Zero Tolerance, Taxis and Women in Leadership

Monday 11th to Sunday 17th March 2013

I've spent most of this week either recovering from campaigning last week, or focusing on my Project which is due this Thursday. Campaigning can really wipe the energy out of you! It's exhausting both physically and mentally to continuously approach people and convince them of your cause. I'm lucky to have had such a motivated and cheerful campaign team on my side last week. Anybody who took part in the elections, I hope you've taken the time to rest, and properly!

A campaign photo from last week

Egham Wheelchair Access
It's come to my attention that there are no wheelchair accessible taxis in the Egham area. I've called all of the companies, and confirmed that this is the case. More than the average individual, students who use wheelchairs may have compromising levels of energy - making a safe and quick route home essential. I was going to write a motion on this for the next GM (this Tuesday at 6pm in the SU main hall, for those of you who are curious!) however, I am currently wondering whether it would be better to campaign on making Sshh buses wheelchair accessible (which is difficult, but probably not impossible). If you'd like to tell me your thoughts, please email me! Regardless, it is something that we will be working on!

Zero Tolerance policy to sexual harassment in action

Friday night I went out to the SU (as you do) and somebody who I both work with and is a friend of mine told me that they reported sexual harassment to the security staff. It was dealt with quickly and efficiently, which is great because it means that the Zero Tolerance policy to sexual harassment is working! There are a few small things to iron out, but it works and made this student feel safer. It's great to be working on things that are actually making a difference. It's even better when it works!

Duties and the "Women in Leadership" discussion 

As per usual, I have also been going to Executive Committee meetings as part of my role. 

This Friday, there was a discussion held by the Feminism Society and the Inclusion & Representation Senate on Women in Leadership. Both Susuana Antubam (ULU Women's Officer and NUS Women's Committee member) and Joanna Killian (Chief Executive of Essex County Council) spoke about the utility of quotas, their experiences and consistently proving themselves. It was a very engaging talk, one that reminded me of the NUS Women's Conference that I went to last year - powerful women spreading their enthusiasm. We talked about the importance of mentoring and of knowing the jobs that are out there, that can apply to you. It was great, a small turn out but a discussion that made a difference.

Radio and Dinner

On my radio show this week, Martha Gillespie was my guest! Listen online at www.insanityradio.com next week at 11am, when my guest is Simon Davidian!

And on Friday I was lucky enough to go to the History Society's Formal Dinner, which was a hoot (despite the fire alarm between starter and main!). I went as somebody got ill and dropped out, but I can tell you that I appreciated the meal and wine more than you'll ever know!

Absurdly cheesy photo here, in case you've forgotten
what I look like!

This Week!

The I&R Senate are having their last meeting of the term in Rialto this Tuesday at 5pm, just before the GM. Come along, let your curiosity guide you! https://www.facebook.com/events/514409521939056/?fref=ts

What can I leave you with? Look after yourselves, and have fun. Exam period is coming up next, and there is nothing more testing than months of revision and exams! Come and talk to me anytime, I'll be around campus all Easter to get going on the work that needs to be done. Have a great week!