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Pause, think, honour and celebrate: Oxford Saïd advice for International Women's Day

Published

We have asked women from the School - including staff, faculty, a student representative and leadership - what impact women have on Oxford Saïd.

They all agreed about the importance of the day and the need to take stock. They recognised the value of diversity at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Women make up more than two thirds of staff at Oxford Saïd and currently account for 48% of our MBA students. Women’s representation, influence and impact is also researched by leading members of our faculty, revealing issues and barriers involving gender and diversity in the workplace. Our research recently showed the value of diversity in advertising, and issues around women, in high-flying careers, being unable to take up maternity benefits offered.

Our focus group gives a snapshot of views across the School - and also shares the hopes and wishes for the future. 

 

Women at Oxford Saïd

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International Women's Day 2025

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International Women's Day (IWD) is a day where you can pause… and think about the value of what women actually do, both in the family, within the workplace…just focusing on the incredible role of women in society.

Professor Sue Dopson

Oxford Saïd Deputy Dean for People and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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Sue Dopson summed up the comments of many, when she said: ‘Think about the value of what women actually do, both in the family, within the workplace…just focusing on the incredible role of women in society, not just in one's family or in work, but in society more generally.’

And Dean Soumitra Dutta added his voice to the calls for celebration and reflection but looked to the future as well. He maintained: ‘International Women's Day is about celebration, inspiration, and building community. We have to use this day to celebrate the achievements of many women leaders in the community. We have to inspire young women leaders to do the best that they can for the future.’

Meanwhile, MBA student Madeleine Heeger also saw IWD as a time to reflect. She said it is ‘a reminder of both the progress we have made and the challenges that still lie ahead…a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of women who have shaped history and science, but also to reflect on the barriers that continue to exist in professional and private life’.

Madeleine continued: ‘It is not just about honouring women once a year but creating an ongoing dialogue about equality and equity in all facets of life, including the invisible labour women do. It also encourages us to push for change – not just for women, but for all marginalised groups, as true progress is inclusive.’

Kaur Kooner, Executive Administrator within Oxford Saïd's online programmes, added simply: ‘It is a day to celebrate, uplift and demand more … because equality isn’t optional!’

And MBA Programme Director Amy Major summed up her feelings by saying: ‘I think it’s really important to celebrate women, and their successes, both for women and girls and to provide hope for the younger generation, but we need to do this day in, day out and live out these values. We have still so much work to do, but it is important to recognise how far we have also come. These are not women’s problems but societal hurdles we have to overcome, regardless of gender.’

International Women’s Day is about recognising strength, resilience, and the unstoppable force of women everywhere across the globe.

Kaur Kooner

Executive Assistant, Oxford Saïd online programmes

We asked our what difference Oxford Saïd’s diverse environment makes?

According to Sue  – it means a great deal in terms of students, faculty and staff. She explained: ‘One of the joys of working as an academic in the business school is the diversity of our students… And I know from my work on leadership and change that it makes such a difference to have diversity in the room.’

She added: ‘I am also blessed as a colleague to have wonderful faculty who are themselves diverse. We are constantly seeking to expand that diversity... I think that is just wonderful in terms of research and talking about how to make an impact.’

Madeleine said, Oxford Saïd’s diverse and supportive environment has been key to her experience as a student. She explained: ‘The diverse and inclusive environment has played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective. Being part of a community that embraces and hears individuals from various backgrounds has fostered a sense of belonging, and I feel empowered to speak up in class and learn from my classmates in return. In my opinion, diversity is not just a buzzword – it is essential.

‘I have had the privilege of learning from people with different experiences and viewpoints, which has broadened my horizon and will definitely influence my thinking as a consultant.’

Kaur added enthusiastically: ‘I am super proud and humbled to work daily alongside powerful, trailblazing women such as my boss Caroline Williams and my amazing female colleagues at Oxford Saïd online programmes.’

She added: ‘In this diverse, inclusive School, we do not just belong – we nurture, inspire, lead and break through barriers by driving unstoppable impacts in every footstep we take.’

Meanwhile, Soumitra insisted: ‘This makes our school better and enriches all the different activities we do.’

Amy focused on what diversity at Oxford Saïd meant to her as a parent, saying: ‘For me working in an environment that truly allows me to bring my full self to work, is important. That’s become even more important as a working parent, note working parent not working mother! It’s truly uplifting to work alongside an army of great professional female colleagues, both professional and faculty, and undoubtedly, I take most energy from all the wonderful women who undertake an MBA each year.

‘I’m inspired by those with a belief mindset to get on and climb to new heights and these women are all around me at Oxford Saïd.’

Women are a very important part of the Saïd community, whether students or members of professional services staff or faculty members. Their voices and contributions need to be heard.

Professor Soumitra Dutta

Peter Moores Dean of Oxford Saïd Business School.

But if they could have a single wish?

Kaur was very clear: ‘My deepest wish is for every woman in our universe, regardless of age or heritage, to have absolute and unapologetic control over her mind, body, and life - free from limitations, judgment, or fear.’

And Soumitra underlined the importance of women having choices:  ‘As a father to my daughter and as a grandfather to my young baby granddaughter, I wish for both of them to live in a world where they feel free and empowered to become what they want to be….My wish is that they are happy in what they choose, and they are free to make the choices that is best for them.’

Meanwhile, Sue explained, her research on women in leadership pointed to a lack of confidence being a regular issue: ‘What has been overwhelming to me is the lack of confidence that I see among women, who have actually done very well in their careers as leaders. I think that stems back very much to a view about leadership… you're the hero and come and sort things out.

‘My one wish is for women to feel more confident. There is not one way to lead… Be yourself with more skill.’

However, Madeleine wanted to see the end of International Women’s Day – or at least the need for it.  She insisted: ‘No bar is being lowered when a woman is hired and by empowering women in every field, we will not only create more equitable workplaces but also inspire the next generation to dream bigger and bolder.’

Whilst Amy said: ‘I have much hope for my own daughter and our female students to not get too focused on what they can or can’t achieve because they are a woman, I know these ladies are going to face some adversity, but I know they are very privileged to be here and will go on to great things.

‘There is so much happening in the world right now, the volatility of democracies and war where women and girls are disproportionately affected and that really doesn’t fill me with hope in terms of the advancement of women, and I think if developed society starts to be on the wrong side of history, I worry about the global effects that may have.'

My wish would be for a shift in the perception of women in traditionally male-dominated fields….We need to encourage more alliances and team up to work together and not against each other

Madeleine Heeger

MBA student

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Professor Ivona Hideg, one of the School’s foremost researchers into gender in the workplace, wrote: ‘In these current turbulent times, we are in dire need of women’s leadership. Women’s leadership, especially during turbulent times, tends to be marked by ethics of care and empathy, clear and honest communication, and cooperation and consensus-building.’

She added: ‘Research clearly demonstrates women’s effectiveness in leading during turbulent times and show they do not act on their emotion, unlike men who tend to be driven by their emotions.’

Ivona maintained: ‘Our research showed that, during crisis, male leaders who experienced anxiety, engaged in abusive behaviour, whereas women leaders’ actions were not affected by their emotions and, regardless of their emotions, acted in supportive ways.’

In conclusion, she added: ‘My wish is for all of us to embrace and support women’s leadership for better future, stability, prosperity, and peace in this world.’

Women at Oxford Saïd

Photographs illustrating this article come from International Women's Day celebrations at the School this week.

But If I had to sum up with one thing, I have to wish that all girls and women get access to education, it’s really the biggest lift and equaliser you can gift people in life, so access to education would have to be it

Amy Major

Director MBA programme