As International Women’s Day approaches, it is important to highlight the benefits of such a global event. Although we tend to focus on the grandiose, it is imperative to emphasize the movement’s strive for change at a local level.
The theme of International Women’s Day, 2023 is founded in embracing equity. Adorning the hashtag #EmbraceEquity, the organisation has taken a stance this year, hoping to educate on the definition of equity and how it differs from equality.
The organisation stated further that “Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. Through the process of equity, we can reach equality.”
The Wo/men’s Network at Ulster University in particular have made substantial progress in scrutinizing these sustaining issues at grassroots scale.
The Network itself has championed for a myriad of quality of life policies that benefit all students across the Ulster University campuses. Below are a few that have significantly improved student wellbeing on campus:
- White Ribbon NI Campaign & Accreditation
- Safe Space Initiative in conjunction with Onus NI
- Menopause Campaign Policy
- Period Poverty Campaign Policy
Karan Green, co-chair of the Wo/men’s Network at Ulster University, commented on the importance of such events stating that “I feel that in the last ten to fifteen years, we’ve been going backwards; we’re much more divisive.” Emphasising further the need for grassroots representation to effect local change.
The events hosted at Ulster university by the Wo/men’s Network are as follows:
Belfast Campus (March 7th)
A panel discussion surrounding the topic of equity, hosted by senior female leaders and students.
Coleraine Campus (March 7th)
A Causeway Enterprise partnered event with Ulster University surrounding female entrepreneurs and opportunities for such a demographic within Northern Ireland.
If you are interested in further reading on the Wo/men’s Network policies, please see below:
Site:
Initiatives:
Safe Space Initiative with Onus NI
Policies:
