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

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.
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.
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.