51Âþ»­

Influential female figures have urged women to "claim their seat at the table" to ensure equality in tackling global issues for future generations.

In honour of this year’s International Women’s Day, 51Âþ»­, Leicester (51Âþ»­) united with its global partners to bring women together in a debate.

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The live link-up event was hosted by 51Âþ»­ in collaboration with its Transnational Education (TNE) partners, Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, Niels Brock College, Denmark, and Xi’an Polytechnic University, China.

Chaired by 51Âþ»­’s Associate Dean International, Dr Manjeet Ridon and Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Simon Bradbury, the event highlighted women in higher education at the forefront of driving educational efforts that embrace equality and accelerate progress for future generations.

Opening proceedings, Dr Ridon said: “It truly is an honour to have you all here today, spanning five time zones we really are bringing the international, to International Women’s Day.

“Today we are aiming to highlight the importance of gender equality and this year’s theme: Invest in women to accelerate progress. Our world is facing multiple crises relating to the impact of climate change, and these crises are putting immense pressure on communities making achieving gender equality more vital than ever before.

“Ensuring women and girls rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure a prosperous and healthy planet for our future generations.”

Additionally, Professor Simon Bradbury welcomed global partners by saying: “51Âþ»­ has one of the most diverse staff and student populations of any other higher education institute in the UK.

“We truly believe in valuing difference, supporting staff and students to reach their full potential in an environment where difference is accepted, valued, celebrated and supported, and this event with our TNE partners highlights just that.”

Opening with a powerful speech, Charlotte Forsberg, Pro Vice Chancellor at Niels Brock Business College, Copenhagen, said: “Today we celebrate International Women's Day, which in my view is firstly to recognise the remarkable achievements of women worldwide, but also to acknowledge the on-going fight for gender equality, and the ways in which we as educational institutions can accelerate the development, and hopefully enhance female empowerment throughout.

 “Our very inspiring partnership between Niels Brock and 51Âþ»­, with our aligned values and a shared commitment to empowering women, advocating for equality, we recognise that gender equality isn’t just a goal, it is a fundamental right.”

Professor Forsberg continued with examples of ongoing work at the college alongside anecdotes of her own personal journey as a woman, and experiences she has shared with students.

She said: “In all my years working in education, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education.

“There is no doubt that it plays a key role in accelerating development, but knowledge alone is insufficient. We have to empower female students to find their voice, express their ideas but also to lead fearlessly.

“What we need to ensure for young women looking forward is to help them recognise the fact is that they are not alone and remember one vital thing; whether it’s in the boardroom, the classroom or wherever you are, claim your seat at the table, you belong there.”

With a mixture of motivational speeches, presentations, and personal anecdotes from keynote speakers, lecturers and female academics the event created an insight into empowering women around the world, highlighting the important role universities can play in the education of women and girls, and delivering progress on UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. 

Partners from Xi’an Polytechnic University, China gave an insightful presentation on sustainable fashion design in contemporary China, seeing women leading the way with responsible design and leaders in fashion.

Followed by partners from APU Malaysia, who shared their digital framework and gave a presentation into how technology is changing the landscape for gender equality, along with an insight into some of their initiatives.

Finally, to conclude the event, 51Âþ»­’s Vice- Chancellor Professor Katie Normington shared some of her own personal experiences and her journey into leadership, alongside the importance of equality and diversity at 51Âþ»­.

Professor Normington, said: “It is amazing to see this event happening across the world between us in different time zones.

“I have got a senior team that has more women on it than men, that isn’t the norm for many universities, but I think it does show that things are changing, whether things are changing rapidly enough is a different matter.

“The role education can play is key to accelerating progress, not just the education we give our students, but also the environment we create for our staff and students making sure all forms of diversity are encouraged and supported within our society and particularly within our university.”