Over the past four decades the number of women accessing higher education has grown significantly, but women are still not on an equal footing in many areas of society.

The University of Essex has a proud tradition of educating amazing women and knows that access to education and the ability to succeed is not dependent on gender or restrained by traditional attitudes about the status and role of women.

That’s why, a little over one year ago, the University’s Chancellor Shami Chakrabarti launched Essex’s first ever Chancellor’s Appeal.

The Women of the Future Scholarships aim to support 25 talented women from across the world, women who will push boundaries and challenge convention.

Thanks to the generosity of nearly 200 donors from across our community, the appeal has not only been able to meet its target, but exceed it. In just one year, it has been able to raise more than £500,000 – a staggering total unveiled by the Chancellor at the University’s Annual Meeting of Court.

Director of Advancement Jo Rogers said: “This is a fantastic achievement and the support from our donors is greatly appreciated and will make a huge impact.

“The skills and knowledge these women will gain here will equip and empower them to become leaders and drivers of change in their communities.

“We know the value of these scholarships will reach far beyond this group of women, into the communities they will help lead and support – benefitting the lives of many more people across the world.”

The University of Essex is now looking to build on the success of the appeal. Jo said: “We want to help even more women to reach their full potential and that’s why we are going to continue fundraising so that we can help and support even more women to change tomorrow. The University will continue to match every donation to the appeal pound for pound.”

For more information visit: www.essex.ac.uk/see/change