Coordinated by Dr Inês Varela-Silva, Senior Lecturer in Human Biology at Loughborough’s School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences, ‘Woman(kind)ness, Strength and Resilience: A celebration of women worldwide 2017’ takes place from 6 -11 March across the University, Loughborough town, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The programme aims to celebrate women worldwide and raise awareness of women’s roles in different sociocultural environments, highlighting gender inequalities and proposing creative ways towards gender equity and equality.

It features as part of International Women's Day on 8 March 2017, a global event which celebrates the social, cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. The theme for the 2017 event is #BeBoldForChange

Events at Loughborough include photography and art exhibitions that explore topics such as pilgrimage, resilience and migration, a musical comedy which looks at the life of Marie Curie, and a public talk discussing gender, biology and culture.

A woodturning artist is producing a unique collection of wood and resin bangles for the event, with 100% of profits going to Living Without Abuse.

Speaking about the events, Dr Varela-Silva said: “By connecting with members of the Loughborough and Leicestershire community, as well as local partner organisations, we can all benefit from the exchange of ideas and sharing of resources. We aim to raise as much money as possible for this year’s selected charity, Living Without Abuse.”

The full programme, including all timings and booking details, is available here.

The project is delivered in collaboration with Charnwood Arts, Living Without Abuse Loughborough, and Human Rights and Equalities Charnwood.