We aim to take a holistic approach that celebrates individuals and their many identities, and we have put in place a number of policies and guidance documents to support gender equity at our University. 

Our University has been a member of the Athena Swan Charter since 2008 and currently holds a Bronze Award. This demonstrates our commitment to a culture change within our University towards a more inclusive, representative and progressive environment. 

The Athena Swan Charter, run by Advance HE, recognises and celebrates good practice towards the advancement of gender equality. The charter is a global framework supporting and transforming gender equality within higher education and research. 

About International Women’s Day 

IWD takes place on 8 March each year and is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  

The IWD 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity which recognises the role we can all play in fostering a gender equal world. 

• Our events and activities taking place to celebrate International Women's Day

Women@Manchester 

Women@Manchester is a staff network group open to all colleagues at our University. The network is committed to non-binary and trans inclusion and welcome the contribution of all women.  

The network is about creating a group who can learn from, work with and support each other’s careers and the conditions for success whilst in parallel continuing to accelerate gender equity within our University. 

This network is intended to complement the existing vibrant networks that we have. 

Co-chairs Rachel Cowen and Adèle MacKinlay said: “Embracing equity is critical to our success. Through our EDI strategy, embedding equity and inclusion in all that we do and in the way that we do things we are striving to ensure we create a culture of opportunity, empowerment and achievement for everyone.” 

Rachel Cowen is Professor of Academic and Researcher Development, our University’s Academic Lead for Gender and Sexual Orientation Equality, and Co-chair of the Athena Swan self-assessment team (SAT) and Women@Manchester Network. 

Adèle MacKinlay is Director of People and Organisational Development, Co-chair of the Athena Swan SAT and Women@Manchester Network and Deputy CEO of the Women’s Higher Education Network.