Inspirational Women Celebrated in University Exhibition | News

Inspirational women who have paved the way for colleagues and students are being celebrated by the University of Sheffield in a portrait exhibition.

Inspirational women who have paved the way for colleagues and students are being celebrated by the University of Sheffield in a portrait exhibition.

The university launched a special project entitled “Our People: Inspirational Women” on International Women’s Day to showcase and celebrate women across the organization and increase the number of women represented in campus portraits and photographs.

Colleagues from across the University were invited to nominate women who have inspired them and share their academic and professional achievements and recognitions, as well as how they live the University’s values.

A panel, made up of colleagues from across the University, a member of the University Council and a representative of the Students’ Union, met to discuss the 320 nominations and selected 21 women to be featured in a series of portraits exhibited at University throughout the entire university. June and July.

Professor Ruth Blakeley, Vice-Chancellor for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, was one of the women selected. Through successful collaboration with partners around the world, Ruth’s research on international security, terrorism and political violence, and human rights has made a difference in how national policymakers and international human rights advocates approach the issues of torture and rendition.

Ruth’s research has been used in litigation on behalf of torture victims at the European Court of Human Rights, the US Supreme Court, and the military commissions at Guantánamo Bay, and has raised pressing questions about global human rights governance.

Professor Blakeley said: “It means a lot to see and hear the impact my work has had. I have taken on different leadership roles very consciously because there are not enough senior women. The motivation when you are in leadership roles is to use the influence that comes with that role to create spaces and conditions that allow others to follow similar paths and thrive.”

Other shortlisted nominees include the University’s Muslim chaplain in the Non-Faith and Religion Life Centre, a Faculty of Engineering research fellow who developed outreach for primary schools and a member of the university’s security team who was nominated for her people. -first approach, all those who have made a difference for the university community.

Professor Sheila Francis, Head of Faculty for One University (Faculty of Health) said:

“Our People: Inspiring Women initiative aims to showcase and celebrate women in our university community. It was born from a simple observation in one faculty and became a university-wide initiative.

“When we first embarked on this project, we could not have anticipated the wonderful response we have had from colleagues across the University and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible achievements of all the nominees.

“A wonderful selection of over 300 women were nominated; a testament to the achievements, contributions of colleagues and the positive impact they have on those around them.”

Professor John Derrick, Senior Vice-President of the Faculty and UEB One University Lead, said: “Creating a culture where all colleagues are celebrated, feel a sense of belonging and can thrive is a core component of our One University pillar. We hope this initiative contributes to that by sharing the stories of these women, celebrating their contributions and helping to inspire colleagues, students and visitors.”

The portrait exhibition will be open to members of the University from 25 June 2024.