The theme of International Women’s Day this year is parity, so will be examining how things stand for women working in higher education in a live chat on the Guardian Higher Education Network.
Of the 170 vice-chancellors at higher education institutions in the UK, just 35 (20%) are women, according to the most recent research from the Equality Challenge Unit.
The University and College Union (UCU) has published research today which reveals a persistent gender pay gap at all levels in universities. The report shows that women are paid less at every career stage, from early career researchers to professors.
What is the best way to address this disparity? What progress has been made so far, what can we celebrate, and what can we learn lessons from?
Our experts will share their thoughts, discuss their experiences, analyse suggestions and answer your questions – join us for the discussion on Tuesday 8 March from 12-2pm GMT.
Send us your questions by posting in the comments below or tweeting us via @GdnHigherEd. The comments section is open now (although your questions won’t be answered until the live chat).
The panel will include:
Kim Frost, director of human resources for the University of London, and chair of the Universities HR association (UHR)
Kalwant Bhopal, professor of education and social justice at Southampton university
Smita Jamdar, lawyer with a focus on universities
Louise Morley, professor of education at Sussex University with interests in widening participation and gender equality
Ellen Pugh Senior policy advisor at the Equality Challenge Unit, an organisation that works to support equality and diversity in higher education
Emily Bell Teaching associate at the University of Bristol and media and events co-ordinator for Soapbox Science, a public engagement initiative promoting women in science
Jenny Garrett an executive coach and author, who runs a workshop on Adaptive Leadership for the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education’s women-only leadership programme, Aurora
Michael MacNeil Head of bargaining and negotiations at the University and College Union
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