The University’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health was proud to host its annual International Women’s Day event, bringing together staff, students and members of our wider community for an inspiring programme dedicated to women’s health.

More than a traditional lecture, the event provided a platform to celebrate progress, encourage meaningful dialogue and highlight the importance of advancing women’s health across research, education and society. Centred on the theme of empowerment, it encouraged open conversations, challenged long-standing misconceptions and championed equitable access to healthcare for all women.

 Keynote address from Professor Joyce Harper

The event featured a keynote address from Professor Joyce Harper, an internationally recognised and award-winning leader in reproductive science. As Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London Institute for Women’s Health, she has spent nearly four decades advancing research and education in fertility, genetics and women’s wellbeing.

In her talk, Professor Harper highlighted critical gaps in women’s health education, advocating for improved teaching on topics such as menstruation, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis. She also offered a fresh perspective on menopause, encouraging audiences to view it as a positive life transition rather than a negative experience.

The discussion also explored contemporary issues shaping women’s health, including the influence of social media, the rise of ‘infotainment,’ the commercialisation of menopause, and the opportunities and risks associated with period tracking and fertility apps. Professor Harper also shared insights from her global podcast, Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This?, which features expert voices from across the field.

• A recording of the keynote is available to watch online.

Research poster session and wellbeing choir

Following the keynote, attendees engaged with a research poster session showcasing innovative work from across the University. Topics ranged from racial inequalities in maternal mortality among Black migrant women, to the role of the womb lining in placental development in preeclampsia, and the impact of air pollution on placental health. The session provided an opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration.

The event concluded with a performance from the University’s Wellbeing Choir, whose uplifting repertoire created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.

Poster competition winner

Congratulations to the Blond McIndoe Lab team, whose pioneering 3D human model of peritoneal endometriosis was selected as the winning poster by event participants.

Looking ahead

We extend our thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this event. The passion, insight and dedication demonstrated across the women’s health community continue to drive meaningful progress. While there is more work to be done, events like this leave us optimistic and motivated to advance research, education and advocacy in women’s health.