Inspirational Kent Women Writers
02 Mar, 9:45am
9:45am - 4:00pm
Canterbury
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
There are a range of events across campus before, on the day and beyond for you to get involved with...
This year's theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” resonates strongly at CCCU, where a range of awards, research and initiatives are ensuring women in our community and beyond feel a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Inspiring and empowering female leadership
Professor Alison Honour received a Women Economic Forum (WEF) award for Women of the Decade. It is given to women who through their expertise and leadership show a distinctive voice and vision to inspire the next generation of leaders. The awards celebrate inspiring women and men worldwide, across all walks of life, to encourage greater leadership, enterprise and collective consciousness toward creating a better world.
I am delighted to receive this award which celebrates and supports the work of women in all walks of life, around the world. Every woman attending the global conference or receiving an award would have had one thing in common: we all at some point in our careers experienced challenges due to being a woman.”
Professor Alison Honour Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Saluting our sisters in Black History
The theme for Black History Month was Saluting our Sisters to highlight the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. We are proud of our very own inspiring Black female Alumni and shared their stories of success.
Also, check out our "Celebrating Black History 365: Saluting our Sisters: Breaking Barriers in Policing event" on 8 March.
Celebrate your sisters, support one another, and together, we can continue to make history. Salute the remarkable journey of Black women in all fields and let it inspire you to reach greater heights. Your potential is limitless.
Jennifer DominicBSC Bioscience Alumni
Advocating gender equality in gaming
The University is now an institutional member of Women in Games, whose purpose is to build a fair, equal, and safe environment, empowering girls and women in the global gaming ecosystem.
Women in Games will bring together agents of change, allies, men and boys, champions, experts, grass-roots organisations and others for new dialogues focused on shared solutions towards fairness and equality for all. By investing in women and girls, we will be instrumental in influencing positive societal change with significant benefits for the gaming sector
Women in Games
Celebrating the first professional woman writer in English
CCCU is part of a new project to celebrate Aphra Behn, Canterbury’s most famous but most forgotten daughter, sparking exciting events and activities across the city.
Aphra Behn was the first professional woman writer in English, and Canterbury’s Aphra Behn project aims to bring the writer to a whole new audience, raise her profile, establish her as an iconic and important historical figure, as well as a source of local pride.
She has a very original voice. It’s very sharp, witty and at times irreverent, and she provides a specifically female perspective which is rare for the period. Her works are not very well known, so this project is a wonderful opportunity to bring them to the attention of the public.
Dr Astrid Stilma Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Studies
Promoting gender diversity in engineering
Our £65million Verena Holmes Building is one of the largest science, technology, engineering, health and medicine education facilities in the south east. It is named after Ashford-born Verena Holmes, one of the country’s most pioneering female mechanical engineers, reflecting the University’s ambition to increase diversity and widen opportunities in STEM education and careers.
Dr Anne Nortcliffe, Head of School of Engineering, Technology and Design has won several awards for her contribution to gender equality in engineering.
From the very beginning of planning, developing and now growing our engineering education at Canterbury Christ Church we have worked hard to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in every aspect of our work. So, we can truly drive a change in how the University and partner employers recruit inclusive engineers and actively address the engineering and technology skills gap in the South East.”
Dr Anne NortcliffeHead of School of Engineering, Technology and Design
Supporting female sporting success
Both Alessia Russo, the Lioness Football England striker and European Champion, and Grace Balsdon, Hockey Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist were awarded Honorary doctorates by Canterbury Christ Church University in recognition of their sporting achievements and creating a legacy for women’s sport.
From Abi Walters, a dedicated sports scholar becoming a member of the Great Britain Bobsleigh Team to an academic Dr Kristy Howells becoming the a world champion cyclist we indeed have lots of female sporting successes at CCCU to celebrate.
In addition, CCCU is delighted to announce that it has extended its partnership with Kent Cricket for another three years as the Club’s Women’s Cricket Headline Partner.
Sport is an amazing place, where people can come together, build communities and form friendships that will be with you for life. So have the courage to put yourself out there, take opportunities and enjoy it
Grace BalsdonOlympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist
Check out Augustine House Library's display for Women's History Month for resources to learn more about women's contributions to society.
Expect Respect
As part of International Women’s Day we want to take the opportunity to encourage students to take our Expect Respect module. CCCU and the Students’ Union believe all students, staff and visitors have the right to live, study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.
Report+Support
We actively encourage staff and students to report any harassment or sexual misconduct they have witnessed or experienced through our Report+Support platform. This can be done completely anonymously or if you provide your name we will offer you confidential support.