International Women's Day is on the 8 March and we are keen to highlight some of the areas at Kent in which we #InspireInclusion. Events are happening throughout March, so see what's on and get involved!
Our annual Equal Pay Audit tracks our progress in reducing Gender, Ethnicity and Disability related pay gaps. While there is still lots of work to do, since our first audit in 2015 we can see real improvements, with this year's report showing we now have no gender pay gap by grade despite the overall figure. Our full 2023 Equal Pay Audit will be published shortly so watch out for the link in Staff News.
"While our gender pay gap at Kent is better than the sector average, it remains far too big at 14.5% and has only reduced by 0.1% since last year. There are large gaps between what women and men are paid on average right across Higher Education, reflecting structural inequalities in the make-up of academia that we all need to come together and address.
"Our latest Equal Pay Audit includes a number of actions we are taking here at Kent, including building better training and transparency into our recruitment and pay offer processes. We also need to do more to inspire and support women throughout their careers so that we see more women in leadership positions, with the right flexible working policies in place to help all staff balance home and work life."
"From senior academics to groundbreaking students in STEM, there are so many talented women at our university. Inspiring inclusion means both raising their voices up and being open about the issues we need to address so that everyone at Kent has an equal opportunity to realise their ambitions with us. This will continue to be a major priority and we are fully committed to sharing our progress year on year as we work together to make it a reality."
Martin Atkinson, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development
At Kent, we are committed to ensuring the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Here are some of the areas in which we #InspireInclusion:
"At its very core, Outreach and Widening Participation work is about ensuring that we work together to recognise and address the educational inequalities in our society.
As a University that stands for ambition, supporting groups underrepresented in HE, such as women in STEM subjects, is a core part of our agenda. By working to support students to overcome systemic barriers, we in turn ensure our campuses are diverse, inclusive and welcoming.
We are working collaboratively across the county with schools and colleges to support attainment and the aspirations of young women (and men) to ensure we secure the very brightest minds here at Kent."
Clare Allison, Head of Outreach and Widening Participation
"We know that more females than males study creative arts subjects, but fewer women go into creative jobs after graduation. At iCCi we want to change this, opening up the incredible range of roles offered across the creative industries to all students at Kent.
Through the work we do connecting Divisions to our regional and national Creative Industries, we show inspiring examples of what a creative career can look like for women. Through our industry-leading ART31 programme for 13-25 year olds and our extra-curricular music programme we teach vital skills in event management, technical expertise, filming and editing, as well as performance.
The Docking Station, opening in Chatham in 2025, will develop this training ethos to include cutting edge technologies, such as AR and VR, offering a rare chance for Kent students and young people in our region to connect with the future of creativity. We need more women in leadership rolls in an industry that's crucial for national economic growth!”
Catherine Richardson, Director of the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries, Dave Yard, Head of Marketing at Gulbenkian and Maeve Mena, Marketing Officer at Gulbenkian.
"At Kent, we help girls and women make informed decisions about their health by providing support, guidance and direction to enable them to achieve their life goals."
Our sports therapists have the opportunity to learn about a variety of health matters, including physical and psychological conditions which can help them not only make informed decisions about their health but also set them on their career pathways.
We have researched the effects that the menstrual cycle have on a female's mood and sleep, which will provide support and offer wellbeing strategies for women in the future.
Upon my arrival at Kent, I am in the process of applying to do a PhD on the risk factors of Achilles tendon pain in female athletes. It is hoped that the outcome of this will provide more knowledge for female athletes on their health and support them moving forward."
Lisa Walsh, Lecturer in School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
"At Kent Sport, we're committed to inspiring inclusion and fostering a culture of empowerment for women and girls across our Kent community.
Through inclusive sporting initiatives, available to students, staff, and the wider community, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Our dedicated women-only gym hours offer a safe and judgement-free space for exercise, empowering individuals to pursue their fitness goals with confidence.
Additionally, our women’s football and tennis coaching programs are designed not only to develop sporting skills but also to instil a passion for sport and exercise.
We believe that by promoting inclusivity in sport, we not only break down barriers but also cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment for all."
Mel Clewlow, Director of Sport
"Inspiring inclusion and bringing to light the realities of inequality in business is one of the most important and powerful messages we can teach our students.
At Kent Business School, we have a passion for diversity, inclusion and respect reflected in our goal to develop diverse, ethically minded and employable students who have the determination to make a positive difference."
Dr Samantha Evans, Senior Lecturer in HRM| KBS Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Lead
On Friday 23 February, Kent Business School welcomed students, alumni and guest speakers to debate how we can collectively forge a more inclusive world for women. The event was one of a series of Master of Business Administration (MBA) guest lectures and designed to tie in with the theme of International Women’s Day 2024, #InspiringInclusion.
"At the University of Kent, we are proud to collaborate with companies like NutriSan who are pioneering sustainable solutions to address food insecurity. Our partners are 100% committed to positively impacting marginalized communities.
In Zanzibar, NutriSan employed 23,000 seaweed harvesters- 90% of whom are women. This generates economic empowerment and uplifts households in impoverished coastal villages.
On International Women's Day, we celebrate these women at the forefront of sustainability, achieving food security and transforming lives".
Professor Alessia Buscaino, School of Biosciences
Our Careers and Employment Service have put together Inspiring Women Week, which in support of International Women’s Day, spotlights the experience of women across a variety of industries. All staff and students are welcome to hear our guest speakers who will share their advice.
A look into the challenges as a woman, both self-imposed and industry stereotypes
Hear from Kent Alum, Elouise Mitchell, Senior Planning Consultant at Lee Evans Partnership LLP
Kent Alum Bethany Matthews is working to ensure inclusivity is at the forefront of productions
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team invite you to join us on International Women's Day from 11:30 to 12:30 in the Colyer-Fergusson foyer (Gulbenkian) to relaunch the University of Kent's Women's and Women Researchers' Networks.
Corresponding with International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month (WHM) is celebrated globally each March. The month celebrates the diverse achievements and contributions made by women in both the past and present day.
Get involved with Kent Union's month of events including a film screening of Barbie at the Gulbenkian on the 8 March.
