What is Women’s History Month and when does it take place?
Women’s History Month takes place between Sunday 1 and Tuesday 31 March. It is observed annually in March to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and influence of women throughout history and contemporary society. It also coincides with International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, which focuses on tackling gender inequality and highlighting overlooked stories. The first Women’s History Day was held in 1909, followed by International Women’s Day, which was established as a holiday in 1911. Women’s History Day then became Women’s History Week in 1978. Finally, it became Women’s History Month in 1987. This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is ‘Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future’.
How can I learn more?
You can visit Women for Women International to find out more about the origins of Women’s History Month. There is also advice on the Inclusive Employers website about celebrating Women’s History Month at work. Students can visit the Kent Students’ Union Women’s History Month page to find out more about this year’s theme and events that are happening.
What is happening at Kent?
The School of Arts and Architecture are marking the overlap of Purim, Ramadan, and Women’s History Month with a curated display of books by women scholars, writers, and thinkers with Jewish and Muslim backgrounds, working across the arts, humanities, and architecture. This display is called Women’s Voices in a Shared Season and is being held in the Templeman Library between Monday 2 March and Tuesday 31 March. There is also an online library reading list with book suggestions. Kent Students’ Union have events happening, such as International Women’s Day Badge Making, Give It a Go – Candle Painting, and a Tree Planting Session and Wellbeing Cafe. Finally, the International Women’s Day Extravaganza is taking place on Saturday 7 March, a free football session for all women and girls.
What networks and societies are there?
Any students who identify as a woman can sign up to the Women’s Network. There are several subject-related societies, such as Empowering Womxn in Law, Women in Business, Women in Politics, and Womxn in STEM. There are also several sports clubs and groups, including Women’s Basketball, Women’s Football, Women’s Hockey, and Women’s Lacrosse.
What staff networks are there?
The Women’s Staff Network at Kent has been running since 2004, and sub-networks that have formed since are the Women’s Researcher Network (WREN) and the newly formed Women in IT and Technical Services Network (WITTS). WITTS will be holding a launch event soon and news of this will come out shortly. If you would like to join the Women’s Staff Network, you can email womensnetwork@kent.ac.uk. If you would like to join WREN, you can email kentwren@kent.ac.uk. Finally, if you would like to join WITTS, you can email WITTS-network@lists.kent.ac.uk. You can also email equalityanddiversity@kent.ac.uk to join any of the EDI Staff Networks.
How do I report an incident?
Students and staff can report an incident such as harassment or bullying through Report + Support. You can either make a named report and speak to an adviser or give an anonymous report. We also recommend downloading the Safe Zone app, as this is a free and simple way to summon first-aid, security or safety assistance via your mobile phone.