The theme of the 2024 celebrations is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, encouraging others to understand and value women’s inclusion, as well as enabling women themselves to feel inspired to create a sense of belonging and empowerment.

As part of the celebrations, the Students’ Union is hosting a special afternoon of entertainment on 8 March, kicking off with a Q&A session with an inspirational female alumni – ITV presenter Megan Murphy.

Megan graduated from her Radio & Audio course at Bedfordshire in 2021 and has seen her career go from strength to strength, now taking up the role as the Good Morning Britain presenter for ITV Channel TV.

She will join Beds SU Co Vice-President, Amina Awal, via a video link hosted in the Metro Bar & Kitchen on the Luton campus, to talk about her fascinating career so far and answer students’ questions.

To round off the afternoon, Beds SU will also be welcoming female DJ Slim-Azz for an early evening entertainment session playing the best female-led tunes.

Speaking about IWD, Amina said: “As a young woman striving to excel in an IT career field dominated by men, IWD serves as a reminder of the challenges we face and the progress we've made in breaking barriers. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide, recognise the progress made towards gender equality, and reflect on the ongoing work needed to empower women in all aspects of life.”

Chidinma Akwada – Co-President of Beds SU – added: “International Women's Day is more than a date in the calendar; it embodies the spirit of empowerment and possibility. It's a day where we recognise that true progress is only possible when everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. 

“As a woman leading my university's Students’ Union, it's a reminder of the transformative power of women in education, advocacy, and the community. It inspires me to foster an environment where every student, regardless of gender, feels supported, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.”

Alongside this empowering entertainment, the University’s Women’s Network has sat down to discuss what the occasion means to them and why inspiring inclusion is as important as ever.

If you’re looking to celebrate the day by reading a good book, the University’s library team have put together a reading list made up of works created by and about women.

Media, Marketing & Public Relations student, Fleur O’Brien, has also written a special International Women’s Day blog, reflecting on what the occasion and this year’s theme means to her.