International Women’s Day 2024 – Invest in Women
This year, International Women’s Day encouraged the theme ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress’, highlighting the impact women make in the world and taking a step towards achieving gender equality. We hear from some of the inspiring women who make up the School of Medicine, whether as a student or staff member, and fly the flag for women in healthcare.
“A career in Medicine has been a lifelong aspiration of mine. As a postgraduate and international student, moving to the UK for medical school has been both a unique and enriching experience. While the initial move was challenging, I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with peers, learning from faculty members and engaging with patients from various cultural backgrounds.
I feel greatly supported to continue learning and gain a global perspective on healthcare throughout my studies with the School of Medicine at the University of Liverpool.
- Andrea Don, Year One Student Doctor
Student Doctor Lily Jones celebrates her School of Medicine Prize
"I feel very fortunate to be the first in my family to pursue a university education. Among my medical school experience milestones, receiving the Reginald and Dora Goodrick Prize for Knowledge Assessment in Year 4 is a stand-out achievement.
During my intercalated MPhil in Child Health, where several remarkable female role models mentored me, I discovered my passion for research. Their guidance and expertise have profoundly influenced my academic pursuits. With an ambition to become a paediatric clinical academic, I eagerly anticipate embarking on this fulfilling journey as part of the Specialised Foundation Program this summer.
Through clinical work and research, I hope to make a difference in my future patients' lives while inspiring the next generation of women in academic medicine.
- Lily Jones, Year Five Student Doctor.
Staff member Emma Crotty and her beautiful daughter Charlotte.
“I work for the School of Medicine as a TEL Support assistant with my role to support the creation of learning materials on Canvas for example. My favourite part of the role is knowing my work contributes to the development of our future doctors. I am proud to work in the school of medicine.
I have recently returned from maternity leave after having my baby daughter Charlotte. It was a big change for me swapping from baby cuddles back to work, but I have a drive to succeed for Charlotte and to show her that anything she wants is possible!
- Emma Crotty, TEL Support Assistant.
Student Doctor Debbie Ijelu
Investing in women is more than financial aspects - it is to intentionally open opportunities which promote women's progress, well-being empowerment and ultimately inclusive growth.
- Debbie Ijelu, Year One Student Doctor
Student Doctor Meera Shankar outside Cambridge University right after winning the Young Investigator Award
“As an aspiring surgeon, I find myself trying to navigate a field where women represent less than 15% of practicing surgeons.
To me, International Women's Day is a reminder of how important it is to invest in a woman's potential, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like surgery.
When I got accepted into medical school at age 16, I was highly malleable and the people I encountered within the School of Medicine truly shaped me and the trajectory of my journey. I have had the privilege of working with some inspiring women surgeons who have served as incredible role models. With their mentorship I have been able to cultivate the skills and confidence I needed to chase my dreams, including winning prizes for my research and academic pursuits. I am hoping that one day I will be able to pay forward the mentorship I received and inspire future generations to go after their passions, regardless of the barriers.
- Meera Shankar, Year Four Student Doctor
Student Doctor Georgie McKenzie
Part of investing in women is to support young girls to improve their confidence and self-belief.
This is something I lacked when I first started my A-levels, and it led to me dropping chemistry and deciding to no longer apply to medicine. I wish I had kept going and had the belief I could do it! Years later I'm studying medicine as a graduate, but we need to give women more support sometimes to get past the stigma against women in STEM which still exists in many schools and workplaces today."
- Georgie McKenzie, Year One Student Doctor
Student Doctor Princess Bello
“After completing a degree and taking time off from education, entering medical school as a mature student felt like an insurmountable challenge. The entire process opened my eyes to my persistence and capabilities. I’m so proud to call myself a student doctor now, especially as part of such an inclusive School of Medicine.
Inclusivity invests in women like me, who took a non-traditional route into medicine, and I strongly believe it's a sure way to accelerate progress. I’m excited for the boundaries I will continue to push, breaking into rooms where women never used to have a place.
- Princess Bello, Year One Student Doctor
Discover More
- Visit the official International Women's Day website (link) and follow #IWD2024 on social media to learn more.