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'Wall of Women' celebrated at university

Dawn Limbu
BBC News, West of England
University of Bath A woman wearing a burgundy sweatshirt and blue jeans, with her black hair up in a claw clip. Beside her are two men, one wearing a grey sweatshirt with a black cross body bag and the other wearing a dark-grey shirt. They are reading the wall of nominations which are pinned to a blue display board.University of Bath
The project aims to recognise and honour the "hidden" women at the university

Professors, cleaners, students and administrative staff are among those being highlighted on a "Wall of Women" at the University of Bath.

Staff and students at the university are being encouraged to dedicate a plaque to a woman at the university who has inspired or supported them.

The plaques are being displayed at the library on the Claverton Down campus this week as part of celebrations for International Women's Day on Saturday.

It is the idea of Prof Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the university, who described them as "little acts of kindness".

University of Bath Prof Turi King stands in front of the wall of plaques dedicated to the women at the university. She has short reddish-brown hair, a black top, a red skirt and is smiling at the camera.University of Bath
Prof Turi King came up with the idea for the 'Wall of Women'

"It's an event I ran at my previous university and I know from experience that it is such a great feel-good celebration of women at the university," said Prof King.

"It's one of these really heart-warming things because people see the plaques that are dedicated to them and some people are in tears."

Pens and plaques are available in the library for staff and students to write down who they appreciate and why.

University of Bath A woman with short red hair, wearing a black denim jacket, black beanie hat and jeans. She is leaning over a white table and writing on a small paper plaque with a red sharpie. In front of her are large blue display boards full of nomination plaques. University of Bath
Students are encouraged to dedicate a plaque to a woman who has inspired them

The nominated women will receive an e-mail to say they have been recognised on the wall. The women can collect their plaques at the end of the week.

"Every woman who has a plaque dedicated to them will be emailed to let them know, and the week after the event staff will be able to come and collect their plaque," continued Prof King.

Dr Marianne Harkins, director of the faculty technical services, said: "It was lovely to find out that someone had written a plaque for me, but also to have the chance to read the amazing plaques for other women here at the university."

University of Bath A close up of the wall of nominations displayed on a blue notice board. One says 'keep being a woman in STEM', another says 'a voice for positive change', and another says 'thank you for the amazing ideas'. They are all written in colourful pen, with hearts and kisses drawn on them. University of Bath
The wall includes declarations of admiration, love, gratitude, and praise

"I love seeing them above people's desks in the months that follow, reminding them just how great they are," said Prof King.

"Not only is it for students to recognise staff and students but I'm also keen to highlight the 'hidden' women at the university.

"People tend to know the lecturers but there are so many women behind the scenes who are just so incredible. It's these little acts of kindness that make sure they don't go unnoticed."

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