Natalie Richardson, an EA and Wellbeing Champion at London South Bank University (LSBU) talks about how LSBU are marking the March 8th International Women’s Day this year with events that will draw the university community together.
For starters, Natalie has arranged a lunch on 8th March for the LSBU PAs and EAs, and will be interviewing some of the senior women in her organisation. She has also and has planned surprises for the trailblazer women across her department and teams.
There is still time to plan a IWD event within your organisation later on in March as the whole month is Women’s History Month . It doesn’t have to be a large event, focus on celebrating women’s achievements and setting a ‘stage’ for conversations about issues holding women back.
#EmbraceEquity 2023 theme for International Women’s Day at LSBU
The IWD organisation’s 2023 theme, #EmbraceEquity, is also the main theme for LSBU’s events. This is the International Women’s Day organisation’s chosen theme for this year. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
You might instead choose to follow the United Nations observance of IWD 2023 with #DigitAll – Innovation and technology for gender equality. It recognises and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.
LSBU is putting up a number of events at the Southwark campus. One of the events, to be held on Friday March 10th online will welcome Diane Abbott, MP, for a conversation with Rasheed Ogunlaru. Rasheed is a leading life and leadership coach, motivational speaker and author. His unique “become who you are” approach helps people of all backgrounds find fulfilment and progress in all areas of their lives, careers, relationships and work lives too.
Rasheed will be joined in leading this conversation with Mia Morris Black History Maker OBE FRSA and Professor Patrick Vernon from Every Generation.
In her interview with Rasheed Diane Abbott will share her story and her life as a committed community activist and politician. The events will also include contributions from invited speakers.
Could you organise an interview with one of your company’s inspiring female executives?
You too could organise a short interview with one of your company’s female executives. It could be an in-house fireside chat hosted in the office, or virtually. Instagram or Facebook live, or a LinkedIn video (up to 10 minutes long) are easy to set up and share.
An idea from last year’s IWD activity ran by LSBU
Last year, as part of our International Women’s Day 2022 activities (#BreaktheBias), we delivered several menopause awareness sessions. They were all inclusive and interactive, helping women to feel more confident, informed and aware of the menopause. The sessions gave an enhanced understanding of how menopause can impact women going through it.
Putting together an informal session to discuss and share issues that concern and affect women is one way to mark the day. There are plenty of topics to choose, from health to wealth.
What ever you are doing on the 8th have a great International Women’s Day!
Natalie also organised a PA Summit at LSBU in summer 2022 as part of her Mini-MBA programme with Your Excellency.
