‘My female role model’ - Women’s History Month video

The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor has named a significant woman in the University’s history as her ‘role model’ in a video recorded for Women’s History Month.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob spoke of her admiration for Professor Edith Morley, who was appointed by Reading as the first female professor at an English university in 1908 and after whom the prominent Whiteknights campus building is named.

In a blog also published to mark Women’s History Month, Professor Elizabeth McCrum, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience), has expressed her commitment to progressing equality at Reading through her role as UEB Champion for Sex Equality.

Edith Morley story

Ahead of the annual Edith Morley Lecture this Thursday (23 March), Professor Yaqoob explained how Professor Morley’s story resonates with her because of the parallels between their life experiences.

Professor Morley was appointed Professor of English Language at the University’s precursor institution more than a century ago despite being discouraged from pursuing an education and career during her upbringing in Victorian London.

Reading an extract from Professor Morley’s autobiography, Professor Yaqoob explains: “I grew up in London 100 years later and, similarly, my parents actively discouraged education for girls, and there were cultural restrictions on what I could and couldn’t do…There might be 100 years between us, but Edith Morley is definitely a role model for me.”

Championing sex equality

Professor McCrum was recently appointed Champion for Sex Equality on the University Executive Board. In this role she works to progress fair treatment in the University’s policy and practice.

In her blog, Professor McCrum outlined how she is having frank conversations about challenges facing women and how proud she is of the work of the Women@Reading staff network, which has been raising awareness of women’s health including events increasing understanding of the menopause.

Survey: what do you want from your network?

The Women@Reading staff network is currently surveying its members, anonymously, to find out what they think of the network and what changes they would like to see.

Instructions to fill out the survey can be found on the Women’s Network Teams site. Responses are welcome until Friday 24th April 2023.

It’s easy to join the network: simply sign up through Microsoft Teams.

The Women’s staff network is for women, and allies who are committed to championing gender equality at the University.