Gender and Me

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To celebrate 100 years since women started getting the vote, Plymouth Institute of Education (PIoE) and the Institute of Health and Community (IHC) - both based at the University - are hosting a half day conference: Gender and Me.

The centenary coincides with contemporary international debates on gender equality, including the rise of the #MeToo movement and the publication of data on the Gender Pay Gap in the UK. The former has sought to draw attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in different societies, particularly in places of work and education and, combined with the latter, raises profound questions about what kind of progress has been made towards gender equality in the last 100 years. While the #MeToo movement has encouraged solidarity, empathy and empowerment among many women, the sheer heat of public discourse and media coverage provide one indication of the deep contestation, disturbance and resistance associated with gender politics. Just as was the case 100 years ago, social class, ethnicity, culture and geography all intersect with gender, and serve to highlight individual positions within broader social movements of gender equality. The relationships between Gender and Me are both social and personal and new movements and counter-movements are emerging.

In this half day event, speakers will be asked to explore discourses of feminism and gender equality within the context of their implications for education (both institutionalised and informal) and the workplace. Speakers will draw on their encounters with gender (in-)equality to reflect on both the last 100 years of gender equality and what the next 100 might hold. It is intended that the event be enjoyable and affirmative with the recording of discussions being approached creatively.

Visit the University website for programme details and to register your place.

Image: Getty