American Author, Harriet Beecher Stowe said, “Women are the real architects of society.”

As we continue to grow as a global university rooted in the Caribbean, our ambitions have grown in equal measure. As Principal of the Mona Campus, it has always been my goal to create opportunities for women to fulfil their potential and be leaders. This has translated into the Mona Campus having more female Professors and Deans. Since 2018, of the 27 Professors appointed, 14 were women and four of the Deans appointed were women.

This year, the theme for the UN International Women’s Day is ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,’ and as we manoeuvre the Digital Revolution, The UWI is at the forefront ensuring the women of the region are supported and valued in the technology and innovation space. For example, the Heads of Departments for Mathematics, Chemistry, Computing, Pathology, and Nursing are all women. So are the heads of the Biotechnology Centre and the Centre for Marine Sciences and the Director of the Natural Products Institute and the Mona Campus Health Centre. Just last year we established the Walking Her Footsteps Programme aimed at connecting more young girls at the secondary and tertiary levels across the region with female STEM professionals. This is with a view of mentoring and motivating them to pursue careers in STEM. We see a bright future filled with opportunities in STEM careers for our women!

Even in the face of these progressive moves within the UWI, too many women, who still constitute 70% of our population, still suffer discrimination and too often violence at the hands of members of their community and by extension, society. Women who have experienced gender-based violence, such as domestic abuse or sexual assault, deserve our unreserved support and solidarity - here at The UWI, they have it.

It is a scientific fact that pressure makes diamonds; these diamonds walk among us at the UWI, whether they are heading to lectures or to work. But while these experiences and pressures may have built strength, confidence, and courage, our women still face significant challenges such as underrepresentation in leadership positions and gender-based discrimination. Here at The UWI, our long-established Gender Policy works to ensure that gender equality is baked into every decision we make at all levels in relation to our students and staff.

On this International Women's Day, let's celebrate the progress women have made while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Let's continue to amplify the work and voices of women. Together, we can use technological innovations to create a world where gender equality is the norm, and every woman is equipped by her society to reach her full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Professor Dale Webber

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal

The UWI, Mona Campus