Institute of Development Studies, Library Road, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RE
The Impact Initiative is excited to announce its participation in the ESRC Festival of Social Science.
We will be hosting a short series of events which draw on a range of material and speakers from a portfolio of DFID/ESRC funded research.
17:00 Round Table Discussion: How can we improve life choices for women?
Women and girls are often expected to fulfil roles that limit their ability to make strategic and empowering life choices. Off the back of the #MeToo, #TimesUp and #PeriodPoverty movements, it is all too clear that there are a myriad of reasons that can hold women back - whether because of traditional and cultural expectations, economic status or lack of access to healthcare and education.
This event will bring together diverse research, evidence and experience in an exciting panel discussion aiming to show that there are many opportunities to improve women’s life choices globally.
Read more about the types of issues that this event will look at.
18:30 Debate: Demystifying menstruation: From UK – Uganda
In many societies, a woman's period is a topic shrouded in euphemism and secrecy, owing to communal beliefs that can leave girls and women feeling embarrassed, isolated, and insecure. When this is combined with lack of access to sanitary products, or to safe, private places to use them, the results can be socially and emotionally devastating. In this discussion research from Uganda will be shared with young women in the UK in attempt to talk about the reality of the issues that they face.
The event will draw on research from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London demonstrating that in rural Uganda, providing free sanitary products and lessons about puberty to girls may increase their attendance at school. Read more about these findings here: Keeping African girls in school with better sanitary care
Invited speakers also include representatives from the DFID funded IRISE International programme
The event is free, and open to the public. It will start at 17:00 and participants are welcome to come to one part, or all of it. Please register on Eventbrite for your free ticket.