TW: Mentions of gender-based violence.
Hi, I’m Lucy, your Women’s Officer here at the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students!
The month of March sees Women’s History Month celebrated around the world, and here at the Guild, we’re marking this month in many ways. From networking to nights out, there’s lots of ways to get involved in this month’s celebrations. Here is an overview of what’s coming up and its significance:
Bloody Lovely Afternoon
On Tuesday 3 March we’re holding an interactive workshop on menstrual health, Bloody Lovely Afternoon. Fellow student and Menstrual Health Activist, Anvi, will share her journey as an activist and engage us around what it’s like to experience menstruation as a university student, including period poverty and what support is available. We will discuss why non-menstruators should be part of the conversation too. This is a collaborative workshop with WUKA, who are providing 40 free pairs of period pants to attendees.
This workshop couldn’t have come at a more vital time. 70% of students who menstruate report being unable to concentrate on studies or assessments due to period pain. 1 in 6 students who menstruate have experienced period poverty in the past year, with nearly half missing classes as a result. Despite all the evidence suggesting the severity of this issue, only 15% of universities offer any form of menstruation-related policy (HEPI, 2025).
International Women's Day Vigil
In the evening of Tuesday 3 March, we’re hosting a vigil in remembrance of victims of gender-based violence. This is held at the Green Heart, right in the centre of campus. Through joining together in solidarity, we’ll here from student speakers reflecting on the issue and mark respect towards those affected by violence against women and girls (VAWG). This is sure to be a powerful display, and will demonstrate our resistance against such violence, as well as our continued fight for justice and increased women’s safety.
With violence against women and girls on the increase (37% increase of VAWG-related crimes between 2018 and 2023), it’s vital that we show up as a community in defiance and support for those affected (parliament.uk, 2025). When a woman is killed by a man every 3 days in the UK, we all must take a stand and use our voices for change (endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk, 2026).
Community Breakfast - Women's Week Edition
On Wednesday 4 March we’re holding a Women’s Week edition of the Guild’s popular Community Breakfast. Students are able to enjoy a free breakfast, whilst meeting with me (the Women’s Officer) and chatting to Birmingham-based women’s charities; GINA, RSVP and Anawim. This is a great way to signpost students and raise awareness on support services available for our community.
Women's Society Networking
On Thursday 5 March, I will be hosting a networking social for committees and members of UoB women’s societies. This is a great way for prominent women shaping campus and actively engaged students to come together!
Half of young women report facing discrimination in the workplace, and almost half of young women are worried about not having enough career opportunities to progress (youngwomenstrust.org, 2023); the time for growing your network and connecting with other future leaders is now. I am so happy to see UoB students get involved with initiatives like this to develop themselves & their community.
FAB: Dancing Queens
Although there are many reasons that International Women’s Day (IWD) & Women’s History Month are significant, this time is also a cause for celebration of how far we have come, the power of our community and the future we will pave the way for. It’s amazing to get to ring in IWD on the night of Saturday 7 March at the Guild’s free club night, Dancing Queens! You can expect girl power bangers from DJ Kate Frost, singing your hearts out at karaoke and benefiting from great drinks offers!
Girls Run Brum - Selly Solidarity Run
Finally, on IWD itself (Sunday 8 March), we’re collaborating with Girls Run Brum for a run around Selly Oak. This is a great opportunity for everyone to join for a friendly jog and for the Community Ambassadors at the Guild to share how they serve the Selly Oak community, as well as hand out free self-defence safety resources.
I want to say thank you for everyone who will be attending or supporting these events! It’s set to be an incredible Women’s History Month, and I am very honoured to serve as your Women’s Officer – I hope I have done you proud. Here’s to an even bigger Women’s History Month next year!