Activate Learning celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 – a focus on Accelerating Action

International Women’s Day (IWD) stands as a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. Annually, this day serves as a potent reminder of the strides taken toward gender equality while underscoring the ongoing work required.

In 2025, the campaign theme “Accelerate Action” places a spotlight on the significance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

To accelerate action means to increase momentum and urgency in tackling the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both personally and professionally not only on International Women’s Day 2025 but everyday.

This year’s campaign theme underscores the pivotal role of inclusion in the pursuit of gender equality. It calls for concerted efforts to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and cultivate environments where all women are valued and respected.

When we elevate female voices and achievement, we ensure more inclusive outcomes and better representation.

Here are some of the ways we empower and celebrate female students and staff across Activate Learning:

How we accelerate action at Activate Learning.

At Activate Learning, we’re accelerating action by:

• providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
• supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
• elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport
• promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls.

Supporting International Women’s Day events

On Friday 7 March, Councillor Sallie Barker MBE, Mayor of Guildford will be hosting an Afternoon Tea at the Park Room Restaurant at Guildford College to celebrate International Women’s Day.

We’ll also be welcoming guest speaker, award-winning space scientist, broadcaster and author, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Working with Women’s Institutes, this fantastic event will be fundraising for Guildford Women’s Refuge.

Cheri Ashby, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Activate Learning and Sue Sturgeon, Chair of the Corporation at Activate Learning will both be attending.

Celebrating female achievement across Activate Learning 

There are so many wonderful stories of female achievement at Activate Learning.

Please join us in celebrating our students and staff across the group.

A spotlight on staff on International Women’s Day 2025

Our staff work hard each day to improve the lives of students and their own knowledge.

• • Spotlight on International Women’s Day – Vicky Winslow, Public Services tutor
  • Spotlight on International Women’s Day – Charlie Dodd, Farm Manager and Agriculture tutor
  • Spotlight on International Women’s Day – Hannah O’Neill
  • Spotlight on International Women’s Day  – Laura Callaghan, Carpentry Tutor

A spotlight on students on International Women’s Day 2025

Our female students achieve incredible things while studying with us and as they progress into their careers.

Here are some of their success stories:  

• Meet Chloe Swain: International Women’s Day alumni feature
• Joanne Stone case study | Knorr-Bremse
• Becky Brailsford case study | Billington Foods

At Activate Learning, we continue to empower our female students and staff and champion their successes.

We strive to raise awareness against gender bias through our leadership and education. We provide diverse opportunities and programmes for all.   

Celebrating women in STEM at Activate Learning 

We’re proud to have so many women in STEM at Activate Learning and are dedicated to ensuring more women enter STEM industries.  

Girls in STEM Day at Activate Learning

In March 2025, female STEM leaders and experts will host sessions for local schools at our colleges in Bracknell and Farnham.

These leaders will offer a selection of interactive talks and workshops where students can learn more about careers in STEM from renowned companies and individuals.

Speakers will include:

• RSSL
• MACE
• AWE
• Thames Valley Police

Learn more about a previous Girls in STEM Day at Reading College and University Centre in 2024. 

Get involved and share your story with us 

With this year’s theme in mind, we would love for you to share your own achievements while studying or working with us.   

Share your experience and story with us via Activate Learning’s social media channels. Don’t forget to add the hashtag #AccelerateAction  

So, strike the #AccelerateAction pose and demonstrate your commitment. It’s time to challenge inequity, question stereotypes, and do your bit to help shape a truly inclusive world.