 March.

Izzy Romp from the Women’s Network said: “International Women’s Day is a hugely important celebration of the achievements and successes of women. It also helps bring increased visibility to the challenges women face whilst calling out inequality, this is key to acknowledge too.

“Our events aim to uplift and support women, as well as challenge biases experienced by women, and perpetuated by others.”

Find out more about all the activities taking place for International Women’s Day here.

You can follow the Maia network on Twitter and the Loughborough Women’s Network on Instagram.