International Women’s Day was first recognised by the United Nations in 1975 and grew out of efforts in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights.
It is now observed across the world and is an official public holiday in many countries including Cuba, Vietnam and Eritrea.
This year, Durham University has used the day as a launchpad to run a series of women-only events and activities that will continue throughout the month.
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These include sessions at the University’s sports centre, Maiden Castle, where female staff and students can take part in classes such as yoga, Zumba, rowing and strength training.
Other events include the Department of Archaeology hosting a panel of female archaeologists for an 'Any Questions?' style discussion based on this year's International Women’s Day theme of 'embrace equity'.
Newcastle Labour MP Chi Onwurah will give a lecture in the Physics Department on ‘A Life in Science, Engineering and Politics’.
Rachel Archbold, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Durham University, said: “We celebrate the contributions of our female staff and students year-round at Durham, but International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to shine a special spotlight on their achievements.
“From ground-breaking researchers whose work has global impact, through to sportswomen excelling in their fields, we are proud of all the remarkable women associated with the University.
“We’re also delighted to see how many Durham female graduates go on to achieve great things, such as physicist Dr Rosemary Coogan, who has been chosen out of more than 22,000 applicants to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency.
“As a university, we work hard to create a respectful, inclusive environment where our staff and students can thrive.
“With this in mind, we have launched a range of inspiring and empowering sessions such as strength training, meditation, art classes and women-only fitness sessions, alongside our ongoing wellbeing initiatives.
“On this International Women’s Day, we also pleased to announce our new staff shadowing scheme, which will give staff and students a unique opportunity to shadow some of our senior staff in their day-to-day roles.
“We are also offering an opportunity for students to have Tea with the VC (Durham University’s Vice Chancellor).
“They’ll be able to speak to Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien about her experiences in higher education and their own career aspirations.
“These initiatives will give staff and students a unique insight into the vital work being done on a daily basis by the amazing women here at Durham; women who prove that gender should be no barrier to success.”
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The International Women’s Day celebrations follows the globally recognised International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
To mark that occasion, on February 10, Durham University invited girls from local schools to visit its Physics Department where pupils took part in a range of science-based activities.
This helped to raise awareness about the important role female scientists play in physics research.
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