Thursday 8 March 2018 marked the 107th International Women’s Day. This year, we celebrated women’s achievements in architecture by hosting a series of film screenings, talks and networking events across the UK.
RIBA Berkshire Women Architects kicked off the first in our inspirational events series with a screening of the short film ‘She Draws: She Builds’. RIBA South West's evening of talks included an exclusive screening of the film 'Citizen Jane, Battle for the City' at the Watershed cinema in Bristol. Events were also held in London, the North East, East Midlands, Brighton, Canterbury and Leeds.
The Brighton screening of ‘She Draws: She Builds’ was held at the studio of local practice RHP. Commenting on the event, Colette O’Hagan, Marketing and PR Coordinator at RHP said; 'We are delighted that we could host this celebration of extraordinary women in architecture. Everyone seemed to have an enjoyable evening, with some interesting discussions provoked by the documentary'.
Speaking about the Bristol event, RIBA Regional Director Jon Watkins says, 'The event was a great success. Attendance was split 50/50 between members and non-members, and I hope our diverse series Inspirational Events will encourage more people to find out what support the Royal Institute of British Architects can offer.'
RIBA regions around the country organised a line-up of influential and inspirational speakers to share their insights and experiences.
At the Bristol event, Una Breathnach-Hifearnain of Purcell talked us through what had inspired her to train in the profession, and discussed local project Aerospace Bristol, sharing iconic images of Concord on its last flight over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. At our London event, Alexandra Hagen, CEO at White Arkitekter, and Helen Taylor, Director of Practice at Scott Brownrigg, gave delegates an insight into how they’re aiming to improve gender diversity at senior levels.
Sumita Singha, activist, architect and author attended our event in London and shared her thoughts on Twitter;
'It was really inspiring to meet these groups working to end discrimination. I think we must make this an annual event'.
Our International Women's Day events were a positive celebration and reinforced the idea that more needs to be done to address gender inequality in the profession. Together we will continue to #PressforProgress.
