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International Women’s Day and Gender Equality at Sussex

Posted on behalf of: EDI Unit

Last updated: Friday, 6 March 2026

Around sixteen staff members stand together on steps outside a building at the University Of Ghana, they are smiling at the camera. The group is positioned in two rows in front of an entrance with pillars and open doors.

Sussex–Ghana reciprocal mentoring exchange visit

Eight staff members stand side by side on a grassy lawn outdoors, smiling at the camera. University Of Sussex buildings, and some trees are visible in the background under a blue sky.

Ghana-Sussex reciprocal mentoring exchange visit 2026

A member of staff stands in a laboratory with their arms crossed, looking at the camera. They are wearing a bright pink jumper and a staff lanyard. Laboratory equipment, including cameras and experimental apparatus, is visible on benches around them

Portraits of inspirational women

International Women's Day is a global moment to celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the work still needed to advance gender equality. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, emphasises reciprocity and the power of shared learning and allyship. At Sussex, our gender equality work is grounded in practical partnerships and leadership development that drive change across the University.

The Gender Equality workstream advances inclusive leadership, mentoring and career development in partnership with colleagues across Schools, Professional Services and staff networks. Chaired by Professor Sarah Guthrie,Gender Equality Steering Group, brings together colleagues from across the University to monitor progress, share learning and shape priorities.

See below for information about events happening to mark International Women’s Day, including an exhibition in the Library.

Athena Swan and institutional progress

The University holds an institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award, until November 2026, with planning underway for renewal and consideration of a Silver application. All Schools also hold Athena SWAN awards, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing gender equality at both institutional and local levels.

Since receiving the institutional award in 2021, Sussex has focused on deepening understanding of barriers to progression and strengthening inclusive career development. Roundtable discussions have highlighted structural inequities, including workload, caring responsibilities and intersecting experiences. This work, alogside mentoring, leadership development and Staff Wellbeing initiatives, is informing the University’s next Athena SWAN submission.

Current initiatives include mentoring, leadership development and staff networks that bring lived experience into institutional change, supported by the framework of the Gender Equality Steering Group and Athena SWAN. This work is coordinated through Faculty Associate Deans for Culture, Equality and Inclusion and executive sponsorship from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Equality and Inclusion, Professor David Ruebain.

Mentoring Initiatives: A Cross-Cultural Approach

The Sussex–Ghana Cross Cultural Reciprocal Mentoring Project delivered in partnership with the University of Ghana through the British Council Gender Equality Partnership programme, connects academic and professional services colleagues across both institutions through structured mentoring and reflective exchange. Mentoring pairs met regularly to explore leadership, organisational culture and gendered barriers to progression, supported by inclusive mentoring training and cross cultural dialogue. Professor Kate O’Riordan reflected:

“The cross-cultural reciprocal mentoring project is a brilliant initiative, and I have personally benefited from participating as one of the mentoring pairs. It is an honour to contribute to the rich history of partnership between our two institutions.”

The programme reflects Sussex’s wider commitment to developing a strong mentoring culture, informed by staff feedback and learning from formal mentoring schemes. Exchange visits between Sussex and the University of Ghana further strengthened the partnership, enabling shared reflection and future collaboration. Insight from these visits is informing the development of a practical mentoring toolkit and joint outputs, demonstrating how international partnership can support leadership development and long term organisational learning.

Leadership development

Sussex continues to invest in leadership development initiatives that support equitable progression. The Women's Leadership Academy, funded through the research culture budget, is one example. Designed to support early career researchers, the programme brings together coaching, peer learning and practical workshops to build leadership confidence and support career reflection. Participants have described it as “a rare opportunity to reflect with others who share an understanding of the challenges of being a woman in academia,” highlighting the value of collective learning and support. The next cohort will run from late March to June, with weekly online seminars and two in person workshops. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 10 March. See the Academy webpage for further details and to apply.

Parents and Carers Network

Alongside mentoring and leadership initiatives, Staff networks continue to play an important role in shaping inclusive practice. The Parents and Carers Network offers a supportive space for colleagues with caring responsibilities to share experiences, contribute to conversations about flexibility and research culture, and ensure caregiving perspectives are reflected in institutional action planning. Spotlighting the network during International Women’s Day recognises the importance of caregiving and the collective work taking place to build a more inclusive environment for all staff. For more information or to join the network, please contact the Network Chair, Hannah Mason-Bish.

Related activities

Faculty of Social Sciences informal get together to mark International Women's Day, Monday 9^th March 12-1pm, Meeting House Downstairs Room - an invitation to colleagues to join us to get together informally to mark IWD, all welcome, please bring some food to share.

Media Arts and Humanities are recognising colleagues through a series of staff nominations celebrating the contributions of women across the faculty. Profiles and messages of appreciation will be shared on Viva Engage and MAH Hub pages.

As part of International Women’s Day 2026, the University Library will host an exhibition featuring 26 photographic portraits of inspirational women and their allies. Featuring portraits of colleagues from across our faculties, the exhibition highlights the research, collaboration and allyship shaping our community, alongside reflections designed to inspire staff and students. The exhibition will be displayed in the Library Open Learning Space throughout March, and colleagues are encouraged to visit if they can. A full collection of portraits taken in 2023, 2024 and 2025 are now part of our Women at Sussex webpages.

Soapbox Science Brighton 2026, call for speakers: Applications are now open to present at Soapbox Science Brighton, a public facing outreach event taking place on Brighton beach by the i360 on Saturday 30 May 2026. Women, non-binary and genderqueer scientists across all areas of STEMM, from PhD students to Professors, are invited to share their research in an informal outdoor setting designed to engage new audiences. If you are passionate about communicating your work without slides or jargon, this is an opportunity to get involved. The deadline for applications is Monday 2 March 2026. See the application form for details or contact SoapboxScienceBrighton@sussex.ac.uk with any questions.

International Women’s Day community event in Brighton: A local International Women’s Day celebration will take place on Saturday 7 March, 11am to 4pm at Brighton Unitarian Church, featuring music, activities and opportunities to connect with local organisations working across the city. Free entry. See event details for more information.