International Women's Day

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International Women's Day 2026

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. It also marks a call to action for collective progress towards achieving gender equality.

IWD takes place on Sunday 8 March 2026. This year’s official theme is Give to Gain and the UN Women theme is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

At the University of Exeter, our priority is to ensure a sense of belonging for all gender identities, including trans and non-binary staff and students. You can find out more about some of our work on this page.

This page is regularly updated. If you have any events, resources or support you would like listed here, please email EDI@exeter.ac.uk.

News and updates

Athena Swan applications and awards

The Athena Swan Charter recognises work undertaken by institutions in the United Kingdom to address gender equality across the higher education sector. Three of our departments have successfully achieved or renewed their Athena Swan Awards this year. Huge congratulations to Computer Science (Silver), Mathematics and Statistics (Silver) and The Law School (Bronze)! You can find out more about our institutional and department awards online.

Events, resources and support

International Women's Day, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

  • Monday 2 March, 2pm - 4:30pm GMT
  • RS2, Roborough and The Old Library (Bill Douglas Museum)
  • Event schedule

Join the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences for an afternoon celebrating International Women's Day, including an exhibition of related research and panel discussions.

International Women's Day Panel with Exeter Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology Society

Join the SAC Society for a panel discussion on being a woman in academia, featuring Dr Celia Plender, Dr Lizzie Hobson and Dr Ashley Frayling. Free tickets are available on Fixr, with refreshments provided and the opportunity for open discussion and conversation throughout the event.

Women in Conservation Conference (£)

Women in Conservation Cornwall is bringing together women and gender-diverse people in conservation for an evening of honest career stories, leadership, and community. Six speakers will be sharing real journeys, there will be conversations about working in conservation and space to connect. Open to students, early-career and established professionals, or anyone curious about conservation. Free for students. £3 general admission.

CEC Women and Non-binary in Academia Day

  • Thursday 12 March, 9:30am - 4pm
  • Penryn Campus

Join the Centre for Ecology and Conservation to celebrate International Women's Day with a research showcase, plenary talk from Dr Sinead English (University of Bristol) and a panel discussion on "Creating and taking up space: Gender and Allyship in Academia".

Ignite: Changemakers Workshop with The Women's Centre Cornwall

The Women's Centre Cornwall are bringing together women and girls from across Cornwall for a day dedicated to empowerment, inspiration, and real-world impact.  Throughout the day, you’ll hear from inspiring speakers, take part in hands-on workshops, and have the chance to bring your own ideas for change to the table. Whether you’re passionate about women's rights, anti-racism, climate change, LGBT+ rights or any other area where you want to make a difference, this is a space to turn intention into action.

International Women's Day Gala (£)

Join Inspiring Women Network for their flagship annual fundraiser event, featuring fantastic speakers, amazing performances and a delicious 3-course meal.

 

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