#IWD2019 at Bangor University

On 8 March, Bangor University joined in with International Women’s Day 2019 (#IWD2019) celebrations by hosting an exciting event that highlighted the careers and contributions of women in leadership positions in and around Bangor as well as providing a University-wide forum for discussion of issues around gender equality that affect all staff and students.

In the run-up to the main event on 8 March, the University welcomed Patsy Sanchez, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of South Florida, who discussed the challenges that women still face in the workplace and highlighted some of the contributing factors such as stereotyping and unconscious bias. These themes were further explored by the panellists and speakers at the main event on International Women’s Day: Siân Gwenllian (Assembly Member for Arfon), Frankie Hobro (owner and director of Anglesey Sea Zoo), Noemi Mantovan (Senior Lecturer in the Bangor Business School), Professor David Thomas (Head of School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University; Director of Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment) and Bangor University Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students, Professor Carol Tully.

Speaking after the event, Prof Jo Rycroft-Malone (Bangor University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact and chair of the University’s Athena SWAN Task Group) who hosted the event, said:

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was #BalanceForBetter highlighting the roles that we can all play in achieving a gender balanced world. Our #IWD2019 event featured contributions from both women and men and I would like to thank all speakers for their interesting and thought-provoking talks. We will continue our work towards a #BalanceForBetter throughout the year.”

Bangor University is a member of the Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality and diversity, excellent working practices, and the inclusive culture promoted for staff and students at all levels.

Publication date: 13 March 2019