University of Cumbria, School of Justice is hosting a Woman Up Justice conference.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8 2023, Woman Up has collaborated with the School of Justice, at University of Cumbria, to host the first ever Woman Up Justice conference.

The conference will be taking place on Saturday March 4 2023, on the university’s Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle.

Carolyne James, Senior Lecturer Criminology from the School of Justice at the University of Cumbria said: “As a forerunner to International Woman’s Day 2023 we are privileged to host this conference bringing together an exceptional and unique set of women’s voices, expertise and lived experiences on wide range of criminal justice, issues, concerns, and challenges.”

Bringing together women from all perspectives on the justice system who play a vital role in advocating for a more just, fair, and safer criminal justice system.

There will be speakers, Q&A sessions, free self-defence classes and stalls.

Kirsty Hopley from Woman Up said: “This event is brimming with insider knowledge of the justice system and like never before, this justice conference will bring those perspectives together.

“From the prosecuted to the prosecutor and beyond we will explore what justice means to women today.”

The theme for the conference is ‘What does justice for women mean to you?’ and the keynote speaker for the event is Dame Vera Baird KC.

A high-profile British barrister and politician, Dame Baird has held roles as a Labour party MP and Government Minister, Solicitor General for England and Wales, Police and Crime Commission and Victims ‘Commissioner for England and Wales.

Dame Baird is also the author of books on rape, female murderers, and women’s experiences in court.

She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to women and equality.

Other notable speakers include:

• Dr Sue Hills – Alice Ruggles Trust
• Dr Alison Armour – Home Office Forensic Pathologist – Lancashire
• Kally Cheema – Senior Coroner, Cumbria
• Amy Dixon – Senior Prosecutor, Newcastle,
• Vicki Coombes – Detective Chief Inspector Cumbria Constabulary
• Rachel Bale – Founder of HerBar, Barrister & women’s rights campaigner.
• Mina Banisaeid – Iranian campaigner for women’s rights
• Tyler Clark – Fitness entrepreneur with lived experience of giving birth in prison
• Kelsey Marron – Young Barrister

The event will take place in the Learning Gateway and you can purchase tickets here.

Tickets are £12 with a small number of concessionary tickets available for those on low income, people with disabilities and students.

If you require a concessionary ticket please contact womanupcumbria@outlook.com

There will be an optional buffet at lunchtime and a chance to discuss the issues raised.

There is also the opportunity to take free self-defence classes on the day.

Participants are invited to join the team at an afterparty at Timmy’s Bar and Kitchen.

Please note, the event is most suitable for those aged 16 and over.