International Women\u2019s Day (IWD) on 8 March 2023<\/strong> is a global celebration of the achievements of women and a call to action for promoting women\u2019s equality.<\/p>\n It was first celebrated in 1911 with demonstrations for women\u2019s working rights. In 1975, it was celebrated by the United Nations, and in 1996 they began to mark it annually with a specific theme.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n While the words equity <\/em>and equality <\/em>share a common linguistic root, they have different meanings.<\/p>\n Equality <\/em>means everyone is given the same resources and opportunities, while equity <\/em>acknowledges the vastly different contexts from which different people originate, and gives the exact resources and opportunities each person needs to achieve the same successful outcome.<\/p>\n It’s the difference between giving everyone the same pair of shoes (equality), and giving everyone a pair of shoes that fits them individually and suits their mobility requirements (equity).<\/p>\n Real inclusion requires equitable action.<\/p>\n The average gender pay gap<\/a> in 2023 is 14.9%, meaning that the average woman in paid employment works for free for nearly two months of the year (54 days) compared to the average man in paid employment.<\/p>\n In the workplace \u2013 and elsewhere \u2013 women also face gender bias (both conscious and unconscious).<\/p>\n Moreover, women and girls experience violence and discrimination<\/a> in every society in the world.<\/p>\n IWD is an opportunity to raise awareness of these challenging statistics, to put a spotlight on the amazing achievements of women and girls, and to campaign against structural problems like gender bias and the gender pay gap.<\/p>\n IWD celebrates the stories and experiences of women whose voices have historically been silenced and whose lives and achievements have been erased<\/a>. IWD celebrates women of colour, trans women, lesbian women and bisexual women.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no right or wrong way to mark IWD<\/a>.<\/p>\n You could, for instance:<\/p>\n The Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, the Division of Natural Sciences and the UKC Women\u2019s Network are hosting a panel discussion<\/a> on 8 March to celebrate IWD titled \u2018Women in STEM: How far have we come? What obstacles still need to be overcome?\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Network<\/a> is for any student who identifies as a women, to discuss key ideas that affect their University and Kent Union experience.<\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Staff Network<\/a> meets termly to provide a forum for the discussion of gender equality issues within the wider University and promote good practice to facilitate action for change.<\/p>\n There are a number of societies that champion women\u2019s achievements and provide support for women at Kent, such as the Women in Film Society<\/a>, the Women in STEM society<\/a>, and the UN Women UK Kent Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n Comedy fans may be interested in the Funny Women Collection<\/a> at The Special Collections and Archives in the Templeman Library.<\/p>\n You might be interested in the History of Art elective Stage 1 module Women Artists (HART3000)<\/a> \u00a0which explores women artists through the ages within a broadly feminist, intersectional thematic.<\/p>\n Business enthusiasts may be interested in Kent Business School\u2019s MBA Women in Leadership Scholarship<\/a>, which offers 25% off the tuition fee for the MBA.<\/p>\n IWD is for everyone, not just for those identifying as women. Everyone can champion women’s rights and celebrate women’s achievements. Everyone can #EmbraceEquity.<\/p>\n Be a champion for women. Put gender equality at the heart of everything you do.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s the difference between Equity and Equality? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Why do we need to #EmbranceEquity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How can I #EmbraceEquity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What resources are there at Kent to support and champion women? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Who is International Women’s Day for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"International](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/global-learning\/files\/2023\/03\/iwd.png\")
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