This year’s International Women’s Day theme is accelerating action. London Higher’s membership is incredibly diverse, hosting staff and students from a range of different backgrounds. It is important that higher education institutes across London foster an inclusive community by celebrating diversity and promoting equal opportunities. By creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered, our members can contribute to a more equitable future for all. Today, we are sharing some words from our inspirational female leaders on how their role helps to accelerate action for women and girls.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, said:
‘As we mark the International Women’s Day, it is really great that London Higher is putting a spotlight on female vice-chancellors. We all play an important role in modelling behaviours, providing visible leadership, and creating inclusive cultures. In my role at the University of Greenwich, I have the privilege of working alongside, championing, and actively supporting absolutely amazing female colleagues. I am always passionate to sponsor and coach other women to succeed. At our institution, we are also taking necessary actions, such as our ongoing efforts to reduce gender pay gap, of which I am particularly proud.’
Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said:
‘One of the things I value most in my role is the chance to drive real change for women and girls, both at London Met and beyond. I’ve been incredibly lucky to learn from and work alongside amazing women throughout my career. Their resilience, determination, and generosity have shaped the way I lead and reinforced my belief that education and opportunity can change lives.
As Vice-Chancellor, I’m committed to making sure London Met is a place where women can thrive. As Vice-Chancellor, I am in a position to implement impactful policies, facilitate open dialogue, and lead initiatives that drive progress towards gender equality, empowering women and girls both within the university and in the wider community.’
Professor Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor of Royal Holloway, University of London, said:
‘Accelerating action for women and girls is embedded in Royal Holloway’s origin story. This is a place that was founded on the principle of providing higher education for women; somewhere that has always understood the need to act for equality of opportunity. We continue to build on that legacy of social purpose, reimagining it for the present. As Vice-Chancellor and Principal, I’m resolutely committed to enabling and empowering our students to breaking down barriers of whatever kind – and to sustaining a community that inspires them to accelerate positive action themselves.’
Professor Karen Stanton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London, said:
‘Accelerating opportunities for women and girls in arts education isn’t just about fairness — it’s about unlocking the full creative potential of our society. At UAL, we have fostered generations of artists, designers, and communicators, from Stella McCartney to Es Devlin, who have gone on to challenge traditional gender norms, break barriers, and amplify the voices of women in the arts. Through their work they have shaped the UK cultural landscape.
At UAL, we understand that creativity isn’t just a powerful driver of economic growth—it is also a profound source of meaning and joy. By accelerating opportunities for women and girls, we are not only fostering a fairer, more inclusive society but also unlocking new possibilities for innovation, culture, and positive change.’
Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University, said:
‘Women’s rights and women’s education are two sides of the same coin. Through education we empower women to fulfil their potential and live lives on terms they’ve chosen for themselves. Of crucial importance to me is our engagement with the local community. Our collaboration with local schools and colleges is bringing inspiring female academics into classrooms, introducing young women to underrepresented areas like STEM and demystifying the route to achieving their ambitions. So that no young women, with the talent to succeed, will feel a university education is out of her reach.
As London universities, we have a unique platform to accelerate access to women’s education and I am determined we seize it.’
Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer of London Higher, said:
‘Being CEO of London Higher puts me in prime position to accelerate action for women and girls in myriad ways. First, the public advocacy part of my role gives me a platform from which to push for gender-equitable policies from local and national government and to call out developments that work against a fair and inclusive society. Second, the convening power I’ve been afforded working across London’s 50+ higher education institutions helps me to drive change and champion positive action within our membership, such as initiatives to close the gender pay gap or address harassment and discrimination. Third and finally, as a visible female leader in my own right, I am acutely aware of my position as a role model for other women in senior policy and advocacy positions and always go out of my way to support, counsel and mentor others earlier on in their careers. These women are our future and we all share a responsibility to accelerate action so they can fulfil their full potential and build diverse and inclusive communities.’
