International Women’s Day: A Plymouth Conversation

Hosted by Plymouth University to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2016, the event – entitled “A Plymouth Conversation” – will draw on contributions from four female leaders representing institutions across the city: Professor Judith Petts, CBE and Vice-

Chancellor, Plymouth University;  Ann James (HonD Health ), Chief Executive, Plymouth NHS Trust; Carole Burgoyne, Strategic Director for People, Plymouth City Council, and Professor Debby Cotton, Professor of Higher Education, Plymouth University.

“A Plymouth Conversation” will take place at 14.00 on 8 March 2016 and will be hosted in the Rolle Building Marquee on the University campus. The conversation will draw on the professional journeys of the panellists to explore gender parity and how this impacts upon women’s careers. The speakers will share insights from their own careers and will answer questions from the audience drawing on their own experiences. 

The event is open to professional women and men from across the city who share an interest in exploring how gender parity can be improved. Event attendees will also be invited to engage in understanding how unconscious bias plays a role in our day-to-day lives, and share ideas for actions which can be taken to improve the development and progression of the careers of current and future generations.

Vikki Matthews, Chair of Plymouth University’s Equality and Diversity Committee said: “The University is delighted to host this event. Gender parity is not about one gender pitched against the other; it is about ensuring a level playing field in our careers, regardless of gender. It will be interesting to hear contributors’ experiences in what will be, I’m sure, a stimulating discussion.”

Those wishing to attend “A Plymouth Conversation” can reserve a ticket by visiting http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/IWD2016  or calling the Plymouth University Events Team on (01752) 586005.