Normally hosted in-person by the Careers & Employability team at the University’s Postgraduate Centre, this year’s event will take place remotely in the form of a webinar. Featuring guest speakers, videos, panel discussions and an interactive quiz, the event invites attendees to ‘#ChooseToChallenge’ and promises to put the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women at the forefront of its focus.

In collaboration with Beds SU and Enterprise Rent-a-Car, the event takes place between 2:45-4:45pm on Wednesday 3^rd March, marking the University’s annual celebration of women which this year takes place ahead of International Women’s Day. It is free to register and the winner of the quiz will win a £50 Amazon voucher.

The two hour event will include contributions from University of Bedfordshire staff as well as representatives from Beds SU, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Total Wellbeing Luton and UIA. The event will highlight the importance of having women in leadership positions, the role of extra-curricular activities in career development and will explore ways of treating and managing anxiety and stress.

Priya Chauhan, Recruitment Services Manager, says linking the themes of International Women’s Day to the career paths of students is important in boosting the confidence of women in the workplace. She said:

“We are very pleased to be able to deliver this event ahead of International Women’s Day and are thankful for all the support provided by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the other local and national organisations who support our students and graduates in obtaining employment.

“As we are a widening participation institution, our students come from various backgrounds and so we feel it is important to mark International Women’s Day annually, to motivate students to achieve higher and make them feel inspired and empowered by others who have succeeded.

“I encourage all students, not just those who identify as women, to sign up as it is a celebratory event of employability and equality. Attendees will hear from inspirational female leaders, will get to take part in a special quiz and will find out about the upcoming launch of Enterprise Rent-a-Car’s mentoring scheme.”

To find out about this and other events hosted by the University of Bedfordshire, visit the online calendar: www.beds.ac.uk/events

For advice and information about volunteering opportunities, career development and other job-related support, students should contact the University’s Careers and Employability Service: www.beds.ac.uk/careers