IWD 2025: Sunderland Professors reflect on what International Women’s Day means to them

Published on 7, March, 2025

International Women’s Day (March 8) gives people around the world a chance to reflect on advances made towards gender equality and what more can be done to tackle inequalities that women face still.

We asked some of the University of Sunderland’s professors what IWD means to them:

Professor Yitka Graham, Head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute, said:

“For me, IWD is an opportunity to illuminate the challenges that women face and bring people around the table to commit to positive action to empower women and advocate to solve gender inequities.

“The theme of this year's IWD is 'Accelerate Action'. If action continues at the current rate, the World Economic Forum estimates it will take the equivalent of five generations to resolve the issues.

“That means our daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters and the next two generations are destined to miss opportunities to live a fairer and equal society. We need to be the generation who plants the seeds for a better future for all women, and that time is now. Be the woman who lifts as she climbs.”

Professor Laura Stroud, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, said:

“I am fortunate to have worked in organisations that recognise the challenge and have benefited directly from family-oriented policies.

“I am also privileged in being able to use my voice in support of equality as a Professor of Public Health: now more than ever we need to speak in support of women across the globe and for all who experience discrimination.

“I am glad to have this opportunity to do my bit, not only in ‘standing up’ but also in celebration of the fantastic role models who have inspired me.”

Dr Caroline Mitchell, Professor of Radio and Participation in the School of Media and Communications, said:

“International Women's Day has always been a special day for me. Firstly, it's my birthday!

“Secondly, because much of my practice and research has been about women's media I have often used the day to launch or talk about projects.

“In 1992 I launched Fem FM, the first women's radio station in the UK; In 2000 I broadcasted on Bridge FM in Washington, a women's radio station I helped develop through a European women's radio training consortium. This year we will be launching series two of the Rebel Women of Sunderland podcast, with the story of Sunderland born Audrey Amiss.

“My research and writing frequently comes back to stories of toxic media workplace cultures for women, even in 2025. However, I am pleased that young women entering the creative industries nowadays have more positive role models in radio, audio and podcasting and the agency, confidence and skills to resist the sexism, racism and any inequities they encounter.”

Professor Sarah Lonbay, Professor of Social Sciences and Social Care, said:

“International Women's Day is an important reminder of the inequalities that persist across all stages of life.

“My work focuses on challenging the silencing and marginalisation of older women, ensuring their experiences of abuse, discrimination and injustice are acknowledged. Recognising, understanding, and responding to the experiences of older women is essential to promoting human rights and addressing inequalities.”

Professor Alexandra Moschovi, Professor of Photography and Curating, said:

“Against the context of the #MeToo movement and feminist mobilisations fighting heteronormative patriarchy, gender injustice and violence, racialisation and “femoimperialism” (Vergès, 2021), on International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to all those brave women whose struggles have marked and continue to change our lives and roles at home, at work, and in society.

“We recognise and honour the efforts for reproductive justice and the freedom to express one’s identity as a political subject, while challenging socio-culturally defined notions of femininity. 

“Working with and around photography, which had long been a male-dominated field, I have had the privilege to work with extraordinary and dedicated women scholars, curators, and creative practitioners to raise the visibility of women, those identifying as women and non-binary before and behind the camera: to expose HerStories and resituate women’s photographies in official histories and museum collections, to reveal transnational Hidden (Hi)stories of women in photography, to offer an Inclusive Re/visualisation of Women's Work in the Northeast region.

“I’m especially excited for this International Women’s Day as I will be joining 54 international speakers in the 24-hour online conference marathon, Women of Photography. The event starts at 12:01 am UTC on 8 March 2025, with speakers in Australia and New Zealand and concludes at 11:59 pm UTC in North America. I am immensely proud to be joining this global community to celebrate women’s work.”

Professor Angela Smith, Professor of Language and Culture, said:

“For me, IWD is a chance to pause every year and take time to celebrate women's achievements. 

“There is a re-emergence of the sorts of cultural values that would see women celebrated for their domestic achievements alone, and by looking at the broader expanse of what women can achieve on IWD, we can be reminded that progress towards equality benefits everyone.

“In partnership with Sunderland Culture, I run the Rebel Women of Sunderland project which shines a light on the achievements of women who are connected with Sunderland. This project has already inspired people to explore women's history more, so it's great that we are continuing to collaborate. It's amazing, once you start looking, just how there are so many influential and inspiring women.”

Professor Debs Patten, Professor of Anatomy, said:

“International Women’s Day is my reminder to reflect and take stock. I look back to recognise the challenges of the women in my discipline of Anatomy who have gone before me to advance equality.

“Thankfully in the last 15 years, we have seen an increase in the appointment of female professors and leaders in Anatomy, and alongside this, there has been a very visible and welcome refresh of the culture within our academic community. I remind myself that that I am part of this change, that there is still much work to do to bring about equality and that I have a responsibility to actively play my part, every day.

“Lastly, I examine the here and now and take time to appreciate and thank the inspirational female role models around me who handle the complexities of life with grace and support and encourage me, at work and at home.”

Professor Catherine Hayes, Professor of Health Professions Pedagogy and Scholarship, said:

“International Women’s Day, for me, is a timely reminder that equality for women is always still a work in progress regardless of where we are in the world and the regional, national and international reach these roles provide us with is often overlooked in our busy day to day lives.

“Being able to be part of a collective community of strong, purposeful, yet kind women who are never afraid to admit they need to do better in providing support and opportunity for others, is a privilege.”

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