University of Plymouth Women's Network

Focusing specifically on providing a unified voice for people who identify as a woman
University of Plymouth Women's Network

Unfortunately, planned University events (including social gatherings) have been cancelled with immediate effect until 31 May 2020. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Welcome to the University of Plymouth Women's Network

The Women's Network was established in 2015 to empower women within the University and promote a culture of high performance and respect. We aim to support female staff by providing a forum for discussion, debate and individual development, focusing specifically on providing a unified voice for people who identify as a woman and is open to all staff within our University community.

The Network is co-chaired by Trudie Haywood and Jess Darling and guided by the Advisory Group. Any member of the Women’s Network can apply to join the Advisory Group which aims to have representation from across the University. Colleagues who may be on maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave are also warmly welcomed as ‘virtual’ network members. If this is something that you would be interested in taking part in please email womensnetwork@plymouth.ac.uk. 

Our aims:

  • A platform for the voice and views of women within the University to be represented and channeled.
  • A forum of debate on issues that are pertinent to women in the workplace.
  • A forum for networking across the organisation for women to share experiences and offer support to one another in confidence.
  • To provide development activities and events for women including mentoring and support.

International Women's Day event – Monday 9 March 

The University of Plymouth Women's Network is proud to present Generation Equality; an evening of feminist lectures to celebrate International Women's Day. We are thrilled to have Professor Roberta Mock (Director of the Doctoral College), Dr Hadelzein Elobeid and Dr Emma Macleod-Johnstone (Lecturer in Education Studies) talking on a variety of feminist issues.    

This event is open to staff, students and the general public and is free to attend, although registration is essential. Complimentary refreshments and nibbles will also be served prior to and following the talks.  

Register for this exciting event

Athena SWAN

We are a long-term supporter of the Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) charter. This is a national scheme, focused on advancing equality for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine in higher education. 

Athena SWAN was established in 2005 and is managed by the UK Equality Challenge Unit (now part of Advance HE) who recognise and celebrate good practices in higher education and research institutions advancing gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. 

Find out more about our Athena work

Marking the life and achievements of Plymouth's first female doctor

In the centenary of women’s suffrage, the University and Plymouth City Council installed a commemorative blue plaque to honour Plymouth’s first woman doctor Rosa Bale, who practised as a GP in Portland Square. Having had to fight against male prejudice, she was a keen suffragist, and supported other female doctors who followed her.

“At a time when glass ceilings would have been ten metres thick, she not only qualified as a doctor, but was a revered speaker and made a huge difference to local public health in Plymouth.” Professor Hilary Neve.