By Annalise Johns 

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 1977¹. It serves as a rallying point for promoting women’s rights and encouraging greater participation in political and economic spheres. This year, in honour of Women’s Day, we are highlighting the remarkable female thought leaders at the University of Westminster who are driving progress not only for women but for the world at large. By working closely with our female student body, these trailblazing women are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for generations to come. 

#BuiltByWomen 

The built environment sector remains predominantly male-dominated, impacting everything from the design of our homes and urban spaces to the infrastructure that surrounds us. A striking example of this gender gap is the longer queue in women’s bathrooms in public spaces compared to men’s. The construction industry, responsible for building and maintaining everything from roads and bridges to real estate, has a critical role in shaping our urban environments. With 29 million homes in the UK needing retrofitting to adapt to climate change, the importance of this sector is clear. 

Yet women represent just 15% of the workforce in the UK construction industry, and this figure is steadily declining². Professor Linda Clarke, Emeritus Director of the Centre for the Study of the Production of the Built Environment (ProBE) at the University of Westminster, is at the forefront of efforts to address this imbalance. Her research combines advanced construction techniques, like mass timber construction, with a commitment to promoting gender equality and increasing women’s representation in the industry³.

Through ProBE’s groundbreaking work, Professor Clarke and her team are providing vital data to help transform not just the workforce but also government policies. These initiatives will create a more inclusive environment for all workers in the construction sector, men and women alike. 

Bridging the Gap in Human Relationships 

On January 10th, 2025, the Financial Times published an article titled “The Relationship Recession Is Going Global,”⁴ highlighting a global decline in relationship formation⁵. This trend could have serious implications for birth rates and mental health, with loneliness becoming a growing concern. Chantal Gautier, a Lecturer in Psychology and Sexologist at the University of Westminster, is working to understand the evolving dynamics of human relationships in the digital age. Her research focuses on fostering successful long-term relationships and addressing the challenges that come with growing economic independence among women. 

Women in STEM: Leading the Way in Health and Science 

 (#1millionwomeninstem) 

2025 has already seen significant breakthroughs in science, particularly in advancing women’s health. Female academics at the University of Westminster are playing a pivotal role in these advancements. Dr Pinar Uysal-Onganer, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, is conducting cutting-edge research into cell signalling mechanisms involved in cancer, focusing on WNT pathways. Her work is part of a broader effort in the UK, where since 2020, the number of women working in core STEM fields has reached 1 million⁶. Initiatives like the global network 1 Million Women in STEM (IMWIS) are growing, but there’s still a need for greater visibility and collaboration between industry and academia to continue driving women into STEM fields. 

Dr Pooja Basnett, Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, is also contributing to groundbreaking research in life sciences. Her focus on developing biodegradable plastics from bacteria has led to collaborations with universities and industries across the UK and Europe. Dr. Basnett’s work in using natural materials for medical applications has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about medical implants and sustainability. 

A Future Shaped by Women 

These women, alongside many others at the University of Westminster, are trailblazing new paths in fields such as the built environment, biology, and psychology—areas traditionally dominated by men. They are developing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, making a lasting impact on society. 

As we approach International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate these women who are not only advancing research but are also shaping the future in ways that will benefit us all. 

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1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day/background#:~:text=International%20Women%27s%20Day%20is%20celebrated,%2C%20cultural%2C%20economic%20or%20political. ↩︎
2. https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/inspire-me/percentage-of-women-in-construction-hits-new-post-covid-low-20-05-2024/#:~:text=Both%20the%20absolutive%20and%20relative,per%20cent%20of%20the%20workforce. ↩︎
3. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/centre-for-the-study-of-the-production-of-the-built-environment-probe/our-work/women-in-construction-wood-and-forestry-a-resource-toolkit-for-gender-equality-at-work ↩︎
4. https://www.ft.com/content/43e2b4f6-5ab7-4c47-b9fd-d611c36dad74 ↩︎
5. https://www.ggd.world/p/the-global-collapse-of-coupling-and?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1385611&post_id=154620518&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1z9r8&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email ↩︎
6. https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2020/jun/23/we-need-to-show-girls-that-engineering-is-exciting-how-role-models-can-light-a-spark ↩︎