International Women's Day Celebration 2026 @University of Manchester

International Women’s Day Celebration 2026

We’re delighted to invite you to our International Women’s Day Celebration on Wednesday 4 March 2026, 1:00–4:00pm, at Nancy Rothwell Building – Lecture Theatre A (2A.040).

This year’s theme is “Give to Gain”. We’re honoured to welcome Kate Green, Deputy Mayor, as our invited speaker, and pleased to confirm a panel with the University leadership team, including the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President for Social Responsibility, and all three Faculty Deans. Bring your questions—this is your chance to Ask Any Questions in an open panel discussion.

Join us for an enjoyable afternoon of celebration, connection, and conversation.

1:00–2:00 | Networking and refreshments (all)
2:00–2:05 | Welcome – Emma Shiels and Dr Lin Ma (Co-Chairs, Women@Manchester)
2:05–2:15 | Opening remarks – Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor
2:15–2:30 | Invited guest speech – Kate Green, Deputy Mayor
2:30–2:45 | Women@Manchester update – Women@Manchester Committee
2:45–2:55 | Athena Swan update – Professor Rachel Cowen, University Academic Lead for Gender Equality (confirmed)
2:55–3:00 | Women in innovation – Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise (TBC)
3:00–3:10 | Comfort break
3:10–3:55 | Panel discussion with University leadership team (Ask Any Questions!)

• Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor
• Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility
• Professor Rachel Cowen, Academic Lead for EDI (Gender and Sexual Orientation)
• Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Humanities
• Professor Ashley Blom, Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

3:55–4:00 | Closing remarks – Emma Shiels and Dr Lin Ma (Co-Chairs, Women@Manchester)

This event is open to all University staff and students (of all genders) who are passionate about fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and promoting wellbeing.

The session will be chaired by Dr Lin Ma and Emma Shiels. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time for networking.

We’d love to see you in person, but for those who can’t attend on campus, the event will also be livestreamed.

Questions? Please email .

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