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On International Women’s Day, the University launched an initiative titled ‘Our People: Inspirational Women’. This new University-wide project aimed to showcase and celebrate women from across the University and increase the number of women represented in portraits and photography around campus. 

Colleagues from across the University were invited to nominate the women who inspired them and share the academic and professional achievements and accolades as well as how they live the University’s values.

Over 320 nominations were received; a testament to the accomplishments, contributions and impact of women across our University.

A panel of colleagues from across the University, a member of the University’s Council, and a representative from the Students' Union came together to discuss the nominations and selected 21 women to feature in a series of portraits. 

The Our People: Inspirational Women initiative aims to showcase and celebrate women from across our University community. It was born out of a simple observation in one Faculty and has grown into a University-wide initiative.

When we originally embarked on this project we could not have anticipated the wonderful response we have had from colleagues across the University and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible achievements of all those nominated.

A wonderful selection of more than 300 women were nominated; a testament to colleagues’ accomplishments, contributions and the positive impact they are having on those around them.  

Creating a culture where all colleagues are celebrated, feel a sense of belonging and can thrive is a core strand of our One University pillar. We hope that this initiative contributes to that by sharing these women’s stories, celebrating their contributions and helping to inspire colleagues and students.

Professor John Derrick, Lead Faculty Vice-President and UEB One University Lead and Professor Sheila Francis, Faculty Director for One University (Faculty of Health)

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Photography exhibition 

A special photography exhibition showcased the portraits of the women selected to feature and displayed the names of all the women nominated for the initiative.

Next to each portrait was information about the individual's journey, extracts from their nomination statement and personal reflections. 

The photography exhibition moved across the University's main campus and Advanced Manufacturing Group.