In partnership with the Learned Society of Wales, the University of South Wales’ Women in Academia@USW Network recently celebrated International Women’s Day 2016 with their biggest event to date.

Held on Friday 4 March, the Network welcomed a range of speakers from academia, business and the third sector including, Professor Karen Holford FREng FLSW, Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Physical Sciences and engineering, Cardiff University, Professor Julie Lydon, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales, Aditee Mitra, Lecturer with the College of Science, Swansea University, Emma Tamplin, Chwarae Teg, Norma Jaboe, WEN Wales and Joni Alexander, Women Making a Difference.

Aligned to this year’s International Women’s Day core message – Pledge for Parity – the day explored the ‘Pledge for Parity’ agenda and broadly addressed the challenges and successes around ensuring this was maintained in academia as well as industry.

The day was skilfully curated by USW alumna and Founder of CareerCake.com, Aimee Bateman, and the day’s Keynote Speech was delivered by Kate Lewis, ITV Weather Presenter, who talked of the broadcaster’s focus to ensure gender balanced coverage.

Ellen Jones – University of South Wales Students Union President – joined academic colleagues to explore issues around the difficulties of work/life balance and the panel then answered delegate questions about recommended publications to help advance skills in leadership roles.

After enjoying an afternoon tea, delegates split off into one of four workshops to discuss a diverse range of issues including mentoring, social media skills for your career, taking on roles in public life and matters to do with women in Higher Education – making reference to the recently released paper, WomenCount: Leaders in Higher Education.