Celebrating International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month

Monday 7 March 2022

Content note: This article includes discussion of domestic abuse/violence.

St Catharine's is proud to be celebrating International Women's Day on 8 March 2022. International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century since the first gathering was held in 1911, and the day has been celebrated by the St Catharine's community for a number of years. In addition to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, International Women's Day also calls for a gender equal world, free from bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

March is also Women’s History Month, when we are encouraged to study, observe and celebrate the vital role of women in history. This year, the St Catharine’s community will have opportunities to participate in activities throughout the month.

8 March	Get creative: The Health & Wellbeing team will host a biscuit-decorating session at 2.30pm in the Catzebo – check out the artwork on the International Women’s Day website for inspiration
8 March	Alumna Dr Bola Grace (2019, EMBA) is speaking at a fireside chat and networking event on 'Women and the Future of Work' hosted by the Judge Business School. The hybrid event starts at 6pm. Find out more and book your place.
8 March	Luminaria will be sung by our Girls’ Choir at 6.30pm in the Chapel (livestreamed via YouTube), alongside a small display of the Chaplain’s art depicting women in scripture and in Christian tradition, including illustrations published in ‘Women of Holy Week’
8 March	Dedicated student bar night from 8pm (subject to the Dean’s permission) celebrating International Women’s Day, with live music and themed drinks (alcoholic and alcohol-free options available) – the prices of these special drinks includes a 50p donation to the UN Women’s fund for Ukraine
10 March	A special Lifelines life drawing session (8–10pm in the Rushmore Room) will celebrate International Women’s Day. Materials will be provided and there will be a cash collection for the UN Women’s fund for Ukraine. Sign up online.
11 March	Reclaim the Night march and vigil, with a group from St Catharine’s meeting at the Porters’ Lodge at 5.30pm to march together
16 March	The Health & Wellbeing team will host a special welfare tea at 3pm in the Ramsden Room, with attendees encouraged to discuss ‘What does being a woman mean to you?’
17 March	Joint MCR & JCR movie night in the McGrath Centre
All month from 8 March	Displays in the McGrath Centre and Shakeshaft Library celebrating: Mary Ramsden, benefactor of St Catharine’s Women in the College’s history Publications by Fellows and alumnae
All month from 8 March	‘What does being a woman mean to you?’ – an interactive pin board in the Shakeshaft Library
All month	Invitation for women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) from a male partner to participate in a research study by St Catharine’s alumna Alice Melin (2008, Latin American Studies) on sensitivity to betrayal and new intimate relationship building in survivors of IPV. Find out more and take part.