March is a time to honor and celebrate women worldwide, and Roehampton Students’ Union has embraced this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, with a series of impactful events and initiatives. Here’s a look at how RSU is making strides toward gender equality during International Women’s Month 2025.

- Irene Reynolds, VP Education 

Theme of the Month: #AccelerateAction

This year’s International Women’s Day theme (observed on March 8) calls for urgent action to achieve gender parity. With current projections estimating full equality won’t be reached until 2158, the campaign emphasizes the need for accelerated progress.

How to get involved (not only during Women’s Month but year round):

• Support organizations empowering  women
• Challenge stereotypes and biases.
• Celebrate women’s achievements.
• Share your #AccelerateAction pose on social media and tag @roehamptonsu.
• Contribute to the IWD Gallery with images and statements.

Together, we can create a more equitable future! 

Social Media Highlight

Throughout March, we have been spotlighting influential women and global events shaping women’s lives. From trailblazing historical figures such as Rosa Parks and Mary Seacole, to contemporary leaders like Malala Yousefzai and Sara Mardini, these social media posts aim to inspire students to reflect on the power of women’s contributions around the world.

I've also dedicated time to researching and highlighting pressing global issues affecting women, including the U.S. Global Gag Rule and the persistent Global Gender Pay Gap. My goal through doing a social media campaign was to raise awareness and shed light on the diverse challenges women face in different parts of the world, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical issues and their far-reaching impacts.

Event Highlights

Period Poverty Pop-Up

Research shows that 21% of women in the UK struggle to afford sanitary products—a problem exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis. To tackle this issue head-on we hosted a pop-up stall offering free sanitary products and sharing vital health information with female students. The goal of this event was not only to provide free products for our female students on one occasion but also make more students aware that we always have sanitary products available to students in the Community Pantry open Monday - Friday between 10:00- 17:00, open to all students— no questions asked. This initiative further underscores the RSU’s commitment to addressing period poverty and supporting students in need.

Treasure Hunt

Ending Women’s History Month with excitement, the RSU launched a campus-wide treasure hunt!

We placed ten posters around the main campus highlighting various women who have made history, such as Helen Sharman, the first British Astronaut. Each poster was numbered and had a ~magic~ word written in red; in order to win, students had to find all the posters & put the ~magic~ words in order to reveal the secret message: Feminism is the radical notion that women are human (beings). In the end five students won a goody bag filled with fun prizes!

A Special Shoutout

Finally, I would like to give a special shoutout to Farrah Black, the 2020-2022 RSU President, who left this wonderful treasure hunt behind for a future sabbatical officer to find & put together for the students! During Farrah’s presidency she began the Period Poverty campaign at Roehampton, implementing free sanitary products on campus, particularly the library, where her impact as a president remains evident every single day! If you happen to see this, thank you Farrah, for your incredible work during your time at the Roehampton Students’ Union.

Closing Out Women's Month: A Year-Round Commitment

As March and Women's Month draw to a close, it's crucial to remember that women continue to face significant challenges worldwide. It's essential that we stand in solidarity with women not just during this month, but every day of the year. I would like extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in our events this month and to the dedicated women at RSU who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make a difference —your contributions are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing this important work together!

- Irene Reynolds, VP Education