In Conversation with Laura Bates
Date 24 November 2026
Time 19:00 - 20:30
Location Van Emden Theatre, Edith Morley, Whiteknights Campus
Event Information
In Conversation with Laura Bates: Tackling AI Image-Based Violence
AI-generated image-based violence that is primarily directed against women and girls is an increasingly worrying phenomenon with lasting impact for its victims. Women@Reading+Allies Staff Network, with the support of the University of Reading Events Team, invite you to a conversation with Laura Bates, who will discuss her ground-breaking work on sexism in the digital age and particularly address this emerging threat of AI image-based violence. Laura will also reflect on the evolution of the Everyday Sexism Project and what real change looks like in tackling misogyny at scale.
There will be a keynote address by Laura Bates, followed by a Q&A chaired by Prof Elizabeth McCrum, PVC (Education & Student Experience). The event will be introduced by the Co-Chairs of Women@Reading+Allies Staff Network Dr Amelia Hollywood (Associate Prof. in Health Services Research, School of Pharmacy) and Dr Tonia Kazakopoulou (Lecturer in Film & Television, SACD).
Laura Bates is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. Her books include Everyday Sexism, Men Who Hate Women and The New Age of Sexism. Laura writes regularly for the New York Times, Guardian and others.
She works closely with government, schools, businesses, police forces and bodies from the United Nations to the Council of Europe on sexism and inequality. Her campaigning has helped to put consent on the national curriculum, change Facebook’s policies on rape and domestic violence content and transform the British Transport Police’s approach to sexual violence on the transport network.
In recognition of Laura’s work surrounding sexism and gender inequality, she has been awarded a British Empire Medal and has been named Woman of the Year by Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine and The Sunday Times Magazine. She is also an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
The event is free, but you need to sign up via the link provided as spaces are limited.