Including older women, or extending sexism? Midlife women in popular culture

By Dr Julie Whiteman Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham On 8th March we heard much about ‘inspiring inclusion’ as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Inspiring inclusion will mean many things to many people, recognising the scope of exclusion that permeates all aspects of our society. By focusing on inclusion, it is hoped we … Continue reading “Including older women, or extending sexism? Midlife women in popular culture”

International Women’s Day: Trans women cannot be left behind

By Dr Sophie King-Hill Associate Professor in the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham International Women’s Day is a day that has been dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of women and girls for over 100 years. This day celebrates women and highlights the rights of women that are so vitally needed for … Continue reading “International Women’s Day: Trans women cannot be left behind”

Barbie (and Ken) at the Oscars: what does this say about gender inequality in the film industry?

By Professor Finola Kerrigan Professor in Marketing, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham The 2024 Academy Awards’ Ceremony will take place on Sunday. It comes just after 2024’s International Women’s Day and during Women’s History Month. Much has been made of Ryan Gosling’s best supporting actor nomination for his role as Ken in Barbie with … Continue reading “Barbie (and Ken) at the Oscars: what does this say about gender inequality in the film industry?”

Saluting Our Sisters: Voices from across the College of Social Sciences

October is an important opportunity to share and celebrate black history. This year’s theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’, highlighting the crucial role that black women play in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. As a College we have much to contribute and celebrate, be that the groundbreaking research of academics, student success stories, or … Continue reading “Saluting Our Sisters: Voices from across the College of Social Sciences”

Are you a Barbie girl, living in a Barbie world?

By Dr Sameera KhalfeyLecturer in International Relations, Department of Political Science and International Studies No – and I would like to say thankfully not. Life in plastic is not fantastic. Whilst the Barbie franchise has expanded its representation the doll remains a clear representation of societal expectations and norms. The new Barbie movie, directed by … Continue reading “Are you a Barbie girl, living in a Barbie world?”

Sexual and other forms of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya

By Sarah Rockowitz (MSc Health Policy, MSc Public Health) Global Challenges PhD Scholar in School of Psychology and School of Nursing, University of Birmingham. “The research found that children, particularly girls, have heightened vulnerability to sexual violence committed by non-stranger perpetrators (e.g. neighbours) at private residences during the daytime, owing to school closures and a … Continue reading “Sexual and other forms of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya”

Generation Equality: The changing experience of women

By Professor Jane Martin, Director of Domus Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Histories of Education, Executive Editor of Educational Review School of Education, University of Birmingham On the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for the empowerment of girls and women everywhere, the theme for International Women’s Day for 2020 is … Continue reading “Generation Equality: The changing experience of women”

Should I walk in my own shoes or in the shoes of others?

By Professor Kiran Trehan, Department of Management, University of Birmingham Leadership on International Women’s Day is about reflection, advocacy, and action but it is also about leadership that engages all your senses, not just our minds. I wake up this morning, it’s a lovely spring day, fresh, sunny, with the promise of hope in the … Continue reading “Should I walk in my own shoes or in the shoes of others?”

Putting gender on the agenda in the refugee “crisis”

By Professor Jenny Phillimore Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham Violence, insecurity, persecution, and human rights violations have led to the forced displacement of an estimated 68.5 million people (UNHCR, 2018a). Of these, 25.4 million are refugees – the highest number ever recorded (UNHCR, 2018a). As Project Lead of the SEREDA … Continue reading “Putting gender on the agenda in the refugee “crisis””