International Women's Day 2023

Today is International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's rights and gender equality.

For over a century, countries around the world have marked March 8th as a day to draw attention to issues impacting women such as reproductive rights and equal pay.

But the day also provides the opportunity to celebrate some of the many remarkable women who have made a difference to society. 

At the Epilepsy Society, we wanted to highlight extraordinary women doing extraordinary things for people with epilepsy:

Dr Lisa Clayton: 

Senior Clinical Research Fellow, Lisa, has led numerous research projects, including establishing the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. (Above: Lisa being presented with a Women in Science Award by Joy Morrissey MP)

Dr Angeliki Vakrinou:

Angeliki is an expert in whole genome sequencing, pushing to make this important test available for everyone with epilepsy. (Above: Angeliki being presented with a Women in Science Award by Joy Morrissey MP)

Karin Kipper:

Karin runs our innovative TDM lab, checking levels of anti-seizure medications in blood to ensure individuals have the correct dosage. 

Andrea Hill:

Senior Radiographer, Andrea, manages our MRI scanning department - the only MRI in the UK dedicated solely to epilepsy - which provides a vital service in diagnosing epilepsy and giving pre-surgical assessments. (Above: Andrea operating the MRI scanner)

Claire Keer:

Champion campaigner and Zach's mum, Claire, has led our award-winning, law-changing Zach's Law campaign with determination and passion. (Above: Claire, Zach and their local MP, Kim Leadbeater)

Cassidy Megan:

Founder of Purple Day, the global awareness raising day for epilepsy, Cassidy Megan has inspired millions around the world. She launched Purple Day in 2008 aged just eight.  

Yasmin Golding: 

Safe Mum, Safe Baby campaigner Yasmin spoke at the Epilepsy Society's Labour party panel event and presented the Patient Safety Commissioner with our petition calling for safer treatments for pregnant women with epilepsy. (Above: Yasmin presenting our Safe Mum, Safe Baby petition to Dr Henrietta Hughes, Patient Safety Commissioner)

Sarah Pearson:

Sarah works in our Fundraising team raising money for people with epilepsy. She is also an elite runner who will be competing in her first 50km Ultra Marathon next weekend and will be representing England in the upcoming Chester 10km.

Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan:

A neurologist and award-winning author, Suzanne's book Brainstorm details some of the remarkable cases she has worked on throughout her career. (Above: Brainstorm by Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan)

Me & My Shadow:

To mark International Women's Day, we are delighted to be bringing back our hugely popular Me & My Shadow scheme, last run in 2019. 

In a nutshell:  this scheme gives women with epilepsy the opportunity to "shadow" for a day leading figures from media, politics, charities, sport, health and business. 

Through the scheme we hope to build confidence and ambition in women with epilepsy and encourage them to think big. All successful applicants will be linked with someone who matches their interests and will help further their own career goals. We will provide full support to all participants.

While today is launch day, there will be more details to follow in the coming weeks, including information on how to apply.

Watch this space as we reveal more about this exciting project!