Women's Health Week

In celebration of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health on 28 May, we’re hosting a series of talks, presentations, and stalls to raise awareness among our staff of the issues and situations faced by women. 

While activists around the world mobilise and highlight demands towards the fulfilment of women’s right to health – we would like to call our staff to assemble at The Hex, located at the heart of our Colchester Campus. 

The two-day event starts on Wednesday 24 May 2023 and will include a Wellbeing Fair with representatives from Essex Sport, Workplace Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Colchester Financial Support Team, Library Services, and the Faith Centre. Food and drink will be provided and, after the Fair, we will host a Menopause Café – a space in which staff can meet up with others going through menopause and discuss their experiences. 

The second day, on Thursday 25 May, will include webinars on managing chronic pain or fatigue and menopause awareness, as well as fitness classes hosted by Essex Sport, and a workshop providing practical techniques based upon CBT principals. The sessions will be delivered by guest speakers: Alan Dovey, Dr Caroline Marfleet, and Simone Wakelin.

We all face challenges arising from our professional and personal lives, and while this event is aimed at female staff, we do encourage those interested in the subject matter to join us too. Albert Sloman said: ‘a great University has a lot to give to its community’. With the Essex Spirit in our minds and hearts, please join us to show solidarity for women’s health. 

You can see the full programme, organised by Occupational Health in conjunction with the Essex Women’s Network, on Moodle. Please share the details with your friends and colleagues.

The Essex Women’s Network was established in 2015. It provides an inclusive forum for women to share ideas and provide mutual support, helping to raise issues and address career challenges that women face. The Network gives you access to a range of role models, networking opportunities, informal mentoring, and a variety of initiatives to improve retention and promotion for women. It is open to all staff who work at our University, and also to PhD students. 

To keep up to date with the work of the Essex Women’s Network, please sign up to our mailing list.