Friday 08-03-2024 - 14:04

Today, 8 March, we celebrate International Women's Day—a day to celebrate the strength, achievements and resilience of women worldwide 💪 It's also a time to remember those who paved the way and continue to step towards a more inclusive, supportive and equal future. Happy International Women's Day to all the phenomenal women who shape history every day! 

This year's theme, 'Inspire Inclusion,' prompts us to reflect on the significance of inspiring others to recognise and appreciate women's inclusion in building a better world. To truly embrace inclusion means celebrating the diverse aspects of women, including race, age, ability, faith, body image, and identity.

As we celebrate today, we asked some of our student leaders the question, ‘What does International Women's Day mean to you, particularly in the context of 'Inspire Inclusion'?’ Here's what they said!

"International Women’s Day is a time of inspiration. It's a moment for us to gather, share stories, and show that women belong in the legal field. Despite its male-dominated history, we celebrate every woman's achievements. Let's come together to uplift each other and honour those who came before us. This day is about recognising our resilience and success. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive future. Let's cherish this opportunity to support one another and create a world where all women thrive in law."  Chloe Uzoukwu, President of Durham University Women in Law

"Often in discussions that revolve around progressing women's rights and the concept of feminism in general, it is brought up how it can 'leave men behind', that it can exclude the intersectional experiences of Women of Colour termed 'White Feminism', and some circles ridicule and exclude Trans people often preaching how they undermine feminist efforts or the experience of being a woman. I personally, as biased as I may be, believe that "true feminism aims to liberate all people from gender boundaries and restrictions, and so the existence of trans people does not harm feminism or women, but instead liberates many from the constraints of traditional binary notions of gender, roles, expression, and more".  I included this in a policy designed to recognise the validity and existence of Trans people. Through this lens, I think progressing women's rights isn't just about giving men and women an equal playing field or trying to tip the scales the other way, a 'reverse patriarchy' if you will. Instead, through deconstructing and redefining the way we think about and see gender in our personal lives and throughout society, it can inspire men to also progress from their restrictive labels, free any individual to pursue their interests free from gender-based ridicule and allow those who experience an identity beyond the binary to accept and express themselves freely. That's how I think in terms of celebrating the progress and achievements of women worldwide, if only for one day, can Inspire Inclusion of everyone, woman or not." Skye Carroll, SU Opportunities Officer

"International Women’s Day to me means empowering all women not just today but everyday. Never apologise for being a powerful woman.  “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”- Dolly Parton" Lois Balshaw, President of The Code Red Club

"International Women’s Day is a time in which we get to recognise and celebrate the diverse experiences and contributions of women. It also serves as a reminder to amplify marginalised voices, have difficult conversations and create inclusive spaces for all women. So everyone feels seen and validated through inclusion and celebration. This is why this IWD, we are putting on a showcase to spotlight the talent, campaigns and hard work of all women in Durham!"  Rachel Lawrence, Co-President of the Intersectional Feminist Society.