The She-cession: Why we need Women at the helm of the Post-pandemic Recovery

For five years, Newnham Associates and the Women of the Year organisation have held a joint event, to celebrate women and discuss their next big challenges in the 21st century. In the past, it has been attended by up to 100 women, including alumnae of Women of the Year, Newnham Associates, along with fellows and students from the college.

The topic this year will examine how the pandemic has disproportionately hit the lives of women around the world, both in their home and working lives. But we also want to examine what role women will play in creating a better society as we emerge from the crisis. What opportunities should be seized at this critical juncture?

Our main speaker will be Dr Terri Apter, psychologist and writer and former senior tutor at Newnham College. Dr Apter has spoken and written of how women’s lives have been directly affected by the pressures of navigating the pandemic.

There will then be a panel discussion looking at the issues from different perspectives. Joining us will be:

• Kudsia Batool – Head of Equalities and Strategy for the TUC

• Prof. Maria Misra – Lecturer on Modern History at the University of Oxford

• Dr Victoria Kimonides – Enterprise Co-sell Director, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe.

• Joely To – Founder of ‘Pioneer’ maths programme and winner of Innovative Young People Award 2020

The event will be chaired by Julie Etchingham, ITV News Anchor and President of the Women of the Year, who is also a Newnham alumna.

Newnham College, Cambridge celebrates its 150th anniversary this year (1871-2021).

The Women of the Year organisation is now in its 68th year – and honours the contribution women from all walks of life make to civic society.