We pledge to #BeBoldForChange this International Women's Day

Here at the University of Winchester, we are marking International Women’s Day 2017 with a series of events and activities celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The 2017 campaign theme is #BeBoldForChange and we are joining the call to take groundbreaking action that truly drives the greatest change for women.

On our Pledge Wall today, staff and students across the University are making their own personal pledges for a more inclusive, gender equal world.

Read some of the pledges here and make sure that you post your own pledge on the wall today.

The Revd Dr Terry Biddington, Dean of Chapel
Having spent a day this week at the UK Dalit Support Network hearing about the almost total exclusion of women's voices amongst the so-called non-scheduled castes of south Asia – now self-defining as Dalits – I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and continue to support and promote women's voices (of whatever faith) in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Professor Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor
I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and celebrate the achievements of women while seeking greater justice and opportunity where inequality still exists.

Colette Cherry, Assistant Vice-Chancellor
I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and to support women interested in moving into leadership roles.

Harry Sampson, President, Winchester Student Union
For International Women's Day I think it is important for us as an institution of research and learning to champion women's education. I therefore pledge to #BeBoldForChange and celebrate the achievements of our female students, past and present. We need to showcase triumphs and role models for our current students to follow. Together we need to #BeBoldForChange this International Women's Day.

Kass Boucher, Lecturer in Creative Writing/Creative and Professional Writing
On International Women's Day, I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and speak out about violence against women and girls, and make educational spaces safe places for women of all ages.

Sarah-Louise Collins, Widening Participation Manager
I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and challenge bias and inequality through pulling up people on exclusive language and challenging stereotypes.

Brenda Sharp, Theological Partnerships Leader and Co-ordinator
I pledge to #BeBoldForChange and pledge a thank you to all mothers, and challenge those who undervalue the demanding role of caring.