Celebrating Women, Championing Change: ISG Marks International Women’s Day 2026

For International Women’s Day 2026, ISG is bringing together a mix of events and resources that spotlight women’s achievements, uncover overlooked histories and encourage meaningful action. From naming the Molly Fergusson Room to our hands-on Wikipedia Edit-a-thon and a suite of digital materials exploring women’s contributions, we invite our community to learn, participate and reflect.

Honouring a Pioneer: Naming the Molly Fergusson Room

ISG will officially name the Molly Fergusson Room in KB House as part of the University’s ongoing programme to recognise inspirational women. Mary “Molly” Isolen Fergusson was one of Scotland’s most remarkable civil engineers and an alumna of the University of Edinburgh. As the first woman to graduate with honours in civil engineering from the University, Molly’s career set new standards for what women could achieve in the profession.

Amplifying Women’s Voices: The IWD Wikipedia Edit-a-thon

Representation shapes understanding - and Wikipedia remains one of the world’s most-visited information sources. Yet women remain under-represented on its pages.

At our International Women’s Day Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, we’ll work together to change that.

Date: Monday 9 March 2026

Time: 1:45pm to 4:30pm

Location: Molly Fergusson Room, KB House, King’s Buildings

No previous editing experience is needed. Just bring curiosity, and we’ll take care of the rest.

RSVP - Confirm my attendance.

Exploring Women’s Histories Through Digital Resources

Alongside our events, we’re sharing digital resources that deepen understanding of women’s experiences - celebratory, hidden, and historically marginalised.

• Witches, Survey of Scottish Witchcraft

  An interactive map displaying the known residences and detention, trial, and death locations of over 3000 accused witches in Scotland. This powerful digital memorial to those - mostly women - accused of witchcraft in Scotland reminds us that gendered injustice has a long history, and why IWD continues to champion rights, justice and collective action.

• Women in STEM Trail (Curious Edinburgh)

This walking trail uncovers the stories of the women who shaped Edinburgh’s scientific and technological heritage - many of whom never received recognition in their time

• International Women’s Day OERs

In keeping with this year's theme 'Rights. Justice. Action.', the OER Service has collated this collection of open educational resources created by colleagues around the university that address law, rights, equity and justice.