Women at Imperial
Women at Imperial is an annual event that takes place around International Women’s Day (8 March). Over the course of a week we celebrate female staff and students at Imperial, past and present, and raise awareness of the support available in College for women.
Women at Imperial Week 2024
Women at Imperial Week 2024 will be taking place from 4 – 8 March. This year's theme centres around the United Nations International Women's Day theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’. At Imperial, we will be looking at support for women throughout their career journey.
If you are planning an activity for Women at Imperial Week, please get in touch with the EDI Centre.
Monday 4 March
Breakfast with the Board
8.30 – 10.30, online & in-person | South Kensington Campus
Small group discussions over breakfast with a female Business School advisory board member. Open to Business School students and alumni only.
If you are a Business School student or alumni and would like to attend, please fill out the online form.
Department of Computing kick-off breakfast
8.30 - 11.30, in-person | South Kensington Campus
Join the Department of Computing to celebrate the start of Women at Imperial Week! Meet other members from the department, grab some free merch (and more importantly free food!) and learn about what's coming up in the week ahead. Open to all staff and students.
Invisible Insecurity: How to deal with Imposter syndrome
10.00 - 12.00, online
Imposter syndrome can be defined as a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. 'Imposters' can suffer from episodic or chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence. This session aims to equip you with the theory, research, and tools to understand the phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome, how it manifests, and ways to manage it.
Register your space on the session.
Menopause and perimenopause session for managers
13.00 – 14.00, in-person & online
A 1-hour Masterclass aiming to equip the attendees with further knowledge on the perimenopause and the menopause, with a focus upon how people with leadership and management roles, and those looking to move into such roles, within Imperial College, can support staff. This session is open to all managers.
In conversation with academic women
14.30 – 16.00, online
Shining a light both on the many achievements of women at Imperial and on the remaining challenges, three academic women speakers will share their stories and experiences of common issues faced by women in academia in an informal setting. The session will then be opened for a Q&A.
Women in Maths Alumni panel
18.00 – 20.00, in-person | South Kensington Campus
The event aims to inspire, inform, and provide role models for current undergraduate and postgraduate students at Imperial. It has been organised to celebrate Women at Imperial week and to support the equality and diversity efforts in the mathematics department. This will also raise the profile of opportunities for women at Imperial and allow them to connect with other like-minded women. By request of the students, we are working with the Computing department to include their alumni and students in the event.
Tuesday 5 March
Breakfast with the Board
8.30 – 10.30, online & in-person | South Kensington Campus
Small group discussions over breakfast with a female Business School advisory board member. Open to Business School students and alumni only.
If you are a Business School student or alumni and would like to attend, please fill out the online form.
Graduate School Workshop to Support Female PhD Students
9.30 – 11.30, in-person | South Kensington Campus
The Graduate School in partnership with the Students’ Union will be hosting a workshop for female PhD students. The objectives of the workshop are to explore the challenges and barriers facing female PhD students and to identify tangible actions to address these.
Health and Wellbeing Café
This session aims to provide a space for people to focus on themselves and gain practical information on communicating meaningfully and mastering the art of seeing others deeply and being deeply seen. This session is for all staff.
To book a session, please email Daniela Bultoc.
Wednesday 6 March
Breakfast with the Board
8.30 – 10.30, online & in-person | South Kensington Campus
Small group discussions over breakfast with a female Business School advisory board member. Open to Business School students and alumni only.
If you are a Business School student or alumni and would like to attend, please fill out the online form.
Active Bystander training
10.00 - 11.30, online
The Active Bystander training programme aims to empower staff across our College community to challenge poor behaviours and bring about cultural change. Active Bystanders reinforce messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behaviour.
WiC X WSET X WiEEE: Women in Tech Careers panel + networking
12.00 – 14.00
Hosted by student networks, Women and Non-Binary in Computing, Women in SET and Women in EEE, come and hear from women who work in the tech industry! Networking and food to follow. Open to student, staff and alumni.
Please sign up for this panel and networking session through Eventbrite.
A Journey Through Time: Department of Chemistry Female Academics
13.00 – 18.30, in-person | White City campus
The Department of Chemistry will be hosting a keynote talk by current Royal School of Chemistry President, Professor Gill Reid, and panels centred on A Journey Through Time: Department of Chemistry Female Academics and Staff, a Historical Progression. The afternoon will be followed by an evening reception. The event is open to all staff and students.
If you would like to attend, please email Ingrid Temmerman (Kedissa).
Invisible Insecurity: How to deal with Imposter syndrome
14.00 – 16.00, in-person | South Kensington Campus
This session aims to equip you with the theory, research, and tools to understand the phenomenon of Imposter Syndrome, how it manifests, and ways to manage it. This session is open to all staff.
Please sign up via My Training on ICIS.
Navigating Leadership Paths in Academia
15.00 – 17.00, in-person | Hammersmith Campus
This event will feature a talk and discussions with Professor Helena Teede, from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Helena is a major international research leader in Women’s Health is highly engaged in improving leadership opportunities for women and providing evidence-based approaches to system change to advance equity in healthcare and medical research.
Thursday 7 March
Breakfast with the Board
8.30 – 10.30, online & in-person | South Kensington Campus
Small group discussions over breakfast with a female Business School advisory board member. Open to Business School students and alumni only.
If you are a Business School student or alumni and would like to attend, please fill out the online form.
Influencing and negotiating skills
10:30 - 12:00, online
This interactive and participatory session will introduce you to key principles of influencing and negotiation that can be applied in day-to-day workplace situations and interactions and provide an opportunity to practice some of these skills in the session. This session is open to all staff.
Register your place on the session via My Training on ICIS.
Guiding your career path: strategies for success through change
12.30 – 13.30, in-person | South Kensington Campus
Aligned with the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, Uzoamaka Nwamarah will provide practical insight and valuable tools for navigating important career transitions, from just starting out with entry-level positions or aiming for leadership roles. This event is open to staff and students.
Register your space in advance to attend this event in-person.
Springboard development programme taster
14.00 - 16.00, online
The Springboard Women’s Development Programme is an award-winning programme that helps women to identify the clear and realistic steps they want to take, and develop the skills and self-confidence to take them. This interactive session will discuss ways of incorporating ‘me time’ into your day to day lives and explore assertiveness. Open to all staff.
Sign up for this Springboard taster session online.
Friday 8 March
Joan Woodward Memorial breakfast
8.30 – 10.30, in-person | South Kensington Campus
A panel discussion focusing on how technology and education in the digital age can help the empowerment of women and girls across the world. Open to all staff and students.
International Women's Day: Bloomberg Pizza Social
12.00 – 14.00
Come and celebrate International Women's Day with Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Computing (WiC) sponsor, Bloomberg. Pizza, cupcakes and other snacks will be provided! This event is for students only.
Women on Weights
12.15 – 13.00, in-person | Ethos Sports Centre
Move Imperial is offering free activities for women to get involved in! For women, sport and physical activity can be a very empowering experience. Involvement in sport and physical activity can help to build confidence and body awareness, skill development and create social networks, all of which can have a positive impact on a person’s life.
If you would like to attend, please register your place.
IAO Belonging interview with Dr Marcia Philbin
12.30 - 13.30, online
Join Wayne Mitchell in the latest in the staff network's Belonging series of interviews. This Week, Wayne talks to Dr Marcia Philbin PhD CChem FRSC MAPM, Chief Executive of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine.
Please use the Zoom link to join this event.
Stronger for Longer
12.30 – 13.15, online
Move Imperial is offering free activities for women to get involved in! For women, sport and physical activity can be a very empowering experience. Involvement in sport and physical activity can help to build confidence and body awareness, skill development and create social networks, all of which can have a positive impact on a person’s life.
If you would like to attend, please register your space.
Women in Data Science, AI and Tech Careers Panel
12.30 - 13.30, in-person | South Kensington Campus
Despite the growing demand for data scientists, the field is still male-dominated with women making up just 26% of the data science workforce and in the UK, just 16% of the technology workforce. Join Imperial’s Data Science Institute for an insightful panel discussion and Q & A session featuring successful women in data science, AI, and tech.
Places are limited so please register in advance.
Exploring career opportunities in STEM
15.00 - 16.00, in-person | South Kensington Campus
The Department of Materials is hosting a panel event that will feature engaging conversations with panellists about their start-ups, current careers or research projects. The panel include Anjali Devadasan, Alice Robinson, Dr Francesca Tallia, and Dr Shakiba Kaveh. This event is open to all staff and students.
International Women's Day Fireside Chat
19.00 - 21.00, in-person | Imperial College Union
Imperial College Union is hosting a live discussion featuring Imperial’s own inspiring women leaders and alumni. Panellists are professionals across a range of industries spanning property and sustainability, to beauty and AI, encompassing the breadth of opportunity an Imperial degree can take you. This event is open to all Imperial students, staff and Imperial College Union Associate members.
Events after the Week
"Tali Girls: A Novel of Afghanistan" book launch
13 March, 15.00 - 17.00 | South Kensington Campus
Imperial As One, in collaboration with the Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies, are hosting a book launch of Tali Girls: A Novel of Afghanistan. During the event there will be an opportunity to network and refreshments will be served.
Register your space in advance via Eventbrite.
Dr Alyssa Gilmore, Research Associate, Department of Immunology and Inflammation "Everyone is comprised of many elements. I’m a scientist, a feminist, an activist and an educator. I feel empowered to promote equality in all aspects of my life"
Dr Angela Kedgley, Lecturer, Department of Bioengineering "Be tenacious when all doesn’t go according to plan. Determine what you want, listen to yourself, and then be brave and make it happen.”
Anique Varleigh, Head of Examinations & Assessment, Business School "‘Be the best version of you’. It may be an overused quote but whether you are student or staff you must always be your authentic self no matter the situation, no matter the start you had in life."
Dr Caroline Howe, Lecturer, Centre for Environmental Policy "As women, we owe it to ourselves, to those who came before and those who will come after, to pick each other up when we fall and give us that little nudge of encouragement to keep going. It is worth it!"
Caz Ulley, Head of Student Recruitment and Marketing, and Co-Chair of Imperial "Taking on my Imperial 600 role has helped me to recognise what I have to offer. And seeing that what I am doing is affecting positive change within the College has boosted my confidence."
Claire Dunican, Claire Broderick, Clare Andradi-Brown, and Clare Wilson. PhD students and clinical research fellows, Department of Infectious Disease "Be more like General Princess Leia Organa Solo: lead by example and with confidence, form supportive relationships with the people around you."
Courtnae Bailey, PhD student, Centre for Environmental Policy "Do not add extra pressure by looking at others as your competition and comparing yourself, but rather focus on being the best version of yourself. My parents have always told me no matter what you do, do it to the best of your ability."
Dania Ahmed, PhD student, Department of Mechanical Engineering "Believe in your unlimited potential, be passionate about your work and achieve your best. I always believe that women born as leaders; they need to recognize their inner power and support each other."
Professor Fay Dowker, Department of Physics "When I am discouraged, I use my feeling of responsibility to my foremothers who were denied their chances to be mathematicians and physicists and to the younger generation of women coming after me, to inspire me to keep going.”
Dr Maria Ribera Vicent, Strategic Teaching Fellow, Department of Aeronautics "The best advice I can give women starting out is to not be afraid to follow their dreams and ambitions. I am inspired every time I see a woman heading a team at NASA or ESA, or being recognised as the world expert."
Dr Nina Dutta, GP and UG course Lead, School of Public Health "My advice to future students is to always remember your core values and use them to guide decisions you make. Surround yourself with inspiring people who share these values; great things can be achieved when people come together."
Dr Vicky Salem, Senior Clinical Research Fellow, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction "Women shouldn't fear being openly ambitious. It doesn't always go down well but that, and learning to control the devil of imposter syndrome, will carry you."
Videos of events from previous years
Leaders discuss 'Choose to Challenge'
To mark International Women’s Day and the start of Women at Imperial Week 2021, the EDI Centre hosted an online panel event with senior leaders in the College to discuss the #IWD theme “Choose to Challenge” which aims to celebrate women’s achievements; raise awareness of gender bias, and encourage action for equality
Leaders discuss 'Choose to Challenge'
Panel members discuss actions they are currently taking and the challenges ahead
To mark International Women’s Day and the start of Women at Imperial Week 2021, the EDI Centre hosted an online panel event with senior leaders in the College to discuss the #IWD theme “Choose to Challenge” which aims to celebrate women’s achievements; raise awareness of gender bias, and encourage action for equality
What do Imperial women #ChooseToChallenge?
What change making means, when they have challenged biases and who has inspired them
For Women at Imperial Week 2021 we asked staff and students what change making means to them, when they have challenged biases and who has inspired them.
What academia could learn from the military
Nadia Soliman compares her experiences in the British Army and as a young academic
For the Department of Life Sciences 2019 International Women's Day Lecture, Nadia Soliman compares her experiences in the British Army and her time as a young academic and reflects on leadership.
Nadia discusses the myth that women don’t have success in the military and the myth that military training has little relation to academia.
Struggles, Strategies and Secrets of Success
Panel discussion exploring the difficulties faced by women in the workplace
This panel discussion for Women@Imperial Week 2016 explores the difficulties still faced by women in the workplace and the challenges employers face in overcoming these difficulties.
Chaired by Anjana Ahuja (freelance science journalist), the panel comprised: Rachel Higham (MD CIO from BT group), Alison Atkinson (Director Capital Projects from AWE), Nupur Singh Mallick (HR Director from TCS UK), and James Stirling (Provost, Imperial College London).
The state of, and prospects for, gender equality in academia
Simone and Mark discuss progress made and the challenges ahead
For Women@Imperial Week 2020, Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Provost (Education), and Professor Mark Burgman, Director of the Centre for Environmental Policy, reflect on the state of gender equality here at Imperial and elsewhere in higher education. Drawing on evidence and personal experience, they will reflect on progress made and the challenges ahead.
Gendered Innovations in STEM
Professor Londa Schiebinge talks about the importance of integrating gender analysis in research
For Women@Imperial Week 2018 Professor Londa Schiebinge, University of Stanford, discusses the importance of integrating gender analysis to achieve excellence in science and technology research.
More information Professor Schiebinge and her work can be found on the Gendered Innovations website.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Leyla Okhai discuses how organisations and individuals can take steps for positive change
For the 2017 Department of Life Sciences International Women's Day Lecture, Leyla Okhai, Head of the College's Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Centre, discusses how one size does not fit all, and how we can all take responsibility for positive change.