Gloucestershire professor urges people to "call out stereotypes" on International Women's Day
Initiatives will run through Cheltenham Festival week to help ensure safety
A University of Gloucestershire professor says it is more important than ever to call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination and question biases with the world gripped by uncertainty on International Women’s Day 2025.
Today, millions of people and organisations across the world will be marking International Women’s Day (IWD), an event that has existed in different guises for more than 100 years.
This year, it takes place at a time of global conflict, with Ukraine and Gaza being issues dominating the news agenda.
Cheltenham Borough Council are working with their partners to protect women and girls as part of International Women's Day celebrations.
'Safe Haven' spaces will be opened across the town for under 18’s to access if they feel vulnerable, overwhelmed or experiencing unwanted attention.
The initiatives will run through Cheltenham Festival week to help ensure safety during the busy period.
Professor Cathia Jenainati, author of Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide and Executive Dean for Partnerships at University of Gloucestershire, believes individuals can drive gender equality forward, no matter the challenges in the world at large.
Professor Jenainati, whose research interests include women in leadership, said: "This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’. This is a global call to highlight and mobilise activities that impact women in all walks of life. This call concerns every one of us who strives to live in a world that recognises the talents and honours the contributions of everyone."
"IWD is all about celebrating the richness and the depth inherent in the category of Woman. It is an opportunity for us to add our voice to others in the global community and present a message of hope and confidence about the contributions of ordinary and extraordinary women."
"We are all part of the global movement to challenge the continued disenfranchisement of women. Some of us live the values of this movement on a daily basis, positioning ourselves as allies who support, defend and elevate disempowered and marginalised women. IWD is a call for all of us to commit to this stance and together end sexism and gender-based discrimination. However, sometimes this can feel like an impossible task, especially when the world feels like it is becoming a more complex and frightening place."