Health Sciences University Celebrates International Women’s Day With Inspiring Evening of Speakers, Conversation and Community
On Thursday 5th March 2026, Health Sciences University was delighted to host a vibrant evening celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 for the Dorset Police Women’s Inspire Network (WIN) and the Women’s Network at University Hospitals Dorset.
We welcomed colleagues and partners from across Dorset bringing together leaders, students, and staff for an inspiring programme of talks, panels, and networking.
This year’s global theme, #GiveToGain, shaped the evening’s discussion, highlighting the transformative impact of generosity, collaboration, and reciprocity. The message was clear: when women are supported to thrive, communities and organisations rise with them. Whether through mentorship, sharing knowledge, improving visibility, or advocating for equity, each act of giving creates opportunities that multiply far beyond the individual.
The event reinforced the shared commitment across Dorset’s health and public service organisations to champion equality, inclusion, and leadership development.
Karen Bader, Chair of the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN), and Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell opened the evening, welcoming attendees and reflecting on the progress made — and the work still to do — to achieve gender equity locally and nationally.
The audience then heard from two keynote speakers:
Inspector Sophie Williams, Dorset Police “Meaning Making in Adulthood: Understanding how we grow”
Sophie explored the psychological and developmental transitions that shape how adults move from relying on external expectations to developing internal, self-authored leadership identities. Her talk shone a light on how understanding these shifts can support more confident, resilient, and reflective women leaders.
Professor Patricia Miller OBE, Visiting Professor HSU “Staying the course when no one looks like you”
Drawing on her own career journey, Patricia spoke candidly about progressing into senior leadership within a national system where diversity and representation remain limited. She highlighted why meaningful, systemic change is essential — both for delivering equitable healthcare and for driving economic growth.
A lively Q&A session followed, giving attendees the opportunity to delve deeper into the speakers’ experiences and reflections.
Participants then took part in a panel with perspective from across Dorset, asking questions to a line up that featuring leaders from policing, healthcare, and higher education, including
- Rachel Farrell, Deputy Chief Constable
- Heather Dixey, Chief Superintendent
- Cecilia Bufton, Honorary Fellow, HSU
- Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer, UHD and Visiting Professor, HSU
After refreshments, and plenty of cake, attendees joined a breakout session focused on “Women’s Empowerment in Dorset – What’s Next?”. Conversations centred on how organisations can work together to remove barriers, create clearer leadership pathways, and support women and girls across the region.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between Dorset’s public services, NHS partners, and Health Sciences University to advance equity and opportunity for all women.
Thank you to all involved in organising the evening event and making it such a success.
