International Women's Day 2026

 News 

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Friday, 6 March, 2026

As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, Bath Spa University is shining a spotlight on its community of inspiring women.  

Caroline Anstey is Studio Manager at The Studio in Bath, BSU’s city centre home for innovation, research, and enterprise, and has recently been recognised as one of Bath’s most inspiring women by TBE Bath and Somerset.

Selected alongside 21 women whose positive impacts have been felt across the region, Caroline’s work in growing The Studio’s community and strengthening its impact is a main contributor to her recognition.

The awards described selecting women who ‘are doing good things, driving change, leading by example and supporting those in need’ - actions Caroline has continuously showcased by opening studio spaces to community groups, supporting creatives to work together equitably, championing underrepresented voices, and fostering an environment where people feel safe, seen and supported.   

Although Caroline works largely behind the scenes, connecting people, enabling opportunities, and helping others flourish, it’s for this quiet, values-led commitment to community building that she has been recognised.   

Discussing what this award means to her, Caroline said:  

“It feels incredibly humbling. My work is usually about enabling others—often quietly—so being recognised in this way feels like a celebration of collective effort rather than individual achievement.   

“Bath is full of inspiring women across many sectors, so being included among them is a genuine honour. The award also reinforces that community-centred, values-led work matters deeply, even when it isn’t the most visible.”  

Beyond her role at the Studio, Caroline continues to advocate for women, creating spaces for them to share experiences and build confidence, supporting initiatives that help develop their careers through networking and peer encouragement, and actively connecting women to opportunities. 

Reflecting on the meaning of International Women's Day, Caroline said:

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the work that’s already happening — much of it quietly — to support, uplift and advocate for women.   

“I think women have an innate sense of nurture and care, and IWD gives us space to recognise that work, while also acknowledging the inequities that still exist and the need to actively address them. For me, it’s about both celebration and reflection: celebrating progress, while committing to doing better — especially when it comes to access, equity and opportunity.”  

Caroline will be profiled in TBE’s spring Bath and Somerset magazine and at a special TBE Inspiring Women event on Thursday 12 March at Bath’s Victoria Art Gallery. To mark five years of the feature, the publication will also be presenting commemorative pins to this year’s honourees and all past Inspiring Women.