Celebrating International Women's Day
Celebrating International Women's Day
By Your SU
Today, we mark and celebrate International's Women Day and its theme for this year, #embraceequity.
We've spoken to three of our student leaders, celebrating and getting to know them, as well as finding out a bit more about what International Women's Day means to them.
But first, a bit of history...
International Women’s Day (IWD)
Since the early 1900’s, women have been actively campaigning for change. In 1908, 15,000 women marched on the streets of New York demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.
Then on 28th February 1909, the first National Women’s Day (NWD) was observed in the United States of America; this celebration lasted till 1913. However, on the 19th March 1911, Austria, Demark, Germany and Switzerland honoured the first ever International Women’s Day celebration.
On this day, more than a million people attended rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office and to end discrimination. Less than a week later, 140 working women lost their lives in the tragic New York triangle fire. This paved a way for further changes and also saw the birth of the Bread and Roses campaign.
Before the first World War in 1913, Russia celebrated their first IWD on the 25th February 1913 and translating the Julian calendar (Russian calendar) to Georgian calendar it would be on the 8th March. Eventually, there was an agreement that it would be celebrated on 8th March internationally and it has been ever since. In London on 8th March 1914, there was a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women’s suffrage.
In 1975 the UN marked IWD for the first time and in 1977 adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
Over the years, 8th March has been celebrated with different campaign themes. The first theme was adopted in 1996 which was "Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future". Other campaign themes have included #breakthebias, #choosetochallenge, #eachforequal and this year, the theme is #embraceequity. We continue raising awareness around the gaps in society between genders and promoting a better way of addressing issues of gender equity.
IWD is an official holiday in some countries in the world including China, Nepal and Madagascar, where only women get the day off. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts.
In some countries, IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day, where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.
We've spoken to three of our student leaders to celebrate and get to know them.
Hannah Marshall-Ellwood
We celebrate Hannah Marshall-Ellwood, who is the current President of the Student Law Society in the University. She is also a mother of two. She is studying her LLM Legal Practice in hopes to become a solicitor. She has achieved a lot as president including a successful murder mystery dinner, networking events and fundraising for charity.
How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
- Organising my time through the week helps me to manage a work/life balance.
What advice would you give your younger self?
- Get support for anxiety sooner and be brave. No one is going to judge you for putting yourself out there and working hard. And if they do it's not worth worrying about.
Which mentors or role models have positively impacted you?
- Role models: in University Toni Spencer - she has been a phenomenal support throughout my under and postgraduate experience.
- Emma Gaudern, my future employer. I first encountered Emma at an IWD seminar and was blown away by her achievements, especially as a mum too. I am very proud to be working for a female led law firm that is constantly going from strength to strength.
What are the next steps for you?
- Working at EMG solicitors and commencing my training contract. Long term goal, to become a commercial property solicitor at EMG Solicitors
Tell us a quote that means a lot to you
- "Each woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on." - Serena Williams
Zara Bashir
Next is Zara Bashir, who is the President of the Islamic Society. She is a medical student. Currently in position, she has headed the society in fundraising for different events like Charity Week, raising over £2,000, and also fundraising and accepting donations following the earthquakes of Türkiye and Syria.
How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
- I try my best to stay organised and to prioritise tasks. I know that having a social life alongside medicine is very important to reduce burnout.
Do you ever face any challenges in work, Uni or because of your religion and how do you overcome them?
- I think that these challenges stem from a lack of education regarding Islam and negative stereotypes. I strongly believe in educating others in regards to my faith to break down these barriers and create a encouraging and supportive community.
What advice would you give your younger self?
- Have more confidence and take every opportunity that comes to you!
Which mentors or role models have positively impacted you?
- My mother - she has always supported me in everything that I do and has shown me that nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it.
What are the next steps for you?
- Complete my degree, get involved in research and work as a doctor.
Tell us a quote that means a lot to you
- “Do what is beautiful. Allah (God) loves those who do what is beautiful” [Quran 2:195] Meaning: One must be pure at heart. The verse asks everyone to do good in this world. Our actions must be centered around doing good deeds that bring joy to the heart and offer something valuable to others as well.
Irish Tony-Awusaku
We also celebrate Your Equality and Diversity Officer 2022/23, Irish Tony-Awusaku. She is studying her LLM Legal Practice. As a Part-Time Officer, Irish has organised events for Black History Month, attended a BBC Radio 5 Live event to speak about the cost of living crisis and how it’s affected students and has also worked with FemSoc to celebrate IWD. She is also a student ambassador at the University.
How do you maintain a good work/life balance?
- I like to get the best of all the worlds possible. I have a ton of calendars, two on my phone and a notepad I carry around. I always remember to put things down so I don’t double book. I’ve gotten so busy that I had to calendarise hang outs with my friends but it has helped me with maintaining balance between Uni, work and social life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
- I would tell me to research, explore my horizons and be prepared. I should stop procrastinating, believe in myself and to never get comfortable at a position I don’t like because by hard work I can get to that spot I never saw myself in in the first place.
Which mentors or role models have positively changed you?
- My mum: She inspires me and motivates me to do more. I remember every sacrifice she’s made and I keep pushing, because she made a path for herself and keeps doing it.
- But also every black female: I see them pushing and their achievements and I think to myself, 'she looks like me, so if she can do it,so can I'.
What are the next steps for you?
- After my masters, I would like to do my PHD and dive into International Law and I would also like to qualify as a solicitor after my PHD or vice versa.
Tell us a quote that means a lot to you
- “Dare to dream. Your dream, your vision, your goal belongs to you. Never allow yourself to be discouraged by difficulties or setbacks. Don’t ever allow anyone to take your dream away from you. Dare to be bold and beautiful, dare to make a positive difference and never ever give up.” (I. Stephanie Boyce)
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Company limited by guarantee.
Company registered in England no: 07702161
Registered Charity no: 1148212
VAT no: 178592316
