In order to celebrate International Women's Day 2021, we have picked two inspirational role models at our University and invited them to speak to us about their experiences of being a woman in science. We learn about their varied and exciting careers, and then we discuss all of our personal experiences of being a woman in science - from how we were inspired into the field, what we feel are the biggest barriers and how to overcome them, as well as some really great advice from both Dr Louise Beard and Dr Michelle Taylor on all stages of the academic journey. We are very lucky at the University of Essex to be working within a hugely inclusive and supportive environment, but it is important to recognise not all women are this lucky. We discuss the Athena Swan charter, an initiative in academia and the workplace to increase equality for all people, in all roles, and how some of the specific action plans within the charter have directly impacted the University of Essex in order to make it a more inclusive workplace.

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