This exhibition marks 40 years since the admission of women at Gonville & Caius College. It tells the stories of a selection of Caius Women, from the 1979 pioneers to the women of the current millennium, from a range of subjects and backgrounds.

We asked these women ‘what does Caius mean to you’ and we received a wide variety of answers. There were, however, similarities, as you will see. Life-long friends, a starting point for their career, and some of the best years of their life to cherish forever, just to name a few.

If these ancient walls could answer the same question, we could imagine the response to be ‘the Caians who have lived, worked and studied here throughout its long history’. The College is a community, and the diversity and equality of its members is key to creating the very best environment for teaching, learning and research.

40 years ago, the College took a giant step in fostering diversity, and over the next 40 years and beyond, we will be working to widen participation even further, inviting the very best, regardless of gender, race and sexuality, to join our community and harness the opportunities it provides.

The framed portraits that make up this exhibition are displayed in the Acropolis walkway - a busy area used by students, Fellows and conference guests.