International Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day!

International Women's Day (8 March) celebrates women's achievements and calls for gender equality. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action", highlights the urgency of breaking barriers and driving progress. At the current pace, gender parity is over a century away - that’s why this International Women’s Day is not just about celebration—it’s about pushing forward, challenging inequalities, and ensuring meaningful change happens now.

Timeline of milestones across the globe

1893

New Zealand grants women the right to vote

New Zealand becomes the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote, a milestone in global women’s suffrage.
1903

Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) founded in the UK

Led by Emmeline Pankhurst, the WSPU pushes for women's voting rights, inspiring suffrage movements worldwide.
1911

First International Women’s Day (March 8)

Originally observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, this day has since become a global celebration of women's achievements and rights.
1920

U.S. women win the right to vote (19th Amendment)

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants American women the right to vote after decades of activism.
1945

The United Nations (UN) charter includes gender equality

The UN was founded and, for the first time in history, an international document recognises gender equality as a fundamental principle.
1956

Egypt’s women gain the right to vote

This marks a significant step for women's political participation in the Middle East.
1979

The United Nations adopts CEDAW

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark international treaty promoting women's rights globally.
1995

Beijing declaration and platform for action

The Fourth World Conference on Women, led by the UN, establishes a global agenda for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
2011

UN Women is founded

The United Nations establishes a dedicated entity to advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.
2022

Iran’s women’s rights protests gain global attention

Following the death of Mahsa Amini, women in Iran lead protests demanding freedom and rights, sparking worldwide solidarity movements.

Events

Metro Bank Sheffield International Women’s Day Networking Brunch: 14th March; Metro Bank, Sheffield; Head to Metro Bank Sheffield to celebrate International Women's Day where they will have a range of speakers from female led businesses.

Women at Hallam SU

We’re embracing this year's theme by celebrating the impact of women in leadership, including those working to make Hallam a better place.

Campaigns

We're not just celebrating International Women's Day - we're taking real action to create a safer, more supportive university experience for women and gender minorities. This year, we're continuing our work on key campaigns that tackle issues like gender-based violence, period poverty, and drink spiking.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

In November 2024, headed by Abi Marchant (Health, Wellbeing, and Life Sciences Officer), we participated in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running from 25 November to 10 December. Our efforts were dedicated to raising awareness and empowering our community to take action against violence towards women and girls.

Find out more

Period product subscription scheme

Access to period products is a basic right, not a privilege - that's why we're taking steps to ensure no student has to miss out on education because of period poverty. Thanks to funding support from the JD Foundation and The National Lottery, we're able to provide a year's supply of free period products to 500 students.

Learn more

Anti-drink spiking

As part of our 16 Days campaign, hundreds of Hallam students signed a petition demanding Sheffield City Council (SCC) does more to hold venues accountable for tackling drink spiking. As of 14 February 2025, SCC has agreed to work with us on reviewing its local licensing policy to include specific measures on drink spiking.

Read about next steps

Consent education

In February 2024, our 2023/24 Women's Rep, Dot Williams, successfully passed a policy making consent education mandatory at Hallam. We've since developed a mini-module to provide students with clear and essential information on consent. The mini-module is currently being piloted as we gather student feedback. We're also working closely with teams across the University to ensure we're fully prepared for the new registration conditions (Condition E6: Harassment and Sexual Misconduct) from the Office for Students (OfS) which come into effect in August 2025.

Female-owned businesses

Sheffield is bursting with incredible female-led businesses, each adding creativity, passion, and innovation to the city. From bookshops to florists, independent boutiques to craft makers, these businesses empower women and bring something special to our community. Show your support - shop, visit, and share their stories!

Women-only fitness and wellbeing spaces

Sheffield is home to a range of women-only fitness and wellbeing spaces, designed to empower and support women in staying active. From gyms and running clubs to outdoor adventure groups, these spaces provide a welcoming environment to build confidence, strength, and community.

Girls Who Walk Sheffield

A relaxed, social walking group bringing women together for community and connection.

@girlswhowalksheffield

Gym Girls Club Sheffield

A supportive female-only gym club in Sheffield, building strength, confidence, and friendship through group workouts.

@gymgirlsclubsheffield

Run for Fun Sheffield

Supportive female-run group for all paces, making running fun and accessible.

@runforfunsheffield

Chicks n' Chalk

Women's climbing group, perfect for building confidence and skills on the wall.

@chicks_n_chalk

Amy Hulton PT

Women's personal training and group fitness with Amy Hulton, focused on strength, confidence, and community.

@amyhulton.pt

Women in the Wild Sheffield

Inclusive community connecting women through outdoor adventures and shared experiences.

@womeninthewildsheffield

Women's communities in Sheffield

Looking to connect with like-minded women in Sheffield? Whether you're after a student society, an online support group, or a local women-led network, there’s a space for you. These groups offer a place to share experiences, build friendships, and get involved in something bigger.

Sheffield Women's Collective

A community-led group empowering women in Sheffield through events, discussions, and activism. They create a space to connect, share experiences, and push for gender equality. Follow for updates on local initiatives and ways to get involved.

@sheffieldwomenscollective

Truly Twenties Sheffield

A Facebook group for young adults in their twenties who live in Sheffield. Whether you're looking for advice, new friends, or just a place to chat, this welcoming community has you covered!

@Truly Twenties Sheffield

Bloom Sheffield

A women- and non-binary-led community flower garden in Heeley, using horticulture to support mental health and well-being. They also run a flower shop selling locally grown blooms, handmade soaps, candles, and gifts—with all proceeds going back into the community.

@bloomsheffield

Soft Girl Social Sheffield

An Instagram-based group helping women in Sheffield form friendships through shared interests. From yoga brunches to hiking trips, they organise regular events to bring people together. Follow them to see what’s coming up!

@softgirlsocial_sheffield

Girl Guiding Sheffield

Volunteering opportunity

Part of the UK’s largest charity for girls and young women, Girlguiding Sheffield is all about building confidence, learning new skills, and making lifelong friends. They’re always looking for volunteers to help inspire the next generation.

@Girl Guiding Sheffield

Hillsborough Hugs

A mental health support group based in Sheffield’s S6 area. They meet every Thursday at 7 pm in the upstairs room of the Hillsborough Tap, offering a friendly space to talk about self-care, well-being, and personal challenges.

@Hillsborough Hugs

Sheffield Feminist Book Club

A welcoming space to explore feminist literature, share ideas, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. Open to all, this club is perfect for book lovers who want to challenge perspectives and meet like-minded people.

@sheffieldfembookclub

Read, watch, listen

Explore our recommended books, films, TV shows, and podcasts.

Books

Film

Podcasts

Sheffield Hallam Alumni

From champion athletes to groundbreaking artists, fearless leaders to pioneering academics - these remarkable Sheffield Hallam alumni have driven change in their industries and communities.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and the impact of their actions in shaping a better future.

Societies

Join student groups led by women to connect and socialise.

Support and resources

Report and Support

At Hallam, we take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, abuse, and sexual violence. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, harassment, abuse, or a hate crime, you don’t have to face it alone. You can choose to report it anonymously or access confidential support from a specialist adviser who can guide you through your options and help you get the support you need. Your safety and wellbeing matter, and we’re here to stand with you.

Report and Support

Cervical screening awareness

Cervical smear tests are an important part of looking after your health, and if you're a mature student, you'll be contacted for your first test around six months before you turn 25.

We know this can feel a bit daunting, but it's a simple and quick procedure that helps prevent cervical cancer. With nearly 1 in 3 not attending their cervical screening test, it's important to help lower the fear factor and show just how important these tests are.

Cervical screening awareness week is happening 19-24 June 2025 but be sure to read more over on the macmillan cancer support page.

Support for students in sex work

Beyond the Gaze was a three-year study of the safety and working conditions of online sex work in the UK. With research showing 56,000 students turn to sex work to pay their bills, financial struggles shouldn't mean compromising safety. If you're engaging in sex work, you can access confidential support, guidance, and financial resources to help you make informed choices. It's important to remember your safety is above everything else.

You can find more helpful resources and safety information here.

Basis Yorkshire have also created a 'Toolkit for Student Sex Workers' to help keep you safe and access support.

Download the Student Safety Toolkit

Spiking and sexual violence

We know that sexual violence and spiking incidents disproportionately impact women. We're doing something about it.

At Hallam Students’ Union, we’re committed to your safety and wellbeing. Our support services provide essential information on spiking awareness, sexual health, and where to get help if you need it. We offer free anti-spiking kits, sexual health kits, and pregnancy tests at the HUBS Helpdesk, alongside signposting to local services for emergency contraception and specialist support. Your safety matters, and we’re here to ensure you have the resources and support to make informed choices and stay safe.

We also offer free anti-spiking kits at the HUBS Helpdesk to help you stay safe on nights out. Your wellbeing is our priority—find out more about staying safe and supported.

Spiking support

Sexual violence support

Helpful charities and support

Sheffield Working Women's Opportunities Project (SWWOP) - Outreach and support for women in sex work.
Sheffield Women's Aid - Safe refuge and support for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Together Women - Services empowering women facing complex challenges.
Sheffield DACT - Support for those affected by domestic abuse and substance misuse.
YWCA Yorkshire - Housing and support for young women and families.
Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (SRASAC) - Specialist support for survivors of sexual violence.
Ashiana Sheffield - Support for Black, Asian, minority ethnic, and refugee women facing violence.
Saffron Sheffield - Therapy and wellbeing services for women recovering from trauma.
Sexual Health Sheffield (SHS) - Free sexual health services and advice.
Yorkshire MESMAC - LGBTQ+ sexual health and wellbeing support.
Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement (SWARM) - Sex worker-led activism and support.
Beyond the Streets - Helping women find routes out of sexual exploitation.

This International Women's Day, make a difference. Whether it's attending an event, joining a campaign, or accessing support, your voice and actions matter. Let's stand together for a safer, more equal future.